DEPARTURE LOUNGE // AUTUMN 2017
A river cruise isn ’ t a very traditional choice for a honeymoon , but it ’ s hard to beat if you want hassle-free luxury . That ’ s the word from Robyn Daneel-Spicer , director of Sure Stellenbosch Travel in Cape Town , who spent her honeymoon on board one of Uniworld River Cruises ’ luxury boutique ships to explore the Burgundy and Provence regions in France via the Rhône and Saône rivers .
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© CLAROM / ADOBESTOCK
RIVER CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE WITH ROBYN DANEEL-SPICER
“ A river cruise is the perfect honeymoon for the organised couple who love luxury . You know where you are going and what you will be doing as soon as you book , which allows you time to research the towns you will be visiting . River cruises are also a fantastic choice for travellers who don ’ t want to spend additional funds when travelling ( opt for the all-inclusive package ), and for travellers who want to unpack once but see many different places .
The number one reason I ’ d recommend it , though , is because there was absolutely no stress involved after we were met by our Uniworld transfer . My main concern was the fact that my husband and I had not really travelled together and travelling can be quite stressful , from driving in foreign countries to finding the best restaurants and navigating the streets on foot . I understand that this is what a lot of people enjoy about travelling – the exploration part – but we were looking for a seamless holiday with nothing to worry about . River cruising delivered .
We saw so many beautiful , off-the-beaten-track towns and had the opportunity to relax and take in much of what France had to offer without ever worrying about where we were going , how we were going to get there and when we had to leave . After the planning of a wedding I think this is exactly what was needed : no planning , amazing food and wine , phenomenal service and romance .
A honeymoon river cruise is not the perfect choice for everyone , though . It wouldn ’ t suit the beach goers and explorers . There is a sun deck on board , but if cocktails , beaches and water sports are what you are after on your honeymoon , then a river cruise is definitely not a good option . And although you do not have to dine or tour with the rest of the guests , you are restricted to the ship ’ s schedule in terms of arrivals and departures , so it ’ s not suitable for travellers who like to just ‘ wing it ’.
The meals were the highlight . Every day we enjoyed fine dining , with dishes featuring fresh ingredients from each port we docked at accompanied by wonderful wines . My husband would say the bike tours were the highlight , but for me experiencing a different country and culture through food and wine was a truly gourmet travel experience .”
12 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
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