Rhine River Cruise

There are journeys that stay in your memory, and then there are those that touch your heart and enrich your soul. I was recently able to experience such an unforgettable journey with Thurgau Travel on the MS Edelweiss. The Swiss family-run company Thurgau Travel is known for its high-quality river cruises and its innovative spirit. The MS Edelweiss, one of the favourite ships of Thurgau Travel fans, was refurbished in spring and now shines in new splendour.

MS Edelweiss – More than a Cruise Ship

The adventure began with the opportunity to get to know the MS Edelweiss in all its splendour. Over the next few days on the water, we were taken care of by a team that looked after our well-being with dedication and commitment. The friendly faces and attentive service made us feel at home right from the start. Every member of staff on board contributed to making this cruise an unforgettable experience. Most of the staff on board have been with Thurgau Travel and the MS Edelweiss for many years and have a close bond with each other. Personally, I would say that it is this camaraderie that adds the perfect finishing touch to the service on board.

Culinary on board the MS Edelweiss

While a river cruise on the Rhine is already an adventure for the senses, the experience is only complete with the delicious culinary delights on board the MS Edelweiss. From exquisite gourmet dishes to local specialities, the culinary variety on board offered an incomparable journey for the taste buds. I was always fascinated by the delicious dishes that came out of the relatively tiny on-board kitchen.

Life on board

During our Rhine cruise on the MS Edelweiss, we experienced a diverse range of entertainment options on board that turned even the longest journeys into unforgettable experiences. During the day, when we couldn’t go ashore, the ship offered a wealth of activities to enjoy. The heated whirlpool on the upper deck was a favourite meeting place to relax and gaze out over the passing scenery. For those who wanted to get active, there was a putting green where we could improve our golfing skills. But simply relaxing in the cabin and looking out of the window was also a relaxing break. The ever-changing panoramic views of the majestic river landscapes along the Rhine provided an unrivalled backdrop for moments of tranquillity. Whether we were actively involved in the on-board entertainment programme or simply enjoying the amenities and the view – the MS Edelweiss is a great place to live.

Cologne

Our first stop was the vibrant city of Cologne, which immediately captivated us with its unmistakable charm. On a humorous tour of the old town, we discovered what makes Cologne so unique – be it the famous songs that unite young and old here or the countless stories that are told about the city and its inhabitants.

Schoonhoven and Rotterdam

The next day took us to Schoonhoven, also known as the “Silver City”. Once docked there, we changed to buses, which took us on to Rotterdam, the architectural centre of the Netherlands. Here we enjoyed a tour of the impressive skyline and visited the Euromast, the highest observation tower in the country.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, welcomed us with open arms and delighted us with its unique blend of history, culture and modern lifestyle. As we strolled through the charming cobbled streets, we immediately felt the vibrant energy of this lively metropolis. From the historic canals spanned by picturesque bridges to the modern architectural jewels along the banks of the IJ, Amsterdam is a city full of contrasts and surprises. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on a relaxing canal cruise, where we discovered the city from a completely new perspective and marvelled at the romantic beauty of the canals.

Keukenhof

The visit to Keukenhof was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip through the Netherlands. As we entered the park, we were greeted by a breathtaking sea of colour consisting of thousands of tulip blossoms. Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is famous for its spectacular flower displays and is considered one of the most beautiful springtime destinations in the world. Here we were able to lose ourselves in a labyrinth of blooms while admiring the different varieties of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers. The artistically designed flowerbeds and themed gardens were a feast for the eyes and invited us to linger and marvel. It was an unforgettable experience to stroll through this blooming paradise and experience the beauty and diversity of nature in all its splendour.

Düsseldorf

Amsterdam marked the northernmost point of our journey. We continued up the river again. On our return journey, we discovered the fascinating industrial history of the Ruhr region during a visit to the Gasometer in Oberhausen. Here we were treated to a breathtaking view over the Ruhr metropolis, followed by a relaxed stroll through the city of Düsseldorf.

Tavelling by boat

All in all, this Rhine cruise with Thurgau Travel was not only a journey through picturesque landscapes and fascinating cities, but also a journey to ourselves. The MS Edelweiss and its dedicated team made this an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a long time. By travelling by boat, I discovered a new way of travelling and I have to say that it has its advantages. Unlike on a road trip where you are constantly lugging suitcases around and standing in hotel lobbies for check-ins and check-outs, on a river cruise the hotel is always travelling with you. A thing I could get used to.