Cruising the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Pearl

Photo / Getty Images

Donna McIntyre boards the Scenic Pearl, cruising the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel.

Owners: Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Flag: Malta

How big: 135m

How old: Launched in 2011, with a rebuild in 2013.

How many passengers: 167 in 84 cabins, and 53 crew.

Boarding: On the Amsterdam waterfront, first boat on the pier at Ruijterkade Oost.

Check-in experience: Friendly, indulgent. Anything else you need? Oh, and here is a welcome aboard cocktail.

Surroundings: Floating, five-star indulgence — bronze statues, orchids, and jewellery on sale if you want a bit of bling for the evenings.

Food/drink: All-inclusive ... even the open bar, and the mini bar in your cabin. Tea, coffee and biscuits available 24 hours and if you don't want to get out of bed for breakfast, your butler will deliver it. Three eating areas — the River Cafe, Crystal Dining and Portobellos.

Decor and architecture: Refined and discreet.

Room: Our balcony suite had beds joined to make one, two wardrobes plus shelving, TV, movies, internet, en suite, and a private balcony accessed through a ranch slider. We glided past another cruise boat and gave a big wave to a man standing at his window in his undies — his wife quickly closed the curtains.

The bed: Seven-zone core mattress with sensitive foam on top. German-made down and feather duvet and there's a pillow menu (anti-ageing, neck support etc.).

Toiletries: Mini L'Occitane shampoo and conditioner, soap, shower gel and body lotion. The ones we didn't use went home with us. (Doesn't everyone do this?)

Bathroom: Compact, but it's all there.

Noise: The soothing sound of making your way gently along the river.

Recreation/exercise: Daily tours, or do your own thing on shore. E-bikes to borrow and a walking/running track on board. The small gym has two exercycles.

Wellness: Facials, massages and hairdresser.
Entertainment: A pianist and entertainers in different ports. Our favourite and noisiest night was the disco night in Germany when we chose the songs, followed by a hilarious music/dance quiz.

Price: Prices start at $7105pp twin share (includes Scenic savings of $2000pp) for a standard suite, departing Basel on October 3, 2018. That includes all food and drinks on board (excluding high-end spirits, French Champagne and selected wines), shore excursions, airport transfers and all tips/gratuities.

Perfect for: The age scale seems to be predominantly 55-75 plus, although we did spot a couple in their mid-20s.

Contact: scenicnz.com

Would I return: Yes, on a different river. It's going to be hard to go back to making my own bed and preparing meals!