The Globetrotters: Rivercruise - Vienna & Bratislava

Monday, 15 May 2023

Rivercruise - Vienna & Bratislava

Friday 12 May 2023

We left the hotel at check-out time, but officially we were not allowed to board the ship until 3pm. However, when we wanted to drop off our luggage early, as per instructions, we were allowed on board anyway. Great, because it's a wet day. We settled in, had lunch on board, and afternoon tea. Another enormous cruise boat joined us. We took some pictures of that ship and our cabin and relaxed until dinner.

A rather late welcome dinner (we're not used to dining at 8 pm), but while waiting to be served, we were serenaded at the table. The food was first class and worth waiting for. 🙂

Saturday 13 May 2023

Saturday was a wet day. The cruise itinerary offered a tour of Budapest, but since we had seen enough of the city and didn't want to go out in the rain we stayed on board and had a relaxing day.

Sunday 14 May 2023

Impressions on the way to the Austrian border.

And a few more photos of the ship: the lounge and the corridor.

Going through the lock at Vienna along the Donauinsel. Look at the difference in water levels!

After docking in Nussdorf we went on a city tour by coach, which included a guided walking tour and some free time. Kevin and I enjoyed a cup of coffee with Linzertorte. For the famous Sachertorte we would have had to line up outside in the rain! We came close to Gußhausstraße where I had stayed a few years ago. We also tried to obtain some euros, so we could pay cash, but were not successful, so, for the time being my credit card is our best friend... Tomorrow a trip to Bratislava is in the planning.

Monday 15 May 2023

Today we have our first optional tour, which takes us to Bratislava.

Bratislava. No rain! First stop after a long drive, mainly stuck in busy Monday morning commuter traffic. This was a brief rest stop in a shopping centre. I loved the sculptures.

Next visit is Bratislava Castle, partially destroyed by fire in 1811, and restored in later years. Through the ugly blue window you can see some of the left over castle decorations which have not been fully restored. In the gardens some older ruins and from one of the vantage points you can see the wind turbines in Hungary, Austria and Slovakia.

A guided walking tour through the city revealed much of Bratislava's history, in particular the hard times under the communism regime until 1989. Many photos are of details of the beautiful buildings. A few show cannon balls worked into the facades of the buildings. After a war, which destroyed many buildings, the government would pay for restoration if a cannon ball was displayed. The bigger the ball, the more money one received. Can you find at least three cannon balls in the pictures? 😉 The Slovakians are also people with a sense of humour. See the bronze statue and sign: Men at work.