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New Year's Danube Cruise
  • MaryGrace Schumacher

New Year's Danube Cruise

Christmas Eve flying to Munich, 2 days there then up to Vilshofen to board the AmaLea. 7 day cruise on the beautiful Danube River to Budapest. New Year's Eve we will be in Vienna. Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 25, 2019
    MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Somewhere over the Atlantic

    December 25, 2019, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    RDU is the way to go, easy drive down 40, quick stop for breakfast, 'fast park' parking lot for 7.00 a day and shuttle pick up right at your car, drop off at the front door. Then AA's self check in and luggage tagged to Munich. Then comes TSA... we didn't have pre check, but didn't need it either... all lines opened and about 1/2 dozen people there. Down to our gate with 2 hours to wait. So what do you do with 2 hours to kill... walk, get those steps in because you'll be sitting for hours. Off on time to CLT where we arrived too early our gate was occupied. Only waited 10 minutes then taxied in. Arrived at gate B9 and our flight to Munich leaves from gate B9... another route takes our plane, now we wait, walk, find a place to grab a cold beer and quick bite. Back to B concourse with hundreds of people, you'd think you might know a few , then here comes Sally and James Kimball... off to PHL for a few days. Merry Christmas!!Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler
    1

    Christmas in Munich

    December 25, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 4 °C

    2 pre nights/day before our cruise; we are going to see and do as much as we can, even inspite of the rain and wind. Today after landing early, quick customs and baggage claim, we headed to the Lufthansa Express (57 EU for 2 roundtrip transferes) to take us from airport to center city then short taxi ride to the Westin Grand. So glad rooms were available for early checkin; we could drop our luggage, changes clothes then head to the Cathedral of Munich were we enjoyed the celebration of Christmas Day liturgy with their Cardinal, 2 Bishops, priests and Deacons. Yes, it was in German, but we could follow along with the help of the liturgy aids. After, and now in the rain, we wondered around the Marianplatz to see the cleanup from their Christmas Markets, listen to the Glockenspiel play at 12N, and find a nice little place for some great German food and beer. Walked back to the hotel, still raining, but we did it. Great day, so ready for a full night sleep and praying for a bit of sunshine tomorrow. Enjoying the journey!!!Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    St. Nicholas delivered our travel docs

    December 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C

    This year work has been busy, challenging but also rewarding. I love to travel and help others explore all parts of this world; Europe, Africa, S. America, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia & New Zealand - by land or by sea. I too have been blessed with opportunities to travel: Italy in April and a beautiful River Cruise in August. I have made wonderful friends, shared with and received from them great insight to help me forge ahead in my career. I thank them all for what I have learned and experienced in 2019 and pray 2020 we all will be richly blessed and grateful.
    Over the past 18 months I have had the privilege of booking a number of clients on AmaWaterways River Cruises. And in tour, Ama has offered agents: sell 5, sail free! Well hard work does pay-off. I requested a cruise for post Christmas into the New Year on the Danube and was granted it. So excited to be able to take my sister, Peggy with me, and Jerry (our minion).
    As a travel agent, I have choices of suppliers to use that best fit my client's needs and provide them with memorable experiences. I hope this trip will be filled with new experiences and knowledge to bring back to my clients as well as renewed spirit to be a strong agent for years to come.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    At long last...

    December 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    All packed and ready to go, don't know how much we'll sleep tonight. Last minute things done: dishes, laundry and trash. Plugged in the chargers and phone for full batteries... just have to rememger to put them in my carry on bag in the morning. Reserved a spot at 'fast park' parking lot at RDU. haven't used them before, but good price for long term parking and shuttle service to the front.Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Full day of walking and riding the metro

    December 26, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Coffee in the room with our profiteroles we picked up for dessert. Headed out to try our luck with the metro. Not bad for 2 girls from King, NC. Got a one day, all day pass. Made our way to Munchner EisZauber - the outdoor ice skating rink. Peggy had a blast, didn't fall once though got some assistance from a skating bear!!! Next stop the Hi-Sky ferris wheel. Amazing view when you are rounding the highest. Getting to be lunchtime here, and I'm ready for a bier, but Peggy wanted to climb to the to of St. Peter's... I won, too long a line... though the Viktualenmarkt and Biergardens were closed the day after the holiday, found an open air restaurant that had awesome food and beer!! Walked off the white wursts and currywurst while we wandered our way back to St Peter's church only to find a longer line than before. Beautiful day but not much open. Stopped for a few pretzels and strudel for later, then back to the hotel. Let's see what tonight brings!!!Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler
    Rose's from the captain
    Our home for the next weekOn our balcony with JerryReception areaOktoberfest bandCheers to Sherry Noble!1Awesome dining experienceReturn from our walk the AmaLea

    All aboard!!!

    December 27, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Munich was awesome but ready to cruise on.... On the AmaLea for the next 7 days down the Danube to Budapest. Greeted with champagne and a rose from the captain then an Oktoberfest celebration with beer, pretzels & german dancers before dinner which was amazing; from salad or shrimp cake to raspberry sorbet. Little walk along the river before heading to bed.Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Passau

    December 28, 2019 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Woke up to a beautiful morning, 34° but sunny. Decided to take 1 last walk through Vilshofen before breakfast. Quiet town this time of day, or it could be the time of year. After enjoying an omelet and pastries, Peggy decided to use one of Ama's bikes and set off for a ride before we headed to Passau, I grabbed another cup of coffee and enjoyed the upper deck.
    Cruising for a few hours, we arrived at the first lock which then puts us into Passau. After lunch we meet our local guides for the city walking tour (for me) or hike to the Church of St. Mary (Peggy's adventure). Beautiful sites, churches, views along the river.
    Tonight we dined at the chef's table and had a great experience, over about 2 hours enjoyed this 7 course meal from pre-appetizer to soup to main course with sorbet between (to cleanse the palate of course) and wines to enhance every bite.
    Evening entertainment played in the lounge, but I had a pillow calling my name. We will cruise during the night to arrive in Linz, 1st stop in Austria.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler
    11

    Linz Austria and Cesky Krumlov,Czech

    December 29, 2019 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C

    Beautiful day on the Danube starting with a walk to Mass for the Holy Family, biking along the Danube and walking through Cesky Krumlov, Czech.... so we can check off Czech on our must visit list.
    Beautiful city rich in history and cobblestone. Tough walk, but found a nice little 'heated patio' restaurant for a couple of beers, goulash soup and potato pancakes. Quiet drive back to Linz for cocktail hour and dinner. Main dining room featured Mustered Crusted Leg of Lamb... amazing!
    During the wee hours of the night we will begin our journey through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Durnstein

    December 30, 2019 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C

    What happened to Monday? I could say we were so busy I forgot to post, didn't have internet access, having too much to be bothered, in all honesty - too much wine... all day and night.
    Monday morning we spent cruising through the Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen (white church).
    I started to go on the bike of the town and neighboring vineyards, but my knee told me otherwise. So I took the Apricot and Sweet tour and helped the economy of this small town of Durnstein. Back onboard, tasty beverage to the heated pool, then we had a lovely cocktail hour and off to dinner. Evening included excursion was a wine tasting at a local tasting room. Brisk walk there and back to the ship and I'm off for a solid 6 hrs sleep! Next day; New Year's Eve plenty to see and do as we enter the Imperial City of Vienna.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    New Year's Eve day in Vienna

    December 31, 2019 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    What a beautiful city; chaotic, crazy, colorful and very cool! Sun was warming a little but we still bundled up against the breeze and single digit temperatures (celcius). Guided coach and walking tour, free time at the last of their Christmas Markets for the year and a cup of warm cider with a little something, something in it! Back to the ship to rest a bit (and eat) then off again. The afternoon was free to explore and see 1,000s of people. Ama offered shuttle service to and from city center all afternoon and evening. Made it back to St Stephen Cathedral, prayed for the blessings of the past year, prayed for those who have come into our lives and those who have left us.
    Continued to maneuver around the center but this is where Vienna was setting up for their midnight celebration. Back on board we grabbed a cocktail to go and headed for the pool...not as warm as the other day, but relaxed the muscles a bit. Enjoyed a traditional Austrian dinner of Schnitzel and Strudel!
    Closing in on midnight we went back to the lounge for music and dancing, but the best was the fireworks. Not just from one area, but all around us. Amazing!!
    So hears to 2020! May it be filled with love, laughter, peace, joy and adventures to enrich your life and fill you soul.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Bratislava

    January 1, 2020 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C

    At the Budapest airport and finally have a good signal and free minutes to update.
    Been a few busy days, seeing a lot while cruising in the morning to Bratislava, Slovakia on 1/1/20. Beautiful little city with castles, churches and Brew pubs. Guess what tour we took? City-beer tasting! Did a bit of site seeing through the local markets then back to the ship to change for the Captain's Gala reception and dinner. Oh, yes, we sat at the Captain's table! Meal was amazing, wine and drinks were excellent, and the conversation exceptional! Others at the table shared their past AMA journeys some as many as 7 and ready to go again. Onward to Budapest where we spend the last part of the cruise.Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Budapest, Hungary

    January 2, 2020 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Full day in beautiful Budapest. After cruising through the night, we grabbed our coats, breakfast to go and coffee to see this awesome city at sunrise. Little chilly (-2°C) on deck but with blankets hot coffee we had a great view. Little history narration of Buda and Pest, the major bridges and Elizabeth Island, we dock on the Pest side and have our walking tour through the Market then bus tour through the city and to the castle district on the Buda side . Up at the castle area, we did a little walk to have the best views of the city. Free time to explore St. Stephen's and head back to the ship by motorcoach where a warm lunch of Pho is waiting. Back out to the market for last minute shopping and then a dip in the pool, which is wonderfully warm! We had received a special bottle of Chianti and enjoyed it during our water relaxation.
    The ship was to reposition to its overnight dock, so prior to dinner we had about an hour evening tour of the city all lit up. Amazing!! I love this city. Tomorrow we disembark the AmaLea but stay the day in Budapest and fly home Saturday.    Read more

  • MaryGrace SchumacherNew Year's Danube CruiseTraveler

    Budapest all day!

    January 3, 2020 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C

    Sad to say goodbye to new friends and the great staff of the AmaLea. Late departure because we are staying an extra day at the Marriott Budapest on the Danube. Got a taxi transfer and to the hotel too early for a room, but dropped off the luggage and headed off to the riverfront to see the shoe memorial and the statues in front of the Parliament building then the 'lite-rail' back to the Market for shopping and lunch, Hungarian style Goulash with purple cabbage and meatballs. Back to the hotel and our room was ready. Unloaded the luggage and ate lunch, then Peggy was ready for a nap. I rested for a bit, but headed out again, chilly but no rain. Peggy wasn't feeling up to going out for dinner, so I located a Thai restaurant and got a cup of chicken soup and Chicken Curry. Early night as we have a 445a wakeup for our taxi to the Budapest airport.Read more

    Trip end
    January 4, 2020
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