Day One
We were so excited to be setting off on our first ever river cruise and after enjoying a relaxing overnight stay at the Gatwick Airport Sofitel we woke refreshed and then boarded the shuttle across to the south terminal to check in for our TAP flight over to Porto. Whilst waiting in the queue we noticed several other passengers with Riviera Travel luggage labels attached to their cases, some of them later to become our friends.
After a two hour flight we disembarked the aircraft, collected our luggage and were welcomed by Diego in the arrivals hall who was holding aloft a Riviera Travel sign for all to see. After everyone had gathered together we were led outside to an awaiting coach for the 30 minute transfer to our ship, the newly launched Riviera Rose. Usually, the ship is moored close to the centre of Porto but as a major festival had taken place along the river the previous evening culminating in a huge firework display, our ship needed to be berthed slightly further along the river.
This wasn’t a problem at all and as I describe later in this post, it actually worked in our favour. The coach parked alongside the quay from where we caught sight of our beautiful floating home for the next week. Luggage was unloaded by the crew, carried on board and delivered to the cabins so all that was left for us to do was to walk along the gangplank and step on board with our hand luggage.
First impressions were really lovely as we were welcomed by the crew and ushered into the beautiful atrium bar lounge where afternoon tea was awaiting us. I thought we might be offered a pot of tea and a slice of cake but instead there was a lavish spread comprising dainty finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of cakes. Pots of tea and coffee were served to the tables and replenished as required by the attentive crew and afterwards when we were ready, we could check-in to our cabins.
Check-in was very quick as the receptionist just took a quick photo of each of us and handed us our key cards. She explained that in addition to opening our cabin doors we would need to use the key cards to tap in and out as we got on and off the ship,
Formalities over, one of the crew members escorted us to our cabin, insisting on carrying our hand luggage. Riviera Rose has 57 cabins arranged over three decks and can hold a maximum of 114 passengers, looked after by a hand picked crew of 38.
Our cabin was located on the Diamond Deck (the same as the reception and bar) so it was just a short walk along the corridor to access our room. For guests with rooms on either the Ruby or Emerald decks then these can be accessed by a lift or wide staircase.
On entering the cabin, we adored everything about it. Our luggage had even been placed on top one of the beds ready for unpacking and with a huge French balcony overlooking the quay, it was absolutely beautiful. Cabins can be configured with either a double or twin beds and as we were embarking on a mother and son adventure, we had opted for the twin bed layout. There was ample storage space in the wardrobes and drawers, a dressing table, stool, large wall mounted television and clock radio.
Each cabin comes equipped with a fridge and for those of us staying on the Diamond Deck, a bottle of champagne was chilled, ready for us to raise a toast to our very first river cruise adventure. Stainless steel water bottles are provided in all cabins with a chilled water dispenser available for re-filling at the stern of the ship. The water bottles are complimentary so make a nice souvenir to take back home.
After unpacking and freshening up in the beautiful ensuite which came equipped with fragrant Nuxe toiletries, a powerful rain shower, fluffy towels, bathrobes and a hairdryer we then spent awhile exploring the facilities on board the gorgeous Riviera Rose.
Pre-dinner cocktails and canapés are available in the bar lounge between 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. Drinks served from 6.00 p.m. until midnight are included in the cost of the cruise so no additional payments are required with the exception of champagne and some premium spirits. We sat ourselves down in the comfortable chairs, sipping the cocktail of the day, easily settling into life on board the Riviera Rose.
Dinner is served in the contemporary styled main restaurant, one floor below on the Ruby Deck from 7.00 p.m. Tables seat 4-6 with guests being able to sit anywhere they wish during the cruise. We found this to be an excellent way to make new friends whilst enjoying the fine dining experience. A four course dinner is served each evening with a choice of dishes.
We both opted for Caesar salad, followed by traditional pumpkin soup, served with freshly baked bread. Moving on to mains of pink roasted pork tenderloin and then desserts of almond cake and strawberries infused with green tea, this gourmet meal set the standard for the week to come.
Service was relaxed yet attentive and throughout the meal the wine was free flowing with a choice of local Douro Red, White, Rosé or Sparkling. It was also possible to round off the dinner with a glass of port but we were more than happy with just a coffee.
After dinner we went up to the bar where we were welcomed by Sarah, our cruise director for the week who provided useful information about the cruise and off-ship excursions (all of which were included in the cost of the cruise).
We then enjoyed more drinks, all served promptly by the friendly bar staff so we never needed to go up to the bar ourselves. Instead, we relaxed in our comfy chairs sipping our gin and tonics whilst being entertained by the talented Jaimie on piano and guitar who was positioned in a corner of the bar lounge.
When we eventually dragged ourselves away from the bar and returned to our cabin, we discovered that a turn down service had taken place, the curtains drawn and a bedtime chocolate left on each bed. The next day’s programme was awaiting us and with quite an early start the next morning we got ready for bed, falling fast asleep in seconds tucked between the luxurious high thread bed linen.
To be continued ….
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