In 2009 Swan Hellenic is returning to river cruising, offering a season of
river cruises on the Danube and four further river cruises on the Rhone.The spring and summer/autumn river cruise programme will operate 10
night itineraries on the Danube and seven night itineraries on the
Rhone. A unique 13 night Christmas cruise for 2009/10 cruise will also
be available on the Danube, which will further extend the river
programme.
Swan Hellenic Chairman, Lord Sterling, comments:
We have carefully reviewed the river cruise market in Europe and decided
that our best partner will be A-ROSA, which already has an excellent
river cruise programme on the Danube and the Rh™ne.  Being well
acquainted with A-ROSA from earlier years when they were part of the P&O
Group, we are confident of delivering a memorable Swan Hellenic travel
experience.  A-ROSA’s excellent reputation of providing an ocean going
quality of service on board their river boats complements Swan
Hellenic’s hallmark travel experience of travelling in comfort and
style.
Swan Hellenic Managing Director, Anthony Dyson, comments:
With a maximum number of 100 cabins accommodating just 200 passengers,
these river boats offer elegant, spacious cabins, most of which have
Juliette (French) balconies.  I am confident that these low passenger
numbers and the high standard of accommodation, combined with first
class food produced by specially selected Chefs de Cuisine, will appeal
to Swan Hellenic passengers. Swan Hellenic will continue to offer an
inclusive fare package including a full programme of excursions and all
tips on board and ashore and, as on our ocean going ship Minerva, a Swan
Hellenic Cruise Director will accompany each cruise.  To complete the
Swan Hellenic travel experience, a specially selected Guest Speaker(s)
will travel on each cruise, their knowledge and insights illuminating
your cruise through the heart of Europe; local speakers and musicians
will further enhance your travel experience. The Danube cruises embark
and disembark in Vienna visiting cities such as Budapest, Melk, Linz and
Passau with two nights in Vienna; and the cruises along the Rh™ne and
Sa™ne, embark and disembark in Lyon to discover historic cities such as
M‰con and Chalon-sur-Sa™ne with overnights in Avignon and Arles.  One
particular highlight will be the opportunity of spending Christmas Day
in Vienna and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Budapest. River
cruise prices start from £1,499 on the Rhone and £2,199 on the Danube
with early booking discounts available too.
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