In the past we have talked about river cruise options; what they are like, difference between river and ocean cruising, who would like them and more. Today we begin a day-by-day account of a Viking River Cruise that sails from Passau, Germany to Budapest Hungary.
Like holiday ocean cruise sailings, river ship sailings at that fall on Christmas are premium-priced and sell out early, thus our sailing the second week of December. Still, the Christmas markets of Europe are famous worldwide as an international symbol of the season as we found out our first day in Passau, Germany.
Flying from Orlando to Munich via Washington D.C. and a near miss on flights, it was a motorcoach ride through the German countryside that brought us back to Passau. A favorite stop on our August sailing of Viking Odin, I was expecting a bit different scene in December and got it. Colorful flower boxes were replaced with seasonal evergreens. The hot summer day turned cold. The focus of clothing went from shorts with a light shirt to long pants and a coat.
Still, the beauty of Passau in a different season is undeniable as is our initial impression of our next Viking longship, Viking Skadi.Sail where we may, the ship is still our home away from home for a while; the place we lay our heads at night. During the enchanting Christmas season this one looks to be a perfect fit for exploring the Christmas Markets of Europe.