A cruise with a difference on the Danube in central Europe

Aida Austin explores the Baroque heritage and scenic landscape of central Europe with a luxurious river cruise on the Danube.

So here I am, on board the cruise ship S.S. Maria Theresa at 11 in the morning, ensconced in a velvet sofa with a glass of champagne and a posh chocolate truffle.It’s all a bit overwhelming and it’s not just the champagne — I’ve only had a thimbleful.

This ship is totally and completely off-its-box baroque; like the result of a think-tank on luxury supervised by Elton John, Liberace and a shepherd who’s always lived in a field, only just this second found out he’s won the Lotto and working through a fantasy of his future comforts.