Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking lives and livelihoods. Many homes, restaurants, shops and even entire villages were swept away by torrential flooding and landslides. High winds took down trees that blocked roadways and destroyed houses. The death toll now stands at more than 230, with many more missing.
Guests at the Biltmore Estate had to be rescued by boat, something that no one could ever have imagined happening at George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre estate. The region’s recovery will take months, perhaps years.
So, where does that leave us? Luckily, we were able to depart for our planned Dream Cruise from Amsterdam. We endured the first few days of the storm and caught one of the first flights out of Asheville. It was with relief that we boarded AmaPrima in Amsterdam, and now we’re more than halfway through what has already proven to be a memorable river cruise.
We’re enjoying the company of 36 River Cruise Advisor readers who joined us on this journey, along with the other passengers onboard. There have been many laughs and many unforgettable moments. We feel honored to have brought our group together for shared experiences and the enduring camaraderie that often accompanies group travel.
We will all leave with a new wealth of knowledge garnered by our tour guides as we explored unfamiliar destinations, such as the ancient Roman city of Trier. The cherry on top has been the dedicated staff on AmaPrima. They perform their duties with grace and warmth and leave us longing for nothing as we travel along in our floating boutique hotel.
We’re writing to you from The Chef’s Table, the panoramic aft dining room on AmaPrima. We are transiting the Rhine Gorge, after having spent several days on the beautiful Moselle river. The sky has been moody and overcast but for the most part we’ve avoided rain. The vineyards and forests are showing their autumn colors. This morning, the Rhine appears as crinkled aluminum foil as the sun glistens on its surface.
Through the Rhine Gorge, our wonderful cruise manager, Jasmina Pastragus, narrated, informing us about the attractions that we were passing such as the Hostile Brothers Castles and the famed Lorelei. Jasmina adds an energetic and informed perspective to our trip.
There is so much more to say about this incredible voyage, but we are trying to soak in every moment before the journey ends. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks, and we’re already thinking of next year’s Dream Cruise on the Rhone. And though our hearts are with our friends and family back home as they recover from the catastrophe, we could not think of a better place to be, with new and old friends on Europe’s storied rivers.
P.S. Many of you have reached out to ask how you could help with the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Blue Ridge Public Radio provides a list of organizations for anyone looking to provide assistance. Thank you for your thoughts and concerns. They mean the world to us.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.
