He was the most unaffected self-made man and delighted in his knowledge of just one composer, so my doctor dad would have alighted on Debussy Galore on the Moselle.
Quite why the French fin de siecle musician was his songsmith of choice I should have asked.
In their limited record collection there were no Debussy or any classic LPs, only folk, trad or Irish rebel albums my Mum acquired.
But he would answer every music question on every TV game show with an elongated Debuuuuussy and a big smile.
Whether Parisian Debussy had a special connection with the Moselle, Belgium or the Netherlands is doubtful too.
Claude hopper
But Riverside Luxury Cruises settled on Claude Debussy to carry their name and passengers along the great northern European waterways.
The Riverside Debussy sets sail on July 10 from Trier near the German and Luxembourg border.
And meanders its way for eight days to Amsterdam.
Sing me a Melody
Book with Platinum Travel stay in a Melody Suite for from €3,950pp with a 0% Single Supplement.
Trier where you’ll begin boasts impressive Roman ruins.
You’ll cruise north-east and stop in Bernkastel, a health resort and wine-growing centre.
And join the Rhine at Koblenz, whose distinctive Deutsches Eck (German Corner) houses symbols of German unity.
Continue to see the vibrant Old Town of Dusseldorf and our own recommendation here… take in Little Japan.
Before heading for Antwerp, where more than 70% of the world’s diamonds are traded.
Rotterdam is noted as one of Europe’s great ports and innovative Cube Houses.
And this being the Netherlands windmills, of course, and Zaanse Schans’collection of iconic twirly mills and wooden houses.
Before you disembark in awesome Amsterdam, and you all know how we feel about the great city of arts, bikes and crepes.
Compose yourself
So what’s stopping you if you want the best all-singing, all-dancing way to explore this part of Europe.
It has to be Debussy Galore on the Moselle with Riverside Cruises.
Now while RC will cover everyone on the ship you’ll need to find your own way to Trier.
With hub Frankfurt your airport with all major airlines landing there but Lufthansa our go-to for Germany.
Of course, back in the day when Dad and Mum were honeymooning in these parts that wasn’t an option.
And Dad drove through France, Germany and Belgium… hope Debussy was on the radio.
