‘Mystery boat tour’ - how I made friends and explored cities, castles and gardens on my first river cruise

A rearranged itinerary didn’t spoil a first river cruise for our writer – it only improved it

Amy Donohoe with the Debussy ship, Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Amy Donohoe

I said ahoy in April as I set sail on the Debussy, a Riverside Luxury Cruises ship, where I was wined and dined for four nights.

From arriving off the plane, guests are treated like royalty. Reared far from anything luxurious, I was shocked and surprised to be greeted on my arrival with a warm towel, my bags being taken to my room and a bottle of champagne, chocolates, and a handwritten welcome note from the staff onboard.