Wendy and I have always wanted to go on a cruise. Canada and Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean, and of course the rivers of Europe. We thought that this trip would give us a gentle introduction to this increasingly popular holiday but we were wrong. There is now no ocean cruising desire. We’ve been ruined!
River cruising with APT is remarkable: small numbers (150) and large staff (50) spread over 4 decks means that you get to know most people without living in each others pockets! I’m writing this from the restaurant in the stern on deck 3, just past our stateroom. No one else is here! Love it!! Yet I could wander down to the lounge or out to the stern deck lounge and drink and chat for hours with tables full of interesting people.
The choice of tours are exceptional and varied according to location, as is the food. Ah, the food!! Thank you Jesus for walking tours and the gym or they would have to roll us off this floating 5 star pantry!
Chef’s Table Restaurant. Doubles as our ‘private’ lounge/study. We’re the only ones who use it!
Our first night was still in Budapest after a leisurely after-dinner night lights cruise on the Danube. The Hungarians really know how to light up their historic city. We sailed the next day at 1230 for Vienna, passing through many villages and towns. They were always spotted through the trees as we approached by the church steeples, often not just one! Sunday morning must be a cacophony of duelling bells. No chance of sleep ins here!
We sailed through the night in order to make Vienna by 0700. The captain had us at full speed as one of the busy locks was only half working, possibly delaying us. Sleeping was a little like laying on a washing machine. It makes you smile at first, but then… I awoke with a headache! What better excuse to get a massage. From our on board masseuse! Two doors up from our cabin! Gotta love this cruising!! 
Entering one of the deepest locks
Open sesame!
The view back
The staff here are incredible!
There is nothing that could be too much trouble. All of European origin, they speak excellent English, are very respectful but also have a great sense of humour that us Aussies appreciate! Of particular note is our Cruise director, Marion. What a wonderful person! She organises every aspect of the cruise, from communications to outings, from entertainment and special surprises, to just out right spoiling. For instance, while in Salzburg, Harley purchased himself a Danish, as is his inclination, however upon biting into it, he found it contained a coin! 20 cents to be exact. He thought to himself that he should definitely ask Marion about this obviously Austrian tradition…. However when Marion stared blankly from him to the Danish and back again, we realised that this was not a tradition but a tragic accident waiting to happen! We laughed out loud together and then commented on the germs Harley had now subjected himself to from the coin of unknown origin! (My Mum always told me when I was little, not to put money in my mouth because it might have been in an old man’s pocket! Harley) Marion said ” You need Schnapps!” and off she dashed! We giggled some more and were in the process of retelling the story to others from our cruise who had joined us to see what the commotion was all about when Marion returned, shoving a small brown paper bag into Harley’s hand. “Quick, drink it down”!!! And so with the assistance of the Aussie crowd chanting” Scull, scull, scull”, Harley downed the 40ml of 40% alcohol apricot schnapps, to prevent infection from the wayward coin. What a woman is our Maid Marion. She is just the best!
European Adventures 