Joyce and I just returned from a Danube River cruise aboard the MV Mozart, one of the most popular river boats on the Danube. This itinerary focused on historic Capital cities in Europe, many of which are in varied stages of restoration. In all we stopped at 6 river cities, Durnstein; Vienna (over-night); Esztergom; Budapest (over-night), Bratislava and Melk. We arrived in Passau, Germany 1 day early and took the opportunity to select a 3-night post in Prague. In all we visited Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. (We were on board the week before the smoke stack and train bridge had that little tiff as she went under it.) Many bridges along the Danube are very low. In some cases they have to lower the pilot house, umbrellas and tents on the upper deck to go under the bridges. This also requires everyone to go to a lower deck. The MV Mozart has a Five Star rating and would be classified as an upscale line/boat. Some of the largest cabins on river boats at 203 sq. ft (suites are 406). There are 100 cabins. Most are double occupancy with choice of Queen, twin or triple configuration. A word of caution about the twin/triples. The twin beds are actually sofas that pull out at night. The size of the cabins is amazing when thinking of cruise ships. AND, the bathrooms are definitely a plus. You can bend over and not touch the wall and fit two people into the bathroom at the same time. We were in a cabin, on the lower deck, with a queen bed and loved it. THREE large closets in addition to the drawers and other storage space, a refrigerator, TV (don’t be disappointed when the only English speaking channels are CNN, the “God Channel” as they list it, and the movie channel). There is not a safe, but your cabin has keys for each closet and one drawer. There are safety deposit boxes at the Reception Desk which also served as the bank to exchange money, information, the tour desk and wake up calls. We did take a converter plug to use. They requested that crew member check it to make sure it was the correct one to use. One of the things we liked most about the cabin, in addition to size, was the view out the window. The lower deck is actually below water line with the water about 12” below our window ledge. When other ships went by the wave would cause the water to rise on, or above, our window. Peter Deilmann is a German company focusing on German and English speaking clientele. On this voyage we also had a small party of Italians. For dining, the room was split, one side for German speaking, the other for English speaking and all others to the back area of the dining room. Dining was not as informal as the brochure and literature received makes you believe. Even though the information indicated coat/ties would be required for two nights, we also had two formal nights. Thankfully we had taken my dark business suit. I wore it 4 of the 7 nights. Gave me an excuse to buy a new tie. Dining is definitely FIVE STAR with full course service. Depending on the night, from 5 to 8 courses. All evening meals end with cheese and fruit. Wine was not included, but offered through the wait staff. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style or you could order off of the menu. Only one seating for each meal. Tipping is explained in terms of a set amount per day (9 euro, per person) to be divided between the 3 wait staff and 1 cabin steward and you decide how to split the total. Smoking is not permitted in the Dining Room. The designated smoking areas included a small sitting area outside the dining room, a small sitting area set up outside on the same deck as the dining room and in a designated area in the lounge where afternoon tea and three evening shows were presented highlighting local talent and the crew. The Spa services were minimal, but available. The spa area included several work out pieces, small indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna. You have to wear the slippers provided in your cabin to the spa area. Most Germans also wore their bathrobes. (The bathrobes provided in the cabins actually fit, not one size fits all. Slippers are one size fits all and we big footed Americans had a problem there.) The itinerary was great. We definitely want to go again in the future, especially Prague. European river cruises are becoming more popular and you do need to experience it yourselves to best sell it. We learned so much from this adventure and I’ve already had three serious inquiries after being able to talk about ‘our’ trip. Words of wisdom:
You may want to take a roll, or two, of your favorite TP. The stuff used on the ship and at most of our stops was like sandpaper.
Tipping is based on similar percentages as here. But, in some restaurants there is an automatic service fee added that may, or may not, be considered a tip. Read the bottom of the menus or ask.
Go with the flow, things will not be as usual. Be willing to learn as you go.
Exchanging money is easy enough. The ships, hotels and every street corner in the larger cities have exchange booths. Best rates, as already advised, may well be the ATM. Our bank rate was 3%. Commission rates and service charges could run you 5 – 8% at exchange booths. We got minimal Euro at the airport so we could handle tips for the bus and hotel staff on arrival. We got the best rates using our credit cards. Hehe, got home and the charges were already posted listing the exchange rate and fees if applicable. There was a fee for cashing/converting traveler’s checks.
Most credit cards can be used. The exception seemed to be AMX which was not honored at most local shops and restaurants.
Back to #1, in most cities there are ‘public toilets’ and these you pay a nominal fee to use. In several cities the toilets were no more than port-a-potties so we found the local McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried. Buying a drink was more than convenient.
It has taken us almost a week to recover from the return flights and get back on a ‘normal’ sleep pattern.
