|
|
|
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. |
|
|
This report was prepared by: James Castle. The comments and ideas expressed are solely those of the author and not necessarily condoned by Worldwide Travel & Cruise Assoc., Inc. September 2003. |