The grand Spanish river cruise that stops at three lesser-visited cities along the way

MY first cruise holiday ticked all the boxes.

Guided land tours and free entry to attractions? Tick. Cuisine that would make even Gordon Ramsay break out in a smile? Tick.

And a super-attentive and talented crew, worthy of BGT auditions?

I was already at the airport gate, for my river adventure exploring the Andalusia region of southern Spain.

I had picked the break, with French operator CroisiEurope Cruises, because I could enjoy new experiences each day and spend as much or as little time on the ship as I desired.

My three-deck, 88-cabin home, MS La Belle de Cadix, was a grand old beauty complete with lovingly polished brass and wooden fittings, as well as a bejewelled, centrepiece chandelier.

With a warm hello from her crew and a cold cocktail in hand, I knew Belle and I would get along just fine from the moment I stepped aboard, ready for my eight-day adventure along the Guadal-quivir River and Atlantic Ocean coast.

Cabins are comfortable and well decorated. Mine was on the upper deck and featured a very comfy double bed, French balcony windows, en-suite power shower, aircon and free wifi.

Downstairs on one of the lower decks is the elegant restaurant where all meals are served throughout the cruise.

The all-inclusive menus, comprising French and international dishes, certainly tickled my tastebuds.

From Chef’s stunning paella and honey-glazed duck breast served on a bed of fresh veg and polenta, to roasted pine-apple with rosemary-and-coconut ice- cream for dessert, every meal time was a fabulous feast.

And for breakfast, a tempting buffet awaits, laden with freshly made pancakes, omelettes, fresh breads, yoghurts, pastries and juices.

The waiting staff only add to the holiday experience, always going above and beyond to make sure you are looked after to the max.

There are also plenty of choices for those with special dietary requirements, although you must give advance details of your needs.

Wine glasses are refilled regularly and coffee comes with a Werther’s Original — a lovely touch.

There is a shiny dance floor with disco ball in the main lounge, which serves cocktails all evening and offers panoramic sea views through its many windows.

Flamenco dancers

The lounge is also where you will be briefed on the day ahead and timings of tours.

But worry not if you miss it — our multilingual manager Monika made a Tannoy announcement each morning to ensure everyone was in the know.

And there is even a volume-control switch if you are still dozing.

The top deck is a great place for relaxing by day or night, with sun loungers, tables and chairs for catch-ups over drinks from the open bar, and a decent-sized pool for a cool dip.

There is even an exercise machine for those who want to work out al fresco.

There is plenty on entertainment, too.

On one of my first nights, I got stuck into a bonding evening where crew introduced themselves to passengers with nicknames that included Elvis, George Clooney and Robert Redford.

And there is something different on each night, from pro flamenco dancers and musicians to karaoke.

At the various ports of call, you take either an organised tour or your own wander into town — your choice.

Of course, the real fun of a river cruise lies in the sightseeing — and there was plenty of that to get stuck into.

I visited the city of Cordoba — by coach ride along olive-flanked roads — and its magnificent mosque-cathedral, a Unesco world heritage site.

I also marvelled at the age-old architecture of Andalusian capital Seville.

A walking tour I took included admission to the stunning Royal Alcazar, Europe’s oldest palace.

Here, I learned how the palace had recently resumed a tradition of gifting the British monarchy a bundle of Seville oranges, which began way back in 1906.

The charming ancient port of Cadiz — with its vibrant culture, imposing golden-domed cathedral and picturesque beaches — was another memorable stop-off during my cruise.

Then there was sherry-tasting at the beautiful Bodegas Osborne in the town of El Puerto de Santa María — tipsy and tasty in equal measure.

But the crowning glory was surely a visit to Granada’s famed Alhambra palace, one of the most famous examples of Islamic architecture.

Our excellent CroisiEurope guides, including Alex and Noemi, imparted knowledge with gusto via handy headsets that you charge in your cabin each night to ensure that you do not miss out on a single nugget the next day.

Lunches beyond the ship are provided in top-notch local restaurants, and down-time allows for shopping or people-watching at cafes.

But of the many sights, sounds and tastes that I experienced, nothing could compare to looking out from my bedroom window over the Atlantic Ocean sparkling in the sunshine.

Mucas gracias, Belle.