EXPLORE WITH LAUR… Laurielee Rosser is a Tier One Travel Consultant with 40+ years of experience in the travel industry.
My passion for travel, meeting new people and exploring new destinations to fulfill my “live list” assists me in working with my valued clients to create memorable vacations.
My journey started pre-sailing, traveling to my mother’s homeland, Prague. Always having the desire to see the region where she was born, it was a place that I wanted to explore. Prague has an amazing history, culture, incredible architecture and some amazing sidewalk cafes. Once in Prague, the ability to venture out to explore more of Europe was at my fingertips, and I, along with my husband, hopped on a train to take us to Budapest, where we embarked on an 8-day 7-night Riverside Luxury Cruise, the Mozart.
Traveling with Riverside Luxury Cruises provides a personalized and unique luxury experience. Being a newer river cruise line, most people are not familiar with the line. Don’t let that sway you in making a decision to sail on one of her beautiful 3 vessels cruising European Rivers. It offers an all-inclusive cruise package with premium spirits and excursions or “à la carte” choices.
THE MOZART
The Mozart is one of the most unique longships afloat on the Danube. Beautifully appointed spacious suites, she is double wide and therefore dedicated to the Danube. As you come into the ports along the river, you see that she is much larger than the other vessels on the river. The maximum number of guests onboard does not exceed 150, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 3 to 1. This gives the discerning guest an intimate, personal, luxurious feeling. Pampering each and every guest, Riverside Luxury Cruises makes your sailing very comfortable. (Did I mention every category offers a butler?)
This intimate, small ship provided a unique way to explore charming villages and delve into local history, often venturing off the beaten path. Riverside Luxury Cruises offers complimentary bicycles (even e-bikes) for you to explore the banks of the river or bike around the villages along the way on your own or on one of their included excursions.
Q&A WITH LAURIELEE ABOUT HER RIVERSIDE LUXURY MOZART DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
Q: WHEN WAS YOUR TRIP AND WHAT WAS THE ITINERARY?
LAURIELEE: The Itinerary was “DANUBE,” an 8-day 7-night round trip from Budapest
Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE RIVERSIDE RIVER CRUISES FOR YOUR JOURNEY?
LAURIELEE: I had been wishing to sail on a river cruise for quite some time (my last river cruise was too many years ago to think about). I was on a number of training meetings, and when I saw the itinerary and the ship, I knew this was going to be my summer vacation and a perfect way to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
Q: WHAT DID YOU LIKE THE MOST ON THE MOZART?
LAURIELEE: The intimate feeling, not only provided by the size of the ship, but the fabulous attentive staff. The personal attention to every detail; I felt they went above and beyond to put a smile on every guest’s face. They made each and every one of us feel so important and special, like a part of their family.
Q: HOW WERE THE ACCOMMODATIONS Onboard?
LAURIELEE: We were in a Category 7 suite, which was very spacious and offered ample storage space with a large closet. The bathroom was a great size, with all of the amenities offered.
Q: WHAT AMENITIES STOOD OUT TO YOU THE MOST DURING YOUR CRUISE?
LAURIELEE: Inclusion. I chose the “all-included” option, which I really must say was amazing. Having your beverages at any time you desire with NO bill to sign is the way to vacation! Having access to the gym and the spa area each and every day was a perfect way to end the day of exploring. They have an indoor pool and a jacuzzi, which you have access to. Any treatments, of course, are additional; however, having the use of the pool and hot tub before supper was exactly what was needed.
Q: HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR DAYS ONBOARD THE CRUISE?
LAURIELEE: Each day brought us to a new destination along the Danube. Arriving in the morning most days was time for a short workout, an incredible breakfast and then we went on to an excursion or hopped on a bike. So you can see why the pool and the jacuzzi were so welcomed after a day of adventure. After a beautiful early evening dinner, we sat on the upper deck to watch the sunset and have a glass or two and watched the countryside as we floated on to the next day.
Q: DID YOU MAKE ANY NEW FRIENDS OR CONNECTIONS ON THE CRUISE?
LAURIELEE: We met other guests from Spain, Chile, France and Canada. We became very social. It is amazing how quickly you become friends with someone when trying to understand and speak their language.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL OR DINING EXPERIENCE ON THE CRUISE?
LAURIELEE: Cuisine on the Mozart – Riverside is incredible. The options for dining are abundant. They paid particular attention to guests with allergies or preferences. Having Celiac, I felt the meals were very satisfying to the palate and quite amazing. The king prawn was larger than a lobster tail (this stood out to me). The BBQ on the top deck were out of this world. Dining leisurely while floating through the countryside; it felt kind of surreal.
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE EXCURSION OR ACTIVITY ON THE TRIP?
LAURIELEE: I can honestly say there were so many memorable moments; however, on our excursions, two in particular impressed us.
During the excursion in Salzburg, we had the most amazing Opera Singer as our personal guide. She was a “Sound of Music” aficionado. As we strolled through the town center, she would break out in song when we approached an area where the movie was filmed (it was almost as if we were part of the movie itself). People would stop and listen and applaud when she finished. Arriving in the town center, where the Statue of Mozart was dedicated, was wonderful.
The second was a historical journey and horrific story that must be told, however heartbreaking to go through. That was the excursion to Mauthausen. Our local guide shared personal stories and his family history firsthand. Mauthausen was a concentration camp. Many of those who passed through its front gates (often referred to as the “Gates of Hell”) never left. It was a terrifying time to live for all, and walking through the camp left you with a feeling of horror and broken-hearted for those who experienced living at the camp.
Q: DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CITY OR LOCATION YOU VISITED, AND WHY?
LAURIELEE: Prague pre-Riverside and then Budapest. We spent a night in Budapest prior to the cruise at the W Hotel right across from the magnificent Opera house. The W hotel was originally built as a Palace and then became a Ballet school and then ultimately a luxury hotel. I highly recommend the W and the area. You are within walking distance to a number of historical sites, shopping, dining and the riverbank. Looking back, two nights in Budapest would be ideal and highly recommended prior to your sailing, should you choose to experience the area.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP?
LAURIELEE: All of it! Traveling on Riverside is seamless with the finest attention to detail and hands-on care. Selecting the all-inclusive river cruise option makes it a very enjoyable and relaxing experience. Gratuities and all alcohol are included all the time. Transfer from your hotel in Budapest to the ship is also included. A luxury (however, unpretentious) casual atmosphere onboard. There is no need for a suit and tie; although people do dress up a bit for dinner, there is no judgment.
Q: HOW DID THIS TRIP COMPARE TO OTHER CRUISES YOU’VE BEEN ON?
LAURIELEE: There was one line I sailed previously that is no longer around. As far as others I have been on through the rivers of Europe, Riverside is a level above for certain.
Q: WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES TO OTHERS?
LAURIELEE: The personalization and attention to detail. Accommodation on board is very comfortable. Butler service is available at any time. They also offer an array of amazing itineraries. Plus, the ability to have an “option” to be all-inclusive or à la carte is nice. However, having experienced the all-inclusive, I would highly recommend avoiding the euro exchange on your bill when you get home.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE CLIENTS TO CONSIDER A VOYAGE WITH RIVERSIDE?
LAURIELEE: Life is short. Give yourself the opportunity and luxury to explore. If not now, when? You work hard, you should play harder. Your travel dreams can become a reality. Don’t wait – explore and create some treasured memories of your adventures.
If you’re dreaming of a luxury European river cruise, I invite you to reach out to me and set sail to make those travel dreams happen. With their exceptional service, all-suite accommodations, beautiful itineraries and fabulous staff, I can highly recommend Riverside. Let’s work together to check off your “live list” travel destinations and experiences.
READY TO EMBARK ON A LUXURY EUROPEAN RIVER ADVENTURE?
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