Bailey Swedishfish

The funicular is closed for major repairs. That was a month ago and it looked like a long project.

Yes, but we have a night in Bucharest and so no one will actually be going from the airport to the ship unless they have trouble with their flights and arrive late for the start of the trip. We will have to make the 2 hour drive between Bucharest and Guirgu, but at least it won't be after a long plane ride and it will be as part of the itinerary.

When you depart the ship in Guirgu, you are on a large motorcoach that includes a tour guide. They will give you a tour of the area, and there are stops in Bucharest (a lovely park with authentic historic homesites) and a stop for lunch and a walking tour of the old town/Parliament (you choose--we opted for the old town. Parliament is a big ugly 80s building with a lot of empty rooms and missing light bulbs) and you don't get to your hotel til around 3-4PM. It's a full day of sightseeing.

If you are starting in Bucharest, expect the same itinerary in reverse.

We've done 4 Viking cruises (Rhine, Danube, Main, Danube) and we've encountered very few smokers or cigar smokers. They are intermittent and not bothersome. My BIGGER aggravation are all the smokers in Europe. It's amazing to me how many people smoke, how many bars and restaurants till permit smoking and in Germany, I was floored by they cigarette machines at child-eye level without any method to prevent young people from buying them.

Do you have your flight arrival time yet? Typically you don't get into Budapest until later in the afternoon where you are picked up at the airport and then driven about 25-30 minutes (depending on traffic) to the ship. There may be a large bus or several vans awaiting you at the airport--we had two ships at once in BUD on our trip last month so there were three big busses.

Viking docks at the base of the famous Chain Bridge. You are within a very short walk to most of everything in the old city including St. Stephan's, the Parliament, Castle Hill (walk across the bridge) and St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, the Market Hall and other sites.

This was our second trip to BUD. We had a 3 day stay on our first cruise (at Christmas) and this trip we had 2 1/2 days. We did not participate in the city tours offered by Viking as we prefer to strike out on our own. We purchased a 24 hour transit pass and we jumped on and off busses and metros and subways, which was a blast.

By the time you travel all night and day, get bussed to the ship, get checked in and find you way around, you will have a few hours before dinner to explore. Also, when you depart, be sure to be topside. It's SPECTACULAR sailing under the beautiful bridge and then past the Parliament building. Viking departs at night so the show is worth the price of admission.

Viking does provide a light lunch depending on your arrival on the ship. Having just come off overnight flights where Delta feeds you mountains of bread and sandwiches and crackers and cheese, I'm usually not too hungry until dinner! :-)

Budapest is my favorite city in Europe so far. It's beautiful, walkable, friendly, super affordable and there is a LOT to do. I am super excited to be back in BUD again this December (their Christmas markets are the best. Hand's down) for another Viking Cruise (2nd time doing the Danube Waltz Christmas Market trip) but we will not be doing a pre-extension this time. We opted for 3 days post-in Prague.

Have fun on your trip!!!

Having travelled twice on Viking, I've complained both times about the beds. We have a memory foam mattress at home, so I'm spoiled, but the Viking beds are platform, with a single mattress on top. I find them too thin and hard and had pressure points after the second night. I would wake up several times a night and struggle to find a comfortable spot. My back was giving me grief in the mornings and (as a side sleeper) my hips would ache.

I had heard someone on our first ship, the Magni, had requested a foam topper from Viking and it was on their bed upon arrival.

Good Morning, We are taking our first river cruise in Dec. 2014. We have a family member that is interested in going but is worried about how much rocking the ship will be doing. My only experience is ocean cruises so I am not sure what to tell them. Anybody experienced that can give input it would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Thanks

We cruised the Danube in December--Budapest to Passau on Viking. NO rocking. In fact, we barely knew the ship was moving. The only time you notice anything is the faint bumping the ship makes when in a lock. But nothing at all to give someone seasickness or motion sickness.

Made it home safe and sound. The trip was lovely--we had a great time. I hope everyone conciders taking a Christmas Market cruise at some point. We did encounter some fog and heavy overcast weather, and a few towns were pretty quiet (shops closed for the season) however..I felt like we had the run of many places as we had them to ourselves. The Markets are wonderful--loved chatting with the locals and enjoying all the wonderful foods (and drinks!)

Everyone on board was wonderful. Our program director was Marek and he was a hoot.

If I have to nitpick--the beds are very hard and I found it odd that we never had sheets. Our bed was made with a fitted sheet and topped with a comforter. No flat sheet. But otherwise, it was great!

Sadly no snow. Heavy dense impenetrable fog! No sightseeing in the Wachau valley...couldn't even see the banks of the river. Nice trip to Melk Abbey (bonus of this season? No crowds!) leisurely stroll back to boat.

I am sitting out the Salzburg trip today. This head cold has morphed into a sinus infection and I needed a day of flaking out and not gallivanting in fog a drizzle. Sent my disappointed hubby to take pictures for me. Ah-choo!

Good morning!

My husband and I are in Vienna on day three of our Budapest to Passau Christmas market cruise in the Magni.

We arrived at the Budapest airport on Sunday for our early extension at Le Meridian. Someone on another Viking cruise grabbed one of our suitcases but it was recovered the next afternoon. whew! Le Meridian is lovely and elegant and right next yo the biggest of Budapests markets. French Press coffee every morning and warm gluwine every afternoon. If you are considering an extension, definitely spend the time in Budapest. It's a very easy to walk city with tons of interesting and historic sights. The Chain Bridge, Castle hill, The Churches and Underground Hospital are all worth the visit. Others we've met went to the Terror Museum and big city market and enjoyed those too. Try and get a dinner in as Rezkaka...fabulous upscale Hungarian with an excellent Gypsy trio.

The weather has been mid-20s to mid 30s. No sun, low clouds, humid. Some fog. There is a light dusting of snow in Vienna this morning.

Bratislava's Christmas market was quite lively with bands and lots if people ice skating under the huge Christmas tree. Delicious food, great deals and hot apple wine.

Life aboard ship is pretty leisurely. Hand sanitizer stations set up. Staff very nice, we love the Program Director Marek, who is Slovakian. Beds are hard, and the toilets vacuum flush which van be pretty loud when the neighbors go at 2am. Lots of storage under the bed for stowing luggage. Food is plentiful and good. The other guests are mostly retires, however we (51 and 52) have found other couples of similar vintage to chat and eat with. There are a few families with kids.

The bad? I caught a cold and the tissue on the ship is like wrapping paper. Hard and not absorbant. Ouch. The public areas are also chilly. Others were complaining so I know it's not just me.

Other than that, we are having a blast. Barring unforeseen issues, I'd give this trip an 8 out of 10 so far.