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Designed to meet the
demands of the some of the world’s most discriminating travelers - retired
Americans, the ms River Odyssey is one of the best ships on the European
river network. Owned and operated by Vantage Deluxe World Travel, which
specializes in this market, the Odyssey is the newest addition to their
fleet and incorporates a few minor enhancements on its sister vessel the
Explorer. Due to its suitability for meetings and incentives, Vantage has
decided to make the Odyssey available for charters immediately. During my
trip I cruised briefly on the Explorer and went aboard the Odyssey at its
base near Amsterdam.
Talking to the Captain at the helm (the company has an open bridge
policy), I learnt that the ship’s dimensions perfectly fit the parameters
of its cruising territory - the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. In
particular, its width and length are the absolute maximum accommodated by
the locks of the Main/Danube canal. Even its height is sometimes
challenged by the bridge at Deggendorf where, if the Danube is unusually
high, the Captain has been known to lower the wheelhouse and top deck
railings, and steer the ship from a vantage point somewhat similar to that
of a tank driver. Although the ship does sometimes go further, one of the
most popular cruises is between Amsterdam and Budapest, taking it up the
Rhine via such commercial centers as Dusseldorf and Cologne, through the
Rhine Gorge, then on to Frankfurt on the Main, and via the canal to the
Danube and lower Bavaria, and down to Vienna and then Budapest.
The frequent European river cruise guest will appreciate several finer
points which differentiate the Odyssey and Explorer from much of the
competition. Standard cabins are 150 sq ft/14 sq m - spacious for a river
vessel and larger than some cabins on sea going ships - and make excellent
use of the available space. The kitchen is below the restaurant rather
than to the side of it; this means that the kitchen and engines are
further away from the cabins, and the restaurant itself can occupy the
whole rear section of the main Navigator deck giving it open lines with
good views, similar to the forward main lounge. Also on this deck are the
“A” cabins which feature queen beds (convertible to 2 twins) and sliding
glass doors which create a balcony effect without any loss of cabin space.
There are also 8 “AA” junior suites of 225 sq ft/21 sq m which on the
Odyssey have been redesigned to include a full size bath-tub; this
addition, when combined with other upgraded amenities such as a larger TV
with DVD player, coffee and tea making facilities, mini-bar, and bathrobes
and slippers, leaves one wanting nothing, other than perhaps room service
which sensibly Vantage has decided would be an idea too far.
Overall the Odyssey has 84 cabins and a maximum capacity of 168
passengers. Cabins on Explorer and Odyssey decks have two comfortable twin
beds which fold into the wall to create a spacious daytime cabin. All
cabins have plenty of storage space; TV with free movie channels, CNN and
local programming; telephone for internal and satellite calls; turndown
and laundry service; air-conditioning/heating; hair-dryer, safe, umbrella,
ice-bucket (ice machines nearby); and bathroom with shower. On the
Explorer deck cabins have either an oversized picture window or two double
windows, and below on the Odyssey deck cabins have two standard-size
windows.
Vantage has a
positive and flexible approach to charters. Whether it’s the relatively
minor matter of the number of flip charts required, or the more serious
question of knocking a hole in a wall, Vantage takes the “can do” attitude
if at all possible. Thanks to a recent request from a charterer two pairs
of the “AA” junior suites now inter-connect, creating possibilities for
private entertaining and informal meetings. Also of appeal to anyone
thinking of chartering the Odyssey are the following: a high staff to
guest ratio; both the restaurant and the lounge (blackout being arranged
as we go to press!) take the ship’s full complement of passengers; the two
libraries offer theatre-style meeting capacities to maximum 12 and 18
respectively; the TV system has a dedicated daily program channel and two
channels able to play corporate DVDs; there is a purpose-built hospitality
desk area in the central reception lobby; and last, but certainly not
least, the European-trained kitchen staff produces cuisine to a very high
standard under the direction of a master chef.
Décor throughout is fresh and contemporary, with warm wood finishes,
gleaming brass and fine fabrics. The Odyssey is therefore an ideal venue
for a river-based meeting or incentive trip with a difference. Stationary
or cruising, it can meet most event requirements and offers excellent
value for money. |
