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7 nights
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Interview with a river cruise godmother
Get the inside scoop from our river cruise godmother.
It’s customary for every cruise ship to have a godmother. It’s a nautical tradition that’s believed to bring good luck and protection to the ship, and has been going since the 19th century. The ladies chosen to be godmothers can range of members of royal families to your next-door neighbour – every woman’s eligible. For our ship, TUI Skyla, Rosie Brooks is her godmother. Rosie recently set sail on our Magical Danube itinerary. We spoke to her about her TUI River Cruises experience...
When you’ve finished reading, head to the TUI River Cruises homepage to search for your own sailing.
When you’ve finished reading, head to the TUI River Cruises homepage to search for your own sailing.
Hi Rosie, can you give us a quick rundown of your cruise?
The cruise began in Budapest and sailed along the Danube for seven nights. We travelled up to Passau in Germany and back, taking in Bratislava, Krems, Linz and Vienna along the way. Every destination we visited was beyond stunning.
Can you share some of your favourite destinations on the cruise?
The pretty Austrian town of Krems was lovely. It’s famous for its apricots. You’ll find apricot jam, apricot liquor, even apricot shampoo! We also did a daytrip to Salzburg, which is famous as the filming location for The Sound of Music. We went on an amazing walking tour, then enjoyed a delicious lunch that included a dessert called a salzburger nockerl – three soft meringues representing the mountain setting.
I was also really excited about visiting Vienna. Our tour took us up to the stunning Belvedere Palace then around the centre past the concert halls, the Spanish Riding School and Cathedral. In my free time, I visited more Mozart museums, the opera house and the famous Hotel Sacher Wien.
I was also really excited about visiting Vienna. Our tour took us up to the stunning Belvedere Palace then around the centre past the concert halls, the Spanish Riding School and Cathedral. In my free time, I visited more Mozart museums, the opera house and the famous Hotel Sacher Wien.
What were some standout moments for you?
Sailing away from Budapest on the first day was amazing. We all stood on deck with a glass of fizz, and there were audible gasps as the golden Houses of Parliament came into view. On the second night, we sailed away from Bratislava as supper was being served. I don’t think I have ever felt quite so decadent as when raising a glass to the beautiful city as we continued on our journey.
On one day, we were also introduced to the captain, who explained the complexities of navigating the Danube River. I also got to see how locks work during a river cruise, which is something I’d never seen before. Passengers that had river cruised before knew to expect them, but there was excitement amongst the novices like myself! The ship very slowly rises or lowers to meet the level of the next section of river, and it’s so incredible to see and feel while you’re onboard.
Find out more fun river cruise facts
On one day, we were also introduced to the captain, who explained the complexities of navigating the Danube River. I also got to see how locks work during a river cruise, which is something I’d never seen before. Passengers that had river cruised before knew to expect them, but there was excitement amongst the novices like myself! The ship very slowly rises or lowers to meet the level of the next section of river, and it’s so incredible to see and feel while you’re onboard.
Find out more fun river cruise facts
How did you find the food and drink onboard?
Dinner was always delicious. The menu matched each destination, and the chef’s sauerkraut was the best I have ever tasted. I was really impressed by the range of food there was available. For example, when we docked in Passau the menu featured the best sauerkraut I’ve ever tasted.
The way the restaurant is set out is great for solo travellers, too, with tables of all different sizes. By the end of the first supper I had already made lots of new friends.
The way the restaurant is set out is great for solo travellers, too, with tables of all different sizes. By the end of the first supper I had already made lots of new friends.
Tell us a bit about any facilities you used onboard…
I loved the Wellness Area – it’s home to a whirlpool and a sauna, and I tried them out as night fell. There was something incredibly special about relaxing while enjoying the stunning views of the Danube out of the window.
Find out more about TUI Skyla
Find out more about TUI Skyla
Why would you recommend a TUI River Cruises sailing?
After my magical week on the Danube, I would wholeheartedly recommend river cruising. It is a very safe way and comfortable way to holiday as a solo traveller. Plus, it’s amazing to visit so many places and countries in a matter of days.
Does Rosie’s river cruise experience sound up your street?
Check out our river cruise deals. And, for more inspiration, take a look at our essential guide to river cruising and why you should book a solo river cruise.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Rachel Tysoe-Bailey and Ben Staff
Last updated: 26.07.2022
MAIN IMAGE: Rosie Brooks is on the left, our TUI Skyla Godmother.