We pulled up to the dock and the first thing that I saw was the shear size of the vessel.

I knew she only carried around 202 passengers at capacity so to my mind I was expecting this small boat. Well let me tell you pictures are very deceiving, river cruise ships are so much longer and wider than I had realized.

The A Rosa tinted glasses were on immediately as we set foot on board we were greeted with a stunning red rose. The boat is immaculate and felt warm and inviting.

The bars and restaurant facilities were sensational and it immediately felt like home.

We were given our cards to our cabin located on deck 2 just one floor below the main deck and on the same deck as reception.

It was the perfect cabin offering whats referred to as a French Balcony. Think of this as a set of double doors that fold in-woods with a railing on the exterior so you can enjoy the fresh air and fully take in The French scenery.

Bathrooms are immaculate and offers products so there is no need to bring your own.

They do offer port hole cabins which have two circular windows and are still set above the water line.

There are 4 inter connecting family cabins and they do offer a kids go free program which is popular in the summer months.

We got to know the staff very well by the end of the trip and I was personally impressed by the smiles on staffs faces and the efforts that were made to speak to guests in multiple languages.

The roof terrace is fantastic and offers the best views on the ship to fully take in the river, we had a few rainy days so getting up there in the sunshine was a huge treat.

There is a spa on board with sauna and Jacuzzi as well as state of the art gym equipment that overlook the water.

Its worth a mention that our German cousins are a little more open with their expression of the naked form and they tend to use the sauna in less cloths then you might expect.

I especially enjoyed our ship visit to the captains quarters at the forward of the boat.

The food on-board was typically of a very high standard however it was German and French cuisine meaning us Brits need to have an open mind as some sources and cheeses can be very different.

All food on board is a buffet set up other than a special €14.50 three course menu served once per cruise with each dish having a locally produced wine paring.

I was most impressed by the locations, with River cruising you get to visit smaller towns and cities, and when you dock you are right the city center.

Our shore excursion guides in Rouen, Vernon and Paris were extremely knowledgeable and knew all about the history of the Cities we visited.

We only experienced 5 days on-board as part of a short French Rivers experience but I would honestly recommend it to anyone who will listen. River cruising especially with A Rosa is a wonderful, warm and homely way to see the best of a country.

I would imagine an experience on the Danube would be just as captivating.

The key to River cruising for me is about relaxation, taking life at a slower pace and taking the time to visit unique and off the beaten track travel is at it’s heart.

It’s all about company and sharing precious life moments with loved ones, whats interesting is most of A Rosa’s winter cruises sail with less than 202 passengers usually around 170 people so its small and intimate and very much gives you the opportunity to enjoy the company of like minded seasoned travelers.

To sum up my experience on board my first river cruise ship, well it left me wanting more, a new desire to discover new cities and come back with more photos and memories.

Look out for my next River cruise blog in 2 weeks time where ill be discussing all the River cruise tips I picked up.