Cruise Day 7 - Bratislava, Slovakia

We were jolted awake twice during the night, likely from the Excellence Princess nudging the sides of a lock as we passed through one of the many on this stretch of the Danube.

By morning, the crew had tied us up at Dock 45 in Bratislava, just in time for breakfast.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a compact and charming city with just under half a million residents. Tucked near the borders of Austria and Hungary, scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and peaceful forest trails surround it. The city’s 18th-century pedestrian-only old town is full of cobblestone streets, bustling cafés, and inviting little shops.

From its perch above the Danube, the Bratislava Castle offers panoramic views of the city and river. It’s a striking sight—and one of the highlights of our visit.

Interestingly, Bratislava is also a central hub for the automotive industry. Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Škoda, and SEAT all manufacture cars here, employing around 12,300 people in the city alone. Across Slovakia, additional factories build Jaguar, Land Rover, and Kia vehicles. The success of this industry stems from two major factors: lower labor costs compared to Western Europe and a strong tradition in technical education and engineering. The country currently enjoys a low unemployment rate of just 2.4%.

We took a guided city tour this morning, and to our surprise, we enjoyed it even more than Budapest. The elegant homes nestled in the hills above the city boast breathtaking views of the Danube. The historic center was a delight to explore, with well-preserved architecture and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Our visit to Bratislava Castle was a treat as well. And yes, I couldn’t help but notice the Hunter sprinkler heads on the castle lawn—and Hunter drip irrigation tubing around the shrubs and flower beds. Some habits die hard!

The ship's crew did a fantastic job serving a Gala Dinner.

On the health front, Ursula started a new medication and is thankfully feeling a little better today. I’ve come down with a scratchy throat, though—hopefully nothing serious. Fingers crossed we’re both back to full speed soon again!Read more