Like the other riverboats, she is plain on the outside, but inside, no expense has been spared to provide her passengers with a truly luxurious experience.  Launched in 2008, the 102-passenger, 35-metre (442 ft.) boat is said to be the most luxurious ship to ply the waterways of Europe.

It all starts with the friendly “welcome aboard”.  The Premicon Queen is a German ship, but all the staff speak English, in addition to a variety of other languages.  Boarding formalities are courteous and swift and soon passengers are being shown to their cabins. 

There are four categories of accommodation: Mini Suites, Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites and Queen Suites. 

These range from 16 sq. metres (172 sq. ft.) in the Mini to 30 sq. metres (323 sq.ft) in the Queen. 

All have double beds, two comfortable chairs and a table, satellite flatscreen TV, mini bar, telephone, safe, wireless internet connection and individually adjustable temperature controls, while generous closets provide plenty of space for the storage of possessions.

In all except the Mini Suites (which have round windows), two French doors with floor-length glass panes can be opened the entire width of the room, providing fresh air and panoramic views of the passing scenery. The marble bathrooms offer natural light, showers, under-floor heating, shaving mirrors and hairdryers, while amenities by L’Occitane confirm that the trip is going to be first-class all the way.

The DeLuxe Suites are 22 sq. metres (237 sq. ft).  They differ from the Junior Suites in their increased space and the fact that the beds are positioned diagonally to allow for direct views through the panorama doors. Guests can order breakfast from room service and watch the Rhine slip past from the comfort of their beds.

And then there are the Queen Suites.  These are indeed ‘suites’ with separate living and sleeping spaces, the French-style balcony and a second balcony equipped with two chairs and a table, bathtubs as well as a separate shower and separate toilets.  The suites boast three flatscreen televisions, one of which is in the bathroom.  Movies while enjoying a lavish bubble bath anyone?  And then there’s your butler, a special member of staff whose function it is to attend solely to the wishes of the passengers in the Queen Suites. 

Once settled in their cabins, passengers are always keen to explore the rest of the ship.

The elegant public rooms are so clean they appear to be glittering, with their glass staircases, shiny chrome, rich woods, modern furniture and trendy flower arrangements. 

One can choose to view the river from the upper deck or the inner observation lounge and bar called the Theatron.   It is here that the evening entertainment takes place; perhaps a classical musical event or a duo singing and flirting together (mostly in German … but that’s to be expected … on the evening I was on board, they certainly made attempts to include the English-speaking groups in the fun).  When their performance was over the pianist continued to entertain and many passengers took to the little dance floor.
 
The high-ceiling dining room, with its white linen cloths and sparkling crystal glasses, reveals the passing scene from its wrap-around windows, but the food here vies with the scenery for everyone’s attention. 

Meals are innovative and delicious with offerings drawn from world cuisines, together with a vegetarian selection at each meal.  But, should nothing appeal, passengers may consult with Chef, who will create almost any dish requested. 

It goes without saying that there’s a wide choice of wines too. 

And then there’s the service.  If I tell you that you are not permitted to carry your own plate from the breakfast buffet to your table, perhaps that will give you some idea of the level of attention your clients will receive. 

There’s also 24-hour room service available, as well as a salon (for those who wish to smoke a cigar and, perhaps, enjoy a whisky or cognac) and a Viennese café for specialty coffees and, perhaps, a slice of Sacher torte.

The ship has an elevator, which means that almost every area is handicapped accessible.  The only exception is the five steps down to the restaurant, but there are many helpers at hand to help those with limited mobility or wheelchairs. 

A twin-cruiser engine system – meaning the power unit is separated from the rest of the boat – almost completely excludes any noise or vibration.

There’s a Wellness Centre on board for those who wish to exercise or indulge in a massage or merely relax in the hot tub, again watching the passing scenery through the one-way glass which ensures you cannot be seen from outside!
      
And then, of course, there is the ‘outside’ itself. 

Castles high atop soaring cliffs or steep hillsides, vine-covered terraces sloping down to the shore and flower-bedecked villages with their quaint olde-worlde architecture.  During my short trip on the Rhine we passed the Lorelei Rock, at which point the ship’s resident singer came on deck to sing the famous, haunting song and waiters moved amonst us offering glasses of champagne while several elderly couples did a little dance. 

The Premicon Queen cruises year round with a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Mosel and Danube Rivers, covering dozens of European destinations from Amsterdam to Basel or Budapest, travelling through the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. 

New for 2010 are some special theme cruises.  ‘Digital Travel Photography’ or ‘Excusive Golfing’ will provide guests with the opportunity to combine their hobbies with a luxurious riverboat cruise.

Your clients can choose five- and six-day cruises or a mini cruise for three or four days.  All trips can be booked in either direction – upsteam or downstream – or a combination. 

Excursions are offered in each area, ranging from city tours to helicopter flights to wine-tastings in tiny villages, while the ‘deep of pocket’ can arrange for a limousine with guide to take them exploring independently and the active can rent bicycles.

On evenings spent in cities, the on-board concierge will have tickets available for the cultural highlights of each city.  Or, of course, guests may remain on board and enjoy a leisurely dinner and the entertainment provided there.

If your clients request the very best in European riverboard cruising, the Premicon Queen is the answer.  www.premiconqueen.de