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Autumn in Northern Italy
is about as close as it gets to heaven on earth. Wonderful scenery,
classic medieval and Roman villages, timeless cities clustered around
their ancient and often walled centers are as visually satisfying as one
can imagine. Add in a nation of friendly souls who are just looking for
the opportunity to discuss their wonderful country, their classic wines
and incredible food and you begin to appreciate what a cruise on the River
Cloud II is really all about.
Certainly a cruise on such a delightful and prestigious ship is an
experience in itself, designed as it is to accommodate just eighty-eight,
like minded cruisers in a style that is so appropriate to its surroundings
– classic and timeless. One has the obligation to take a relaxed approach
to appreciate not only natures beauty, but the thought and care that has
gone into producing this five star river ship.
Fine woods and luxurious fabrics of exquisite colors create just the right
ambience to go with the exceptional wines, thoughtful menus, impeccable
service and total hospitality served up by a well trained, inconspicuous
crew who are only too pleased to attend to your every need and request.
Thirteen Panorama suites and 1 handicap accessible cabin are located on
the main deck. These suites are spacious and well laid out with large
picture windows looking out onto passing river scenes. Additional 30
staterooms are located on the lower deck. All the staterooms and suites on
the River Cloud II reflect the care and attention to detail seen
everywhere on the vessel; marble bathrooms and heavily gold plated
fixtures, comfortable mattresses and pillows and colorful bedspreads all
project a feeling of subtle luxury.
Public rooms do not disappoint, the meeting place on the ship is the
forward lounge. Spacious with full length picture windows, allowing the
outside world to enter in, yet shielding the traveler from the unwanted
wind and weather. Here is located the main bar which opens early and
closes as late as there are people wanting to be served. A Steinway grand
piano and a talented pianist, who appeared to know every tune that was
thrown at him, added to the evening’s entertainment. A small dance area is
located adjacent to the pianist for those who want to dance with their
partner.
Moving aft through the ship one next encounters the lobby /pursers office
which are the operational heart of the cruise. All the shore excursions
depart from here, the latest newspapers can be picked up here for anyone
wanting to just relax on the huge upper deck. The Cruise Directors office
is also here so one can immediately get any questions answered. The main
entrance into the ship is also located here as is the staircase for
accessing the lower deck.
In the aft end of the ship is the dinning room, a spacious light and airy
room which lends itself to long lunches and sumptuous dinners, sharing a
bottle of wine with new friends or just enjoying the scenery go buy as you
over-indulge on yet another delectable desert. Capable of seating the
entire compliment of guests in one sitting, the dining room is presided
over by an excellent and personable maitre’d who has just the right knack
for seating you with some interesting person whom you may not yet have
met, or if you wish just letting the party find its own level. Open
seating seemed to become the norm after a few meals by which time most
everyone had become acquainted.
At some time during the cruise, the ship puts on a BBQ on the upper deck.
The upper deck is huge and well equipped with quality furniture and
cushions. We played deck shuffleboard whilst the crew heated up the coals
for our dinner under the stars. Served alfresco, with the chefs constantly
cooking fresh steaks, seafood and ribs as well as a serving table groaning
under the weight of a huge cold buffet with enough fruit for an army. It
was a marvelous way to round out a perfect day of sight seeing in Verona.
Sadly, the cruise had to end, but ending as we did in Venice was no
hardship. We had ample time to really take in the city, visit the sites,
purchase our Murano glass and reflect sadly on our flights back to the
routine of home-life, the office, the animals and all the less spectacular
things that we all have to endure in order to enjoy a trip such as the
River Cloud II offers.
I have been asked a number of times if I would do the cruise again. This
being the real test of my experience on the River Cloud II… I have to say
that I reflected long and hard before answering. How often can you go to
heaven and still find it unique and enjoyable is the response I feel like
telling my friends and colleagues.
There are many other places and cruises I want to do whilst I still have
the health and desire to travel – but yes, I hope one day to return and
cruise up river to Cremona, taking in the sites and cities of Padua –
considered to be one of the loveliest cities in Italy. Ferrara perhaps the
most enchanting city on the River Po and designated a “World Heritage
Site”. Mantua – the hometown of the Roman Poet Virgil. Verona – so
beautiful and fittingly, the birthplace of the romantic love story of
Romeo and Juliet. Parma – the capital of good cuisine, dubbed the Golden
City. Sabbionetta created in the 16th century as the ideal royal
residence. Bussetto home of Guiseppe Verde and finally, Cremona – The city
of violins and seemingly forever a center of culture and music.
So would I go again? – Maybe the question should be… how soon will I go
again?
The River Cloud II is ideally suited for a corporate charter. Just
eighty-eight cabins in, basically, two categories make this a very
attractive vessel for a unique European Incentive or whatever corporate
event fits the bill. SEA CLOUD CRUISES is very interested in accommodating
your requests and will happily quote you an attractive charter rate for
the exclusive use of the ship. Alternatively, a small block of cabins
would suit a managerial high-end group as a “special” thank-you.
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