Luxury River Cruises, River Cruises in Europe, River Cloud, River Cloud II ... Luxury Cruising in Holland, Germany, Danube River, Sea Cloud Cruises

Cruise in Holland, Belgium, Germany, and on the Danube River aboard the Ultra-Deluxe River Yachts RIVER CLOUD and RIVER CLOUD II

SEVEN, EIGHT, and NINE DAY ITINERARIES

The 90-passenger RIVER CLOUD and 88-passenger RIVER CLOUD II, the first ladies of Europe’s rivers, combine the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the highest degree of comfort and luxury, service and culinary delight. Aboard RIVER CLOUD and RIVER CLOUD II you will enjoy the scenic beauty and cultural treasures of the heart of Europe in complete and pampered relaxation. Each offers very special itineraries for a wonderful vacation on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Mosel Rivers, as well as Belgian and Dutch waterways where highlights include visits to the Hague, Rijksmuseum, Gouda, the stunning display of tulips at Keukenhof, and Bruges and Antwerp.

During stopovers, discover towns bursting with history, tour cathedrals, churches and museums, markets, castles, monasteries and parks. And of course there is always time for a little shopping and a rich cup of coffee.

Features: River Cloud

Size of barge: 360 by 37 ft
Number of Passengers: 90
Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 45
Crew: 35
Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
Salon: Lounge with comfortable sofas and arm chairs, bar, grand piano, picture windows
Bar: Cash bar (payable in euros) -- wine/beer included with meals
Deck: Teak sundeck with tables, deck chairs, umbrellas, putting green, chessboard
Spa Tub: No
Cabin Features: 6 junior suites (205 sq ft) with queen bed, 4 double-bedded cabins (140 sq ft), 35 twin-bedded cabins (135 sq ft), all with ensuite bathroom, TV, minibar, safe
Excursions: At extra cost
Accessibility: Stairs to all decks
Bicycles: Bicycles and helmets provided
Other amenities: Boutique, hair salon, library, sauna, fitness area, computer for passenger use

Features: River Cloud II

Size of barge: 338 ft by 32 ft
Number of Passengers: 88
Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 44
Crew: 35
Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
Salon: Comfortable sofas and chairs, grand piano, bar
Bar: Cash bar (payable in euros); wine/beer served with meals
Deck: Teak sundeck with teak tables, lounge chairs, umbrellas, chessboard, shuffleboard
Spa Tub: No
Cabin Features: 13 junior suites (150 sq ft) with queen bed, 20 cabins (118 sq ft) with double/twin beds, 20 twin cabins (118 sq ft), all with ensuite bathroom, TV, minibar, safe
Accessibility: Stairs to all decks and getting on and off the boat. Cabin 1 on main (Promenade) deck with bunk beds is suitable for passengers with limited mobility.
Bicycles: Bicycles and helmets provided
Other amenities: Boutique, hair salon, library, computer for passenger use.

River Cloud Deck Plan

River Cloud II Deck Plan

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Holland & Belgium:
Amsterdam to Antwerp to Amsterdam

(RIVER CLOUD ONLY)

Thursday/Saturday
Individual arrival in Amsterdam.
Embarkation on the River Cloud at 16.00 hours.
Depart Amsterdam/Holland at 17.00.

Friday/Sunday
Arrive Schiedam/Holland at 01.00. Depart at 14.00.
Excursion to The Hague*.
The Hague, originally an earl's hunting grounds, developed into a magnificent, elegant town in the 18th century. Today it is the centre of government and residence of the Dutch Royal Family. The International Court of Justice has been based in The Hague since 1946.
Arrive Antwerp/Belgium at 22.30.

Saturday/Monday
Depart Antwerp/Belgium at 13.00.
City tour with visit to the Rubens House.*
Antwerp became a member of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century and, 200 years later, it was Europe's richest trading town and already famous for its multicultural, refined style of living. Rubens, perhaps the most famous citizen of his era, was a painter, diplomat and art collector.
Arrive Ghent/Belgium at 19.00.

Sunday/Tuesday
Ghent/Belgium.
Excursion to Bruges.*
The old town of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a particularly romantic former Hanseatic town in which medieval architecture still plays the major role. In the afternoon and evening you will have the opportunity to discover the picturesque small town of Ghent individually. In the 11th century it was northern Europe's second largest city. Old gabled houses, an imposing cathedral and a fairytale castle are the backdrop for a modern, relaxed lifestyle.

Monday/Wednesday
Depart Ghent/Belgium at 06.00.
Arrive Willemstad/Holland at 17.00.
The Dutch fortifed town will show itself from its dreamiest side during an individual evening stroll. Small restaurants and cafes in beautifully restored houses invite passers-by to linger.

Tuesday/Thursday
Deaprt Willemstad/Holland at 07.00.
Arrive Schoonhoven/Holland at 12.00. Depart 18.00.
Excursion to Gouda.*
Pipes, syrup waffles and, of course, cheese -- Gouda not only has sights worth seeing but also gourmet highlights. The Gothic town hall, Renaissance buildings and 20 famous stained glass windows in St. John's Church are all located around the historic market place.
Arrive Amsterdam/Holland at 23.30.

Wednesday/Friday
Amsterdam/Holland.
In the morning: city tour with visit to the Rijksmuseum.*
In the afternoon: excursion to Keukenhof Gardens.*
When travelling along the canals, the Dutch capital city proves itself to be a loveable, small but cosmopolitan metropolis with important art collections. The Keukenhof Gardens are highly picturesque. They have mastered the art of being a paradise of blooming fowers.

Thursday/Saturday
Amsterdam/Holland.
09.00 hours disembarkation. Individual departure.

* These excursions can be booked in advance as a package at extra cost.

Note: Itinerary and program subject to change depending on high and low water levels.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Switzerland, Germany & Holland:
Rhine River
Basel to Amsterdam

(RIVER CLOUD and RIVER CLOUD II)

Thursday/Saturday
Individual arrival in Basel. Embarkation on the River Cloud or the River Cloud II at 16.00 hours.
Depart Basel/Switzerland at 17.00.
Arrive Breisach/Germany at 23.00.

Friday/Sunday
Depart Breisach/Germany at 12.00.
City tour of Freiburg*.
Freiburg, the southernmost city in the Federal Republic, is a beautiful historic old town. The Historic Merchants' Hall, painted in crimson and dating from 1532, is particularly impressive. The "Zum Roten Baren" is said to be Germany's oldest inn.
Arrive Strasbourg/France at 19.00.

Saturday/Monday
Depart Strasbourg/France at 18.00.
City tour and visit to the famous cathedral*.
The cathedral is located in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to explore the half-timbered houses and city palaces of Alsace's capital city individually in the afternoon.

Sunday/Tuesday
Arrive Mannheim/Germany at 04.00 Depart at 10.00.
Overland tour to Heidelberg*.
Germany's oldest university, a Baroque old town and the picturesque castle ruins of the former royal residence have made Heidelberg world famous.
Arrive Gernsheim/Germany at 12.30. Depart at 13.00.
Arrive Ruedesheim/Germany at 17.00.
Evening visit to Eberbach Monastery with wine-tasting and concert*.
Eberbach Monastery, continually rebuilt and extended since the 12th century, unites Romanesque simplicity with Baroque magnificence. Fine wines will be served to you as you wander through various rooms and eras.

Monday/Wednesday
Depart Ruedesheim/Germany at 09.00.
The fabled Loreley Rock lies at the narrowest, deepest point of the Rhine. It is the highlight of any Rhine cruise, along with the picturesque panoramas of hillside vineyards and castles.
Arrive Koblenz/Germany at 13.00.
Excursion to Stolzenfels Castle*.
Stolzenfels Castle with its Great Hall, towers and turrets is an excellent example of the Rhine's romantic castles.

Tuesday/Thursday
Depart Koblenz/Germany at 02.00
Arrive Cologne/Germany at 08.00 Depart at 13.00.
City tour and visit to Cologne Cathedral*.
The modern city of Cologne is full of relicts from the Roman era when it was founded, as well as medieval buildings. Cologne Cathedral is northern Europe's largest Gothic church.

Wednesday/Friday
Arrive Amsterdam/Holland at 03.00.
City tour and visit to the Rijksmuseum*.
Some 900 years ago a settlement grew up around a dyke on the small Amstel River: today's Amsterdam. Holland's small capital city is an excellent location for just strolling around. Exhibits at the Rijksmuseum include Rembrandt's "The Night Watch".

Thursday/Saturday
Amsterdam/Holland.
09.00 hours disembarkation. Individual departure.

* These excursions can be booked in advance as a package at extra cost.

Note: Itinerary and program subject to change depending on high and low water levels.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Danube River Cruise
Budapest to Regensburg
(through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria & Germany)

(RIVER CLOUD and RIVER CLOUD II)

Saturday
Individual arrival in Budapest.
Embarkation on the River Cloud or the River Cloud II at 16.00 hours.
Overnight in Budapest/Hungary.

Sunday
Depart Budapest/Hungary at 17.00.
City tour*.
Magnificent boulevards, elegant art nouveau bathing houses, the fairytale parliament building and the castle district – there are many monuments to culture and history in Budapest. One of them is the Opera House, built in 1884. The famous panorama view of Budapest can be admired when leaving the city.

Monday
Arrive Bratislava/Slovakia at 12.00. Depart at 23.00.
City tour and concert in the old town*.
Bratislava is located in the three country intersection of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. Its past is closely linked to the history of these three states. The historic city centre is typifed by its Baroque architecture and lively, young atmosphere.

Tuesday
Arrive Vienna/Austria at 07.00.
City tour with exclusive attic tour of St. Stephen's Cathedral*.
Church cellars are often the location for sarcophagi in low-ceilinged vaults. But what is up in the rafters? Our excursion will take us up to the attics of the dignified St. Stephen's Cathedral.
In the evening: opportunity to attend various concerts**.

Wednesday
Vienna/Austria.
Visit to the morning training session of the Spanish Riding School with an exclusive reception followed by a tour of the Hofburg Imperial Palace*.
Lipizzan stallions do early morning sport with accompanying music, too. But, as you would expect from a courtly tradition, this morning exercise is more of a minuet on four hooves.
In the evening: opportunity to attend various concerts**.

Thursday
Depart Vienna/Austria at 02.00.
Arrive Duernstein/Austria at 08.00. Depart 11.30.
City walking tour and wine-tasting*.
Duernstein is idyllic and peaceful. And everything revolves around wine.
After casting off, the river yacht will glide from one Danube meander to the next and through the picturesque Wachau region.
Arrive Melk/Austria at 14.30. Depart 17.00.
Visit to Baroque Melk Abbey*.
The Abbey's facade, painted in bright yellow-orange, is clearly visible from miles away. Its inner values are, however, far more impressive.

Friday
Arrive Passau/Germany at 11.00. Depart 17.00.
City tour with a visit to an organ concert in the cathedral*. The university town of Passau wins over visitors with its lively, young atmosphere. But it charms them with its time-honoured buildings, reminiscent of Italian architecture.

Saturday
Arrive Regensburg/Germany at 07.30.
09.00 hours disembarkation. Individual departure.

* These excursions can be booked in advance as a package at extra cost.
** These concerts are not included in the package and can be booked separately on board.

Note: Itinerary and program subject to change depending on high and low water levels.

RIVER CLOUD 2009 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route	Destination	Nights
Apr 2-9	Basel (Switzerland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Three-country Cruise through Great History	7
TULIP CRUISES: HOLLAND, BELGIUM
Apr 9-16	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Modern kingdoms and picturesque Middle Ages	7
Apr 16-23	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Modern kingdoms and picturesque Middle Ages	7
Apr 23-30	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Waterways of Holland and Belgium	7
Apr 30-May 7	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Modern kingdoms and picturesque Middle Ages	7
May 7-11	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	A journey around the Lake Yssel	4
May 11-16	Amsterdam (Holland)-Antwerp (Belgium)	Romantic cities with a long history	5
May 16-23	Antwerp (Belgium)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Great art, small canals and harbor towns around Lake Yssel	7
May 23-30	Amsterdam (Holland)-Antwerp (Belgium)	Culinary Theme Cruise: Exploring the land of gourmets along Dutch and Belgian waterways	7
May 30-Jun 6	Antwerp (Belgium)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Great art, small canals and harbor towns around Lake Yssel	7
GERMANY CRUISES: RHINE RIVER, SWITZERLAND-GERMANY-HOLLAND
Jun 6-13	Amsterdam (Holland)-Basel (Switzerland)	Romantic Castles, Church Bells, Canals: Amsterdam to Basel	7
Jun 20-27	Arnheim (Holland)-Strasbourg (France)	Master builders and kings of the castle, monasteries and artists	7
Jun 27-Jul 4	Strasbourg (France)-Bernkastel (Germany)	Summertime in the wine-growing country on the Rhine and Mosel	7
Jul 4-11	Bernkastel (Germany)-Cologne (Germany)	Noble vineyards and picturesque castles on the Mosel and Rhine	7
Jul 11-18	Cologne (Germany)-Basel (Switzerland)	Theme Cruise: "Cologne Lights" and Musical Fireworks	7
Jul 18-25	Basel (Switzerland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Romantic Rhine between Switzerland and Holland: Basel – Amsterdam	7
Jul 25-Aug 1	Amsterdam (Holland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Modern kingdoms and picturesque Middle Ages	7
Aug 22-29	Basel (Switzerland)-Nürnberg (Germany)	Summer in Franconia, the Rheingau region, and the Alsace	7
DANUBE CRUISES
Aug 29-Sep 5	Nürnberg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Magnificent palaces and churches, Lipizzaner and Hawks	7
Sep 5-12	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	European River Cruise through Four Beautiful Countries	7
Sep 12-19	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Views of Princely Life and Royal Cities	7
Sep 19-26	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	European River Cruise through Four Beautiful Countries	7
Sep 26-Oct 3	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Nostalgic Danube	7
Oct 3-10	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	Nostalgic Danube	7
Oct 10-17	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Nostalgic Danube	7
Oct 17-24	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	Three capitals, four countries and a European river: Nuremberg – Budapest	7
Oct 24-31	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Views of Princely Life and Royal Cities	7
Oct 31-Nov 7	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	Theme Cruise: Johann Strauss and the Danube in Viennese Waltztime	7

RIVER CLOUD II 2009 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route	Destination	Nights
GERMANY CRUISES: RHINE, MOSEL, MAIN RIVERS
Apr 2-9	Basel (Switzerland)-Koblenz (Germany)	Romantic Rhine and Mosel	7
Apr 9-16	Koblenz (Germany)-Vilshofen (Germany)	Easter on the Rhine, Main, and Danube	7
DANUBE CRUISES
Apr 23-30	Budapest (Hungary)-Vilshofen (Germany)	Imperial and church residences along the Danube	7
Apr 30-May 7	Vilshofen (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Town and Country on the banks of the Danube and Royal Metropolises	7
May 7-14	Budapest (Hungary)-Harsova (Romania)	Green Puszta, Black Sea, Fortress Towns, and Metropolises	7
May 14-22	Harsova (Romania)-Budapest (Hungary)	Fortresses and Golden Domes, River Cliffs and the Black Sea Cliffs	8
May 22-29	Budapest (Hungary)-Harsova (Romania)	Green Puszta, Black Sea, Fortress Towns, and Metropolises	7
May 29-Jun 6	Harsova (Romania)-Budapest (Hungary)	Fortresses and Golden Domes, River Cliffs and the Black Sea Cliffs	8
Jun 13-20	Vilshofen (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Town and Country on the banks of the Danube and Royal Metropolises	7
Jun 20-27	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	Nostalgic Danube	7
Jun 27-Jul 4	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Princely Life and Regal City Panoramas	7
Jul 4-12	Budapest (Hungary)-Harsova (Romania)	Four Countries and a River, Great History and Spectacular Landscapes	8
Jul 12-21	Harsova (Romania)-Budapest (Hungary)	Black Sea Coast and the Danube Delta, the Iron Gate and Puszta	9
Jul 21-28	Budapest (Hungary)-Vilshofen (Germany)	Nostalgic Danube	7
Jul 28-Aug 4	Vilshofen (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Town and Country on the banks of the Danube and Royal Metropolises	7
Aug 4-12	Budapest (Hungary)-Harsova (Romania)	Four Countries and a River, Great History and Spectacular Landscapes	8
Aug 12-21	Harsova (Romania)-Budapest (Hungary)	Black Sea Coast and the Danube Delta, the Iron Gate and the open puszta	9
Aug 21-28	Budapest (Hungary)-Vilshofen (Germany)	Sounds and Harmonies of the Danube	7
Aug 28-Sep 4	Vilshofen (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Town and Country on the banks of the Danube and Royal Metropolises	7
Sep 4-11	Budapest (Hungary)-Vilshofen (Germany)	Sounds and Harmonies of the Danube	7
Sep 26-Oct 3	Regensburg (Germany)-Budapest (Hungary)	Princely Life and Regal City Panoramas	7
Oct 3-10	Budapest (Hungary)-Regensburg (Germany)	One European River and Four Beautiful Countries	7
GERMANY CRUISES: RHINE RIVER, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, HOLLAND
Oct 10-17	Regensburg (Germany)-Koblenz (Germany)	Baroque Grandeur and a Golden October	7
Oct 17-24	Koblenz (Germany)-Basel (Switzerland)	Theme Cruise: Five-star Cuisine, Wines and a golden October	7
Oct 24-31	Basel (Switzerland)-Amsterdam (Holland)	Three-Country-Cruise through Grand History	7
Oct 31-Nov 7	Amsterdam (Holland)-Frankfurt/Main (Germany)	From the Capital of Canals to the most famous Castle on the Neckar	7

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

RIVER CLOUD 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	Cat. A Junior Suites	Cat. B Double-Bed	Cat. C Twin-Bed	Cat. D Guarantee Cabin
Cabin Numbers (all prices are per person, double occupancy)	1-6	11,14-16	7-10, 12	Guarantee Cabin
7 Night Cruise	$4,715	$3,785	$3,175	$2,765
4 Night Cruise (May 7-11)	$2,695	$2,165	$1,815	$1,585
5 Night Cruise (May 11-16)	$3,365	$2,705	$2,265	$1,975
Single Supplement: 100% in A, 50% in all others

RIVER CLOUD II 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	Cat. A Panorama Cabin	Cat. B Double-Bed	Cat. C Twin-Bed	Cat. D Guarantee Cabin	Cat. E Limited Mobility
Cabin Numbers (all prices are per person, double occupancy)	2-12, 14-15	26-45	16-25	Guarantee Cabin	1
7 Night Cruise	$4,715	$3,785	$3,175	$2,765	$3,175
8 Night Cruise	$5,385	$4,325	$3,625	$3,155	$3,625
9 Night Cruise	$5,385	$4,325	$3,625	$3,155	$3,625
Single Supplement: 100% in A, 50% in B-D, n/a in E

What's Included
- Accommodations on board the ship in a cabin with private bathroom
- Six meals per day beginning with dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day
- Wine and beer with lunches and dinners
- Non-alcoholic beverages available any time
- Use of bicycles and helmets
- Port fees

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation
- Transfers to and from the ship
- Shore excursions
- Bar drinks, laundry, phone, fax, and other charges of a personal nature
- Suggested gratuity of 12 Euros per passenger per day for the crew.

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Last Update: April 20, 2009

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