La Belle de Cadix Activities

3.5 / 5.0
3 reviews
Editor Rating
2.0
Poor
Entertainment
Kelsy Chauvin
Contributor

Entertainment & Activities

Life onboard is generally low-key, with plenty of free time to relax, socialize and take in the scenery. With only the Lounge Bar large enough for indoor gatherings, most passengers find themselves in interior common areas where they might play board games or browse the internet; or outside on the bow or stern terraces, or sun deck (which is half shaded) with a drink, friends or a good read. Don't expect a lot of enrichment activities onboard.

The landscape along the Guadalquivir River is mostly flat and grassy, so binoculars or a camera with a long lens may be a good addition for bird-watchers or nature fans.

Shore Excursions

CroisiEurope offers guided tours in each of its port cities along the Guadalquivir River and Gulf of Cadiz, and a few that are reachable by bus. Every excursion is offered in English, French and Spanish, and separated into different tour groups.

For American passengers, all excursions are included with the overall cruise price upon booking. However, they are offered the option of upgrading to special "Discovery" packages for an added fee, replacing standard tours with excursions that may include wine and cheese explorations, helicopter rides and bike tours.

For the most part, each excursion is led by a different local, licensed tour guide who will speak in one dedicated language. Announcements are made to help passengers gather and depart the ship on time, and all passengers are offered a water bottle to-go on their way out, and a welcome beverage upon their return. The excursions vary in length from a few hours, to a half- or full-day experience. They usually involve a few hours walking around historic cities, and the crew is conscientious about informing people about potential mobility issues that might limit access to attractions due to stairs, cobblestones, etc.

Daytime and Evening Entertainment

Afternoon group activities may include bingo, trivia and other games that work well for a ship of mixed languages. Evening entertainment is usually planned for one or two nights during a weeklong cruise, typically a musical guest and dancing. The main Lounge Bar and stern Panorama Bar are always open for cards, board games and socializing (though typically the Panorama Bar is more active after dinner).

Enrichment

Educational activities are found mainly during shore excursions, so this ship opts not to dedicate space and time for onboard lectures or workshops.


La Belle de Cadix Bars and Lounges

As a relatively compact river cruise vessel, the ship offers only the main Lounge Bar and smaller Panorama Bar on the Upper Deck stern for its wine, beer and cocktail social areas. Both lounges are lined with huge windows and offer plenty of comfy chairs and sofas. Passengers are welcome to order at the bar any time, and servers will gladly deliver their drinks to the outside patios including the full-ship-length sun deck.

Lounge Bar (Middle Deck): The Lounge Bar is located on the Middle Deck toward the bow, and serves as the ship's main gathering space hosting all of the onboard entertainment and crew introductions. It also offers a few tables and chairs on the bow's outdoor terrace. There is no set happy hour, but passengers generally gather there after shore excursions, and before and after dinner. Wine, beer and spirits are included; the only alcoholic beverage choices with an added charge are wines on the special menu.

Panorama Bar (Upper Deck): The Panorama Bar is quiet all day -- though passengers pass through it on their way to the stern's outside terrace. The space tends to come alive after dinner.


La Belle de Cadix Outside Recreation

Perhaps it's the laid-back context of Andalusia, but the ship is outfitted more for relaxation than for action. There are board games and cards to be played, and lounge chairs perfect for reading and chatting; but no jogging track or exercise equipment onboard.


La Belle de Cadix Services

The friendly and accommodating crew members are welcoming from the moment passengers arrive, and make every effort to ensure basic and special needs are handled promptly. The guest reception team will hold luggage for those checking in early, answer questions in a variety of languages and share advice about the destinations along the itinerary. Wi-Fi on this ship is complimentary and only available in the reception area and Lounge Bar, which also is where guests will find additional books, magazines, daily news and games. As a smaller river vessel, La Belle de Cadix has very limited space and does not offer laundry service onboard -- so plan accordingly.

Spa & Fitness

La Belle de Cadix does not have a spa or fitness facilities.

For Kids

The ship is open to passengers of all ages, as are all CroisiEurope cruises, and staff will accommodate parents' and children's special needs. The company offers discounts for children under 10, and organizes "family cruises" during summer months for a few of its routes, including Spain. However, smaller children are unlikely to enjoy such a laid-back, mature, culturally enriching cruise experience aboard La Belle de Cadix's voyage through Andalusia, so most passengers fall into older age brackets, generally over 50 years old (with some exceptions).

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