If “swank” is your preferred mode of travel, consider booking a cruise on the brand-spanking-new Premicon Queen. This river-cruising ship will raise anchor for its first sailing on June 28, 2008, from Düsseldorf, Germany, en route to Basel, Switzerland. From there on, the Premicon Queen will ply the waters of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers on cruises from two to 10 nights long.

What’s so special about this particular boat? According to its brochure, its exclusive features include a glass-enclosed gourmet restaurant offering panoramic views from three sides, a wellness area with whirlpool, a Viennese café, and a putting green. The ship will hold 106 pampered passengers, who can opt for a range of supplemental services such as limousine transfers or shore excursions by helicopter.

The price? That old chestnut “If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it,” most likely applies here. For information regarding cruise costs, you’ll have to inquire directly. For contact details, click here or call (+49) (0)221-2088-500.