Hosts: David Brodie and Tim Johnson
Series: Travel in 10
Destinations: Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands
Featured Cruise: Emerald Astra, Emerald Cruises
Imagine sailing past medieval castles, terraced vineyards and historic European villages, waking up each morning in a new destination without having to unpack your suitcase. That's the appeal of a Rhine River cruise, one of Europe's most scenic and convenient ways to explore multiple countries in a single journey.
In this episode of Travel in 10, hosts David Brodie and Tim Johnson explore river cruising aboard the Emerald Astra, a new ship from Emerald Cruises. Tim shares highlights from his recent 10-day journey along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, travelling from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, with stops in France and Germany.
Having experienced nearly 100 cruises, including more than 30 river cruises, Tim offers an experienced perspective on what makes this style of travel appealing. From the ship's innovative design and relaxed dining to the castles of the Rhine Gorge, the culinary traditions of Strasbourg and the surprising attractions of Rotterdam and Bonn, this episode explores why river cruising is attracting a broader generation of travellers.
One of the biggest advantages of river cruising is the ability to visit multiple destinations without repeatedly packing, checking into hotels or navigating train stations and airports.
On a river cruise, the ship becomes your floating hotel. Travellers can explore one destination in the morning, return aboard for lunch and arrive somewhere entirely different later that day.
For Tim, this convenience is one of the defining advantages of river cruising.
His 10-day journey aboard Emerald Astra provided additional time to explore compared with the seven-day itineraries commonly offered along the Rhine.
Emerald Astra is part of the Emerald Cruises fleet, operated by the Australian-based Scenic Group.
During his voyage, Tim stayed in a Grand Balcony Suite, featuring an enclosed balcony area with windows that could be lowered to let in fresh air.
This became one of his favourite places on the ship, offering a comfortable setting to watch the changing scenery.
While the Rhine is famous for castles and vineyards, Tim also appreciated the less-photographed side of the river.
Passing working cargo vessels, industrial facilities and navigation locks provided a fascinating perspective on the Rhine as one of Europe's important commercial waterways.
Dining was another highlight of the voyage.
Rather than formal dinners with assigned seating and strict dress codes, Emerald Astra offered a more relaxed approach.
Lunches sometimes featured themes inspired by the regions the ship was visiting, including German sausages and dishes incorporating local ingredients.
Tim particularly enjoyed the daily food stations and the opportunity to sample regional flavours without leaving the ship.
One of Emerald Astra's more unusual features is its indoor pool at the stern of the ship.
The pool offers views of the river as the ship travels between destinations.
On selected evenings, the pool can be covered and the space converted into a small movie theatre, complete with a projection screen.
It's an example of how newer river cruise ships are introducing amenities that extend beyond traditional sightseeing and dining.
For Tim, the Rhine Gorge remains the highlight of any Rhine River cruise.
This approximately 65-kilometre stretch of river features around 40 medieval castles, some carefully restored and others preserved as ruins.
Terraced vineyards climb the surrounding hillsides, while small villages line the waterfront.
The scenery is particularly impressive from the upper deck of a river cruise ship, where passengers can watch the castles and vineyards unfold along both banks.
Tim recommends spending as much time as possible outside during this section of the journey.
Strasbourg offers a fascinating combination of French and German influences.
Located in the Alsace region, the city has changed hands between France and Germany several times during its history.
That heritage is reflected in the local culture, architecture and cuisine.
Tim recommends exploring Strasbourg through its food, particularly its cheeses, chocolates and traditional Alsatian specialties.
One dish worth trying is flammekueche, a thin, crisp flatbread traditionally topped with cream, onions and bacon.
Culinary walking tours provide an opportunity to discover the city's distinctive food traditions.
While Amsterdam attracts much of the international attention, Tim considers Rotterdam one of Europe's most interesting cities.
Much of Rotterdam was destroyed during the Second World War, resulting in extensive postwar reconstruction and a distinctive modern architectural character.
The city is also home to Europe's largest seaport.
During his visit, Tim joined a harbour tour that explored the working port, including cargo terminals handling fruit, grain and international shipping.
The tour also highlighted Rotterdam's maritime history and its connection to the Holland America Line, which originally transported passengers across the Atlantic.
For travellers interested in architecture, transportation or the workings of a major international city, Rotterdam offers an alternative to more traditional European sightseeing destinations.
Bonn is often overlooked in favour of larger German cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt.
However, the former capital of West Germany has an interesting history and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tim enjoyed exploring Bonn on foot, discovering its parks, leafy streets and lively university character.
His favourite experience was visiting a museum dedicated to Germany's contemporary history.
Tim's can't-miss recommendation from the cruise is Haus der Geschichte, Germany's contemporary history museum in Bonn.
The museum explores the country's history following the Second World War, including the decades when Germany was divided into East and West.
What particularly impressed Tim was its focus on everyday life.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on political leaders and major historical events, the exhibits examine how ordinary people lived, including differences in food, clothing, popular culture and consumer products.
The museum also explores German reunification and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
For travellers interested in modern European history, it offers an engaging perspective on the Cold War and its lasting impact.
Strasbourg is one of the culinary highlights of this Rhine River cruise itinerary.
Its food traditions reflect centuries of French and German influence.
Tim recommends sampling local cheeses, chocolates and freshly baked goods, as well as traditional Alsatian dishes.
Flammekueche is a particularly distinctive regional specialty and an excellent introduction to the area's culinary identity.
Emerald Astra's onboard dining complements the destinations visited during the cruise.
Themed lunches, regional ingredients and freshly prepared dishes offer opportunities to explore local food traditions while enjoying the convenience of dining aboard.
Tim particularly appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the absence of formal dining requirements.