Sail the ‘Blue Danube’ for a relaxed city cruise with Riviera Travel

We all know the feeling too well when you see another group checking in as you’re checking out of a memorable holiday.

Jealousy, anger and maybe even denial that you are leaving.

Well, stepping onboard Riviera Travel’s MS Thomas Hardy as the previous group disembarks, we are bombarded not with glaring looks, but instead with glowing reviews of their journey on the Danube.

So, if I wasn’t already excited enough to experience what the Danube, and of course Riviera Travel, has to offer, now I can’t wait to get going.

The ship oozes class and as I glide around the glossy interior of MS Thomas Hardy, it’s clear that I’ll be looked after well – being greeted by the friendly, smiling face of the cruise director and other members of staff whichever way I turn.

Of course, one of the main benefits of sailing with Riviera Travel is the opportunity to embark on a pre or post-cruise stay, as part of the line's Travel Concierge service, and I did exactly this a day prior to stepping onboard the ship in Budapest.

With the memories of my exploration around Budapest fresh in my mind, I'm ready to continue exploring the beauty of the Danube and, of course, the ship itself.

MS Thomas Hardy – elegant and spacious

Exploring the air-conditioned ship further, I find not one, but two dining areas – the main deck restaurant, serving buffet breakfast, lunch and a four-course dinner, as well as the Bistro, with an open kitchen and al fresco seating. Perfect for those who enjoy a different view, and atmosphere, throughout their cruise.

Wandering down onto the lower deck a compact, but serene, spa and wellness area greets me (if you weren't relaxed enough already).

And to get glammed up for the evening extravaganza, I spy the nail salon and hairdressing services, both of which are kind to the wallet.

With the knowledge that MS Thomas Hardy holds 167 guests across 88 cabins alongside 44 crew members, the ship never feels crowded and remains a calm oasis away from each bustling port we pull into.

What's more, the real star of the show is the panoramic lounge and bar – the ideal location for soaking up stunning cityscapes and I can already picture myself enjoying a glass of tipple or two while doing so.

The spacious nature of the ship follows me as I explore my cabin. I'm staying in a Diamond Deck suite (on deck three), which measures a more-than-generous 183 square feet.

Running my hand along the crisp comfy cotton linen of my bed, I find a tea and coffee station in my room, flat screen TV and a bathroom equipped with L'Occtaine toiletries – don't mind if I do.

As I look out of my French balcony onto Budapest, the smell of sweet cakes fills my nostrils. Following this delectable smell, I find that high tea has begun in the panoramic lounge as I am welcomed by an expansive table filled to the brim with colourful macarons, delicate finger sandwiches and every flavour of cake imaginable.

Taking it as my journalistic duty to sample most of the food on offer I sit and join the rest of the guests onboard, the atmosphere is buzzing with tales of people's explorations of Budapest – proving that once again, nothing more bonds people together like a love of cruise.

Diving into the Danube

The Danube is a must-do for any river cruise fanatic, and as soon as the ship began to set sail, I understand why.

I'm left in awe as historic cities give way to splendid untouched scenery and lush greenery, I can almost feel the history leaping off my surroundings in the comfort of MS Thomas Hardy.

Our sailing first visits Esztergom, and stepping offboard we are welcomed by a quaint town full of charm, exploring further we embark on a guided tour of Esztergom Basilica – also known as the largest church in Hungary.

The Basilica stands tall over the Danube on the border with Slovakia and holds a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.

Moreover, Esztergom is actually one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop.

Getting back onboard, the sightseeing doesn't stop there as the sailing towards Bratislava features towns and villages of Hungary on one river bank and of Slovakia on the other – the perfect contrast.

Arriving in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, we are welcomed by the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube, with only a little time to explore before we fly home (due to sailing on a shortened itinerary), I soak up the atmosphere.

Beyond my sailing onboard, the 'Blue Danube' itinerary also visits Dürnstein & Melk, Salzburg or Linz, Vienna and back to Budapest.

It doesn't get easier than the Travel Concierge service

In a nutshell, the Travel Concierge service gives you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to your cruise.

Whether you want to add a couple of nights pre or post-cruise, a day earlier, from a different airport, or even private door-to-door transfers, this service can do it all.

I experienced the ease of this service with my pre-cruise stay in Budapest and would highly recommend starting your cruise off with an extended city break.

But back to the present moment, as I disembark MS Thomas Hardy in Bratislava, I find myself jealous of those continuing the sailing – ah, we can't all be so well-wishing.

Get onboard: The Blue Danube aboard MS Thomas Hardy – departing April 18, 2024. Standard lower deck cabin from £1,779pp.