Hello Vienna

An early start Saturday morning as we had to check out from the apartment and get to Gare de L’Est by 9.00. Did it easily! Other than our (already) excess baggage. The 3+ hours to Frankfurt went really quickly as we had so much to look at and the train was a TGV that just sped along.

We had a bit of a wait at Frankfurt that extended to a couple of hours as the train didn’t have any power. In this part of the journey we saw snow for the first time.

 Someone forgot to tell us that Vienna had 4 train stations so we got off at the main one – also the wrong one for our hotel!

Next morning off to meet the cruise people. We had a bit of a wait so took the time to have a wander around Vienna and visit a couple of Christmas Markets. The children were having a wonderful time playing on and with some very ancient toys. At the animal nursery they played in the straw for ages. The merry-go-round was operated by someone riding a bicycle and the train was really children riding bicycles around a track. I love Christmas Markets.

Then off to the boat – it is fantastic. Bigger and even more luxurious that before. The cabin has heaps of room for all our gear, even the suitcases. And there is wifi.

It is beautifully decorated for Christmas. The crew are all very professional and leave nothing to chance.

 Our first meal covered every food group and some accompanied by wine, beer and soft drinks. We could be carrying a few extra kilos that is not in the suitcases at the end of this cruise.