CLIA RiverView Conference & Vienna Highlights
Date Posted: 21/03/2023
Catherine from our Social Media team had the best time in Vienna for the CLIA RiverView Conference, she learnt so much & explored some amazing ships! Here is how she found her experience:
“Being from a younger generation, I had a pre-judgement that river cruising was for the older generation. Coming to this conference has totally changed that and I would now actually consider going on a river cruise on my own holiday as I know this type of holiday is suited to everyone no matter what age!
During the conference, we had the chance to interact with suppliers and find out more about their product, including ship specs, destinations, value for money and how cruising is becoming more sustainable.
River cruising is becoming more sustainable in several ways, as the industry has recognized the importance of environmental responsibility and is taking steps to reduce its impact on the environment, for example some cruise lines are investing in battery powered ships, whereas others are reducing the amount of single use plastics on the ships. Something that was really interesting to me was the switch from buffet to À la carte restaurants, which has reduced the amount of food wastage by 30%!
My time onboard the river cruise ships was incredible, better than I ever could have imagined! It was so interesting to see how intricate the design details onboard the ships are. Every little detail really has so much thought behind it. As for the food - it was some of the best I have ever ate! Both nights, I opted for the chef’s recommendations and they did not disappoint. The 7-course menu was a great way to sample the culinary delights on board, as well as getting a taste for the high-quality wines and champagnes.
Evening entertainment onboard was great, with live music and entertainment such as on board discos, quizzes and live bands there was enough to keep everyone occupied. During the day most cruise lines offer on shore excursions that give you the opportunity to discover the local culture of the destination you are docked in!
Whilst being docked in Vienna, I enjoy an excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace, where we watched a demonstration of how they make traditional apple strudel, and of course we got to sample the final product accompanied by a glass of champagne.
One of the main things what I was surprised at was the value for money when sailing on a river cruise. If you love a city break like me, then river cruising is a great way to explore multiple cities in one trip! A river cruise can provide excellent value for money, as it offers a complete and immersive travel experience with all-inclusive amenities such as accommodation, meals, drinks, onboard entertainment and guided excursions. The price of a river cruise can vary depending on the itinerary, duration, and level of luxury, but it often includes a higher level of service and attention to detail than many other types of travel. Additionally, the small size of river cruise ships allows for access to smaller ports and more personalized experiences. When compared to other types of travel, a river cruise can often provide a more cost-effective way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying luxurious accommodations and high-quality dining experiences.
Overall, this experience has been a big learning opportunity for me and I would recommend a river cruise to anyone, with so many options there is a cruise to suit everyone!”
