Tarheel Traveler

Many thanks to all of you who helped me with my questions!  And the photos are fabulous.  

We are on this cruise in October, with the pre-cruise stay in Baden-Baden.  I can't wait!   My husband has Parkinson's and his mobility issues come and go.  We are bringing our strong, adult son along, which will be a big help, and my husband has a walker, but we also know that many excursions will be impossible.  (But hanging around on a beautiful ship is better than staying at home!) Do you remember whether Cochem Castle has a lot of steps?  And were any of the ports only accessible via the sun deck level?  My husband's main problem is steps, and I know that upper level has no elevator. 

I am happy to report that our daughter and her friends had a dreamy trip on the River Beatrice last week and were able to make it from Budapest to Passau. Her photos show the extremely-low levels of the Danube. I am sorry to hear of problems above Passau. All of the low water issues make me wonder why there is not more dredging work being done. Please excuse my ignorance of the issues, but with the incredible German engineering skills available, I wonder why the channel cannot be made deeper?

Our daughter reports that there was a big thunderstorm in Durnstein today. (Their 17-mile bike ride to Melk had to be canceled after three miles! The Uniworld guide found them a wine cellar to get out of the lightning, and the ship picked them up!) They are now in Melk. Maybe the rain will help river levels!

My daughter is currently on the River Beatrice (Uniworld), traveling from Budapest to Passau this week. So far, they have made it from Budapest to Vienna. Fingers crossed that they can continue on to Passau. The crew is telling them that it looks ok. Rain is expected for the next few days, so that will help.

So the Budapest to Passau stretch of the Danube is passable?

Thank you, Captain!

Following this thread for my daughter, who travels on the River Beatrice from Budapest to Passau next week. Thanks for any up-to-date info!