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David Pearson had just one reservation about taking the Romantic Danube river cruise...
His wife's new job meant she was unable to take the week off work to join him and David was concerned that the name of the cruise would mean he'd be surrounded by loved-up couples. "I was really worried that I would be lonely," he says. "And with no one to share the experience with, I was concerned I might get a little bored."
But David, managing director of a communications company, needn't have worried. The three books that he carefully packed remained at the bottom of his suitcase, untouched. "I didn't get a moment to read them," explains David, 69. "I was far from the only person travelling alone and found myself surrounded by so many like-minded people that I quickly made wonderful new friends."
David's cruise began in Nuremberg. After exploring Bavaria's second largest city he settled into his cabin. "I was impressed by how spacious the cabin was," he says. "My window looked out on to the river, there was plenty of room for my clothes and the decor was very pleasant."
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A self-confessed workaholic, David was delighted to discover Wi-Fi access in his room. "I hate to feel cut off from the rest of the world, so it was very reassuring to know that I could stay in touch with my wife and work so easily. In the end I barely spent any time in my room. There was a satellite TV but I didn't switch it on once. There were just so many things I wanted to be involved in. In fact, the main thing I did in my cabin was sleep — it was very quiet and there was no engine noise."
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As well as the opportunity to visit the former Nazi parade grounds and the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, David was also able to unwind and enjoy the experience of simply travelling along the Main- Danube canal. "We went through around 20 locks, which I found intriguing to watch in action," he says.
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David admits that he had preconceived ideas about what a cruise would be like. "Ocean cruising has never appealed to me," he says. "It always seemed a little stuffy. But a river cruise sounded really different. I liked the idea of seeing so many different places in such a short period of time."
Having been concerned about feeling isolated, David found the social aspect of the trip as enjoyable as the travelling side of it. "Everyone was so friendly and in such good spirits," he says. "There were people from Europe, America and even a couple from the Bahamas.
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We weren't allocated a set dining table, which meant that I found myself sitting with different people at almost every meal. This made it easy to get chatting and make friends. I'm not a naturally gregarious person, yet I felt very comfortable.
"You'd be talking away, and then someone would call out: 'Hey look at that castle,' or: 'Quick, get your camera out.' We passed some amazing sights, and there was always someone close by to share them with. Though, of course, if you wanted a little quiet time alone the ship really is huge, with plenty of places you can slip off to."
David particularly enjoyed going to sleep in one place and waking up somewhere new.
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"I woke in Regensburg, followed by Passau and then Melk. It was wonderful to wake refreshed and find myself in a whole new environment."
He also thoroughly enjoyed absorbing the culture and got an awful lot out of the daily guided tours. "These were in small groups of, say, 15 to 20 people, so you didn't feel swamped. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and their English was marvellous. I found that side of the trip great."
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David says that he returned home feeling sad the trip was over. "I loved the constant variety. The on-board entertainment — which included a pianist and several fascinating lectures — added to the experience.
"I'm now determined to take another river cruise, only this time with my wife so that we can enjoy every moment of it together."
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