My latest break was on a Viking River Cruise on the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers. This was our first River cruise which turned out to be quite unforgettable in many ways, some good and some not. I will explain further. Sigh!

Three photos below are of our ship the Viking Ve which was longer than it was wide with a flat bottom. It was too long to get into one photo. It carried a large staff that catered to our every need. They were outstanding! I hated to say goodbye to them all but it’s back to reality and cooking, cleaning and washing clothes! Phew! We were quite spoiled.

Our itinerary took us to four countries- Hungary, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands. We flew to Zurich from Boston then onto Budapest where the ship was docked. It was quite exciting to see it and get onboard. The staff was so welcoming and friendly. Soon we were all feeling like the ship was our home away from home.

We had a fascinating driver who picked us up to bring us to the ship. His knowledge was extensive since Budapest was his home. He set the stage as he shared his country with us. We learned that Budapest was two cities Buda and Pest at one time and became one but are still known as individual cities that are completely different. Buda being more of a developed hub of activity while Pest is more rural and farmlands.

This trip was relaxing and entertaining with all the excursions offered, some that came with the price while others were optional. There really is too much to share about it all but the photos I post here are from each country.

We met some wonderful people and made some new friends, shared laughs at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and hope to keep in touch. Here are some snaps I took of food we had, which was a little rich for me and my stomach wasn’t too happy one night. I was taken care of by Bryan, dining manager, who helped me with my choices. He accommodated my likes and dislikes with adjustments in the menu. Bryan snapped this selfie below at an angle.

One night they served a German meal and dressed up in costumes of the area. Fun night with beer and pretzels too! I don’t drink beer but had some wine instead. Wine and beer are included in the price during lunch and dinner only unless you purchase the all inclusive drink package. I am not a drinker having only one glass of wine a day.

Here are some photos of the different places we visited beginning with Budapest, then, Austria (in the rain), Germany (four places), and finally The Netherlands with the windmills.

The only problems we had on this wonderful trip were that I got sick from an allergy to a spice in the the food one night and we both got colds from the cold and rainy day spent in Vienna, Austria another day. We got home recently and still have colds which we hope will pass soon. Other than these issues it was an enjoyable trip which would have been even better without our sickness. Many others on the trip got colds too from that day.

We were happy with everything Viking did except that there are no stores on board to purchase any needed medical supplies for our colds nor do they have a clinic or doctor available. One must leave the ship to find a doctor or clinic for treatment. A couple of passengers did just that. We did find an apothecary in Germany where we purchased cough drops, paracetamol (like Tylenol) and some cold remedy once we explained to the pharmacist our symptoms. They were very helpful and understanding.

We have made plans, however, for a Viking Ocean Cruise next year. The differences will be that there will most likely be a doctor and clinic on board, stores to shop for items needed, shows at night and other activities. The river cruise does not have any shows and is relaxing at night with just some music in the lounge.

We did have a problem on our return home to Boston Airport – one of our suitcases was lost along with many others from the same flight. A day later it showed up at our door, thank goodness! I was a wreck even though it was full of dirty clothes, it also carried some of our shoes and other important things. Sigh! Now onto washing more clothes! That’s the toughest part of coming home!! Sigh! But it is always good to be home. I missed my bed and pillow and or course our fish. They were happy to see us too.

Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Feel free to come back soon.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE