Although not originally infatuated with the lulls of the river, well-known Australian television presenter Deborah Hutton is a true river cruise convert.
Read on to learn more about why she can't imagine any other way to holiday and discover her favourite excursions along with something surprising she discovered on her first cruise.
Deborah will host a food, wine and wellness cruise with Avalon Waterways in 2016
"I was asked to be the godmother of Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Illumination and my first river cruise with them was in 2014. We cruised from Vienna to Budapest and the itinerary excited me; I’d never spent time in that part of Europe before.
"It was so much better than I’d anticipated. What I found surprising was the size of the suites. I’d only ever experienced small staterooms. I loved opening the floor-to-ceiling doors and taking in the view.
"The shore excursions were a big highlight for me. I got to explore gorgeous medieval villages, and discover little bars and restaurants to sit in and people watch. My most memorable shore excursion was a bike ride into the tiny town of Durnstein along the Danube in Austria.
"I’m a bit of a foodie so eating on board was a delight. Don’t even talk to me about the local wines! I was in heaven and got to learn much more about the wines around the Wachau Valley.
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River cruising allows deeper immersion in a region's food and wine (Image: Getty)
"Travel to me is about relaxing and exploring. River cruising fulfils this because I unpack once, don’t need to organise a thing and am enticed onshore by the idea of exploring new exciting destinations.
"My next dream river cruise is my own: the Balance by Deborah Hutton ‘Food, Wine and Wellness’ Cruise with Avalon Waterways through France in August 2016.
"What some people may not realise about river cruising is that seniors and retirees shouldn’t have all the fun. Age isn’t a barrier to enjoy river cruising. My cruise next year is designed for people, like me, who love the good things in life."
