Half day and a couple of train connections - Saalfelden to Salzburg, then Salzburg to Weis, then Weis to Passau - and a quick cab ride to board the Enchanting Danube river cruise on Uniworlds River Beatrice.
I am on the upper floor this time, so I have a nice big patio door window that I can open - sit at the table or lay on the bed and watch the scenery sail by.
Just had time to catch late (2 p.m.) lunch in the lounge before the cabin was ready and I could settle into my new home for the next week. As a second time cruiser I am now a member of the River Heritage Club and there were some welcome gifts waiting in the room - a large tote bag and a CD of the Best of Strauss, along with a plate of fruit and cookies.
As the sun was shining I headed up to the top deck to watch the busses arrive with other passengers and check in with my GPS Spot. Very comfy in the deck chair, just sitting in the sun, almost sleeping when a gust of wind sent the shade on the chair flopping down on my face...a hint to head into the lounge for the welcome safety spiel. Just time to check emails and it was time for dinner.
Dinner is a leisurely affair with choice of appetizer, soup or salad, followed by main course and then dessert. I tried the Shrimp cocktail chef style (with apple and celery strips in brandy cocktail sauce), Bavarian beer and garlic cream soup, seared fillet of Victora perch on sauteed Asian vegetables in a teriyaki sauce and basmati rice, and for dessert the Ice Cup Bayernwald (Champagne truffle and hazelnut icecream with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, chocolate chips, marinated cherries and blueberries). If that does not make your mouth water there were a couple other choices to suit any palate.
Unlike the big cruise ships with thousands of passengers, huge buffets and restaurant options, river cruising focusses on a smaller scale and higher quality in my opinion. Fine leisurely dining that lets you get to know your table mates and relax into the ships laid back pace. While dining the ship repositioned to the dock downtown in Passau, ready for us to explore the city tomorrow.
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