Sunday 30 November 2025 London to Strasburg

Up at 5am for the short walk to the station to meet Howard the Great Rail rep at the Great Rail Journeys (GRJ) office, This is on the upper floor of  the Eurostar terminal
  by the departure platforms.
GRJ provide a rep to escort each group to the the boat, in this case there were four reps and four groups. Once we had been introduced to our leader and got our onward tickets it was down stairs to find somewhere for breakfast  before checking in for the 0801AM. train to Paris. 
Passing through passport control was much slower with a photo and fingerprints being taken at the French boarder control booths. 
For once the train was on time leaving and actually arrived in Paris on time.  Howard lead us all in Crocodile formation for the short walk down to Gare de l’Est to wait for our train to Strasburg which was also spot on time . Luckily the weather was fine.  Once we found our carriage, I think we walked half way to Strasburg we found we had upper deck seats which gives a far better view as you travel through the countryside. This is the norm for GRJ.  
We arrived in Strasbourg in the rain, outside the station the coaches were waiting for us, unfortunately the drivers weren't. When they finally turned up it was a short drive to our boat, the Amadeus Silver II. Howard ensured we were safely on board before he headed off back to London.
On board we were welcomed by Karen and Lorraine the GRJ Cruise Director and Cruise manager. GRJ had charted the whole boat and therefore organised all the excursions as well as making sure all the passengers needs were met whereas some tour companies will just book a number of cabins.
The ship’s crew showed us to our cabins and delivered our bags. We were on the lower of the three decks with our non opening window not far above the water level.
Before dinner we had the normal safety and information meeting before going down to the restaurant for our first four course meal with unlimited wine. The menu was different every night and the food first class. For us and many others it was off to bed after a long day, the boat remained moored in Strasburg that night and we slept well.