Cruise Day 5 - Budapest 1

At 8:00 AM, we gathered on the sun deck for a brief introduction to Budapest by our cruise director, Christopher. Over the next two days, we’ll be exploring Hungary’s capital—a city with a fascinating but complex history.

Budapest was officially established in 1873 with the unification of Buda (on the west bank of the Danube) and Pest (on the east bank), now connected by ten bridges. After World War II, Hungary came under Soviet occupation and endured decades of economic hardship. Although the country gained independence in 1989 and joined the European Union later on, it has struggled to reach the prosperity levels of its Western neighbors.

Hungary still faces challenges such as low wages, a growing urban-rural divide, and demographic decline. Corruption, dependence on foreign investment, and reliance on imported energy further complicate long-term growth. Many young Hungarians are seeking better opportunities abroad, especially in Austria, Germany, and the UK.

A bus took us into the heart of the city, where we explored several landmarks on foot, including the impressive St. Stephen’s Basilica. From a visitor’s perspective, Budapest felt less vibrant than some of the other cities we’ve seen on this trip. It was also evident that economic constraints are a reality here. The official language is Hungarian—famously difficult to learn—and the currency is the Forint (current rate: approximately 342 Forint to 1 US dollar).

After lunch, I felt low energy, and my knees were bothering me, so I opted for a restful nap while the others in our group visited Margaret Island on the Danube.

Tonight, we signed up for a special dinner in the ship’s aft restaurant. The menu is titled “Orient trifft Okzident”—“East Meets West”—curated by chef Moses Ceylan. It promises a fusion of Middle Eastern and European flavors and techniques. I’m curious to find out what culinary surprises await!

(Dinner photos were added at 9:30 PM)Read more