14 December 2015

My journey began stepping from my taxi at the dock in Nuremberg to see this beautiful new ship, The Emerald Sun. I did not need to lift a finger as I was greeted by staff who whisked my luggage away to my suite. Boarding the ship along the "Red Carpet", again I was greeted by an array of smiling faces welcoming me on board with a hot hand towel and hot fruity tea which was welcoming on such a cold winter's day. Immediately I felt comfortable and at home. The décor and furnishings of the ship was stunning. I knew straight I was going to love this ship and this new experience ! The check-in could not of been smoother and I was escorted to my suite, to be greeted by beautiful accommodation and a floor to ceiling window ( that opens half way to give you a feel of a balcony), that would be my personal viewing platform for some of the most beautiful scenery that would be coming my way! Then it was up to the Horizon Lounge ( which would be the place we would spend every night in !), to have some light lunch and meet my fellow colleagues. As we sailed along The River Danube, our first port of call was Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour we got the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights, then we hit the Christmas market and of course purchases had to be made ! That evening a traditional Bavarian band entertained us which was brilliant especially the yodeling ! The next day we arrived in to the city of Passau, lots of narrowed alleys and cobbled streets. We decided to take the coach tour over the border in to the Czech Republic to the beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site which has been preserved as an example of medieval life . But travelling through the forests and the winter wonderland only added more magic to this lovely day. Driving back we crossed over the border again but this time into Austria to board the ship in the city of Linz. The next day we arrived into Melk , situated in a wine growing region of Austria. We visited Stift Melk, the 900 year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Then it was time the next day to visit the capital of Austria, Vienna, with a coach and walking tour of the city, where we saw the world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It is also known as the “City Of Music “ along with Dreams and Waltzes ! After our tour it was time to get to the Christmas Markets, and there were quite a few, we managed three, and of course sampled the glue wein ! We then had a fabulous evening when we had an exclusive classic concert at the Stift Klosterneuburg performed by The Vienna Imperial Orchestra, it was a truly magical event. The next day we arrived into the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava ,where we had a walking tour of the city taking in the sights of the Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. On our final day we arrived in to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, and what an arrival as we sailed in, absolutely breath taking ! We had a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. And on our final night we had an evening cruise along the Danube passing under the city’s numerous bridges while in the Horizon Lounge we were entertained by a Hungarian folk band and dancers, it was a fabulous evening! It was very sad to leave this lovely ship and all the staff who made the week for all of us a truly memorable experience , and I thank each and every one of them and the staff from Emerald Waterways. For the week we were onboard the Emerald Sun, we were looked after so well, nothing was too much trouble and the cuisine and service was superb. This was my first experience of River Cruising and I can honestly say I am now and truly hooked ! I shall certainly be looking to book my own holiday River Cruising ,( the 18 day Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong River is very tempting ! ), but also will be highly recommended it to my clients, a magical experience not to be missed and a great way to tour Europe and other parts of the world.