A TRIP DOWN THE DANUBE From Medieval to Modern World
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Story and photos by Bob & Sandy Nesoff
ome people look at the world through rose colored glasses. Johann Straus may have been looking at the Danube River through sepia toned lenses. The composer of the Blue Danube Waltz may have been putting his own spin on a river that could have been blue on Feb. 13, 1867 when it made it debut but today’s river is a calm and smooth flowing brown. But that does not take the romance away from the famed waterway. Several noted cruise lines have trips that go up and down the river. Our host was Uniworld Cruises, leaving Vienna, home to Strauss, and going downstream to Bucharest over a very relaxing and gentle two week period. Most of the passengers on board were seasoned travelers who had chosen Uniworld because of its reputation for affordable luxury. The trip started smoothly at Vienna International Airport with quick passage through customs and immigration.
Just outside the doors was a young man holding a large sign proclaiming “Uniworld.” Luggage was quickly taken to a comfortable bus and, literally, within minutes the transfer to the ship took off. The following morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, an included tour took most of the passengers to see the beautiful city of Vienna. On tap were visits to Mozarthaus, where another famed composer lived and worked. An alternate tour gave passengers the choice of seeing the city through a fine arts lens. Arguably the most interesting tour of all was an optional trip to Schonbrunn Palace, home of the Hapsburg dynasty and its most famous member, Empress Maria Therese. The grounds are immense and as beautifully groomed as though Austrian royalty was still in residence. A walk through the palace brings to life quite vividly the lifestyles of the rich and famous. There were secret passages so that the Hapsburg’s would not be
Uniworld’s River Princess
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disturbed or have to look at servants while their every need was catered to. For those who enjoy the old classics, Uniworld offers an optional evening tour, The Vienna Concert-The Sound of Vienna. While you are at dinner the ship will gently slip its moorings and head downriver to its next port of call. The downstream current is rapid and the water smooth, combining to produce a gentle ride. There are numerous tours and entertainment options on shore; the same holds true on board ship. Local ethnic performers board for an evening’s entertainment. A word to the wise here is to make it to the lounge early because seats fill fast for these shows. Bratislava is at once an ancient city and one creeping into the 21st century. There are castles and palaces, apartment buildings that are falling down, and modern structures.