Love Travelling Blog

A Relaxing Start to Another Wonderful Day on Our Riviera Resplendence Rhine Cruise

After another delicious breakfast on board our Riviera Resplendence Rhine cruise, we decided to take life at a slower pace for a while. One of the many things we’ve come to appreciate about travelling on a Rhine river cruise is that there is never any pressure to be constantly on the go. Some of the most enjoyable moments are simply sitting quietly in your cabin watching the ever-changing scenery drift by as vineyards, forests and picturesque riverside villages appear outside your French balcony window.

Our spacious cabin had quickly become a peaceful retreat, and with the large floor-to-ceiling windows open, it almost felt as though we were sitting out on a private balcony. Watching life unfold along the riverside is incredibly relaxing, and it’s one of the reasons river cruising appeals to so many people.

A Fascinating Visit to the Wheelhouse

One of the highlights of the morning was a special behind-the-scenes experience that we’d booked the previous evening. Riviera Travel offers occasional small-group visits to the wheelhouse, and we were fortunate enough to secure places. If you ever have the opportunity to take part in one of these tours, I would thoroughly recommend it.

Our 20-minute visit was hosted by the ship’s friendly Dutch captain, who immediately put everyone at ease. He explained how the Riviera Resplendence is navigated along the Rhine and gave us an insight into the sophisticated technology that makes modern river cruising possible.

It was fascinating to discover how much planning goes into each day’s sailing. The captain talked us through the radar systems, GPS navigation, communication equipment and other state-of-the-art technology that enables the ship to travel safely through locks, beneath bridges and along some surprisingly narrow stretches of river. We had plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and nothing seemed too much trouble. Experiences like this really help to appreciate the skill and professionalism of the crew working behind the scenes while guests simply relax and enjoy their holiday.

Time to Enjoy the Sun Deck

After leaving the wheelhouse, we made our way along to the sun deck to enjoy the beautiful weather. Although the ship was carrying a full complement of passengers, it never felt crowded. One thing that impressed us throughout our Riviera Resplendence Rhine cruise was how thoughtfully the public spaces had been designed. Whether we preferred sitting in the sunshine, finding a quiet shady corner with a book or watching the ever-changing river scenery stood on deck, there always seemed to be somewhere comfortable to relax.

Another Delicious Lunch On Board

As expected, lunchtime was another culinary delight. One of the pleasures onboard was the variety available at every meal, making it easy to choose something light or more substantial depending on your appetite.

Today I selected a fresh salad followed by creamy broccoli soup and trout Müllerin. The trout was beautifully cooked, wonderfully fresh and full of flavour without being heavy. It was exactly the sort of light meal I desired before heading off to explore another fascinating German town later in the afternoon. The quality of the food throughout the cruise consistently exceeded our expectations with each meal being beautifully presented while showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Arriving in the Historic City of Speyer

Soon after lunch we arrived in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities and somewhere else we had never visited before. Local guides were waiting for us on the quayside, ready to introduce us to this historic destination. After dividing into smaller groups, we set off on an enjoyable walking tour through the compact city centre.

Speyer immediately impressed us with its attractive streets and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike some larger tourist destinations, it has managed to retain an authentic feel, making it a delight to explore on foot.

Our knowledgeable guide explained the city’s long history as we wandered through charming streets lined with colourful buildings and traditional architecture. We visited the impressive cathedral, one of Germany’s most significant Romanesque buildings, before continuing to the historic Town Hall, the bustling main street and the attractive market square.

Along the way, we admired beautifully preserved medieval buildings, hidden courtyards and elegant facades that reflected centuries of history. Every corner seemed to reveal another attractive building or interesting historical detail, making Speyer one of the unexpected highlights of our Rhine cruise itinerary. Although our guided walk only lasted about ninety minutes, it gave us an excellent introduction to the city and left us wanting to explore more later in the evening.

Afternoon Tea – Another Unexpected Treat

Returning to the ship, we discovered yet another surprise waiting for us. At 4.00 p.m. the lounge had been transformed for afternoon tea, with tables beautifully laid out with an irresistible selection of sweet and savoury treats. There were delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with jam and cream, an assortment of cakes and pastries, and, to everyone’s delight, a flowing chocolate fountain accompanied by fresh fruit kebabs for dipping.

It really did feel like a special occasion, and once again the crew managed to exceed our expectations. We joked that we certainly weren’t going to lose any weight during this cruise. Adding to the relaxed atmosphere, Freddy entertained everyone with live guitar music. His easy-going style created the perfect soundtrack as guests chatted over tea and admired the Rhine views through the panoramic windows.

Another Excellent Dinner on Board

Before long, it was time to prepare for dinner. As we had come to expect, the evening meal was beautifully presented and served with the same friendly, attentive service we’d enjoyed throughout the cruise.

One aspect we’ve particularly appreciated is that dinner never felt rushed. There was plenty of time to savour each course, enjoy conversations with fellow passengers and reflect on everything we’d experienced during the day. By now many familiar faces had become friends, and sharing stories about the day’s excursions had become part of the evening routine.

Speyer at Golden Hour

As the Riviera Resplendence was remaining docked in Speyer until late evening, we decided it would be a shame not to return to the town after dinner. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. The streets were much quieter than they had been earlier in the afternoon, allowing us to appreciate the city’s beauty at a much more leisurely pace. As the sun began to set, the warm golden light illuminated the historic buildings, bringing out the rich colours of the sandstone architecture, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

The cathedral looked especially magnificent against the evening sky, while the cafés and restaurants around the square were beginning to fill with locals enjoying the warm summer evening.

Eventually, we made our way back to the ship, ready for another restful night’s sleep before the following day’s adventures. Another wonderful day had come to an end aboard our Riviera Resplendence Rhine cruise, combining fascinating excursions, exceptional food and the relaxed pace that makes river cruising such an enjoyable holiday experience. Last year we enjoyed a week on board Riviera Rose along the Douro River so you may also be interested in reading this series of posts.

If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:

Top Things to Do in Freiburg and the Hochschwarzwald, Germany

Exploring Triberg Waterfalls and the Black Forest Open-Air Museum in Gutach

We were guests of Riviera Travel, and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.