Rhine Getaway - Viking River Cruise

Off to the European Christmas Markets
(not my photo)

This one is mine.  First Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland

Friday November 29, 2019

Super excited to heading out today for our Spice Girls Travel Club Rhine Getaway Viking River Cruise with Connie, Lisa and Denise.  Connie and I had met Lisa on the Danube cruise three years ago.  Our server dubbed us as the Spice Girls thus the Spice Girls Travel Club name.
Lisa and Denise left Wednesday for the pre-trip in Lucerne, Switzerland.  

Connie and I travel today.  I go from Phoenix Arizona to Houston Texas to Munich Germany.  Connie goes from Denver to Munich.  Then we have travel together to Basel, Switzerland. Viking transfers us to the ship where we will hook up with Lisa and Denise and our journey begins.  Switzerland, France, Germany, Amsterdam.

We have a lot of rain in Phoenix this morning, however it looks like the forecast for Houston, Munich and Basel are clear.  Who knew the worse weather would be in "sunny" Arizona.  

Anyhow we won't arrive to the ship until tomorrow afternoon so I won't update again until Saturday night or Sunday. Basel is 8 hours ahead of AZ time.  Internet on the ship is sometimes spotty (based on past history).  

Adieu for now!  

Quickie update: the rain stopped just as Diane and Jay picked me up to take me to the airport.  It looks like the rain has stopped for the day.  Thank you Weather Travel Gods.  

Viking Map of our trip

Saturday 11-30-19.   

I arrived in Munich at a satellite terminal and was bused to the main terminal.  Found my way to the connecting flight which was quite a schlep.  Connie met me at the gate about 10 minutes later. 

Good morning from Munich Germany

Connie estimated it was ¾ of a mile!  Our little plane whisked us off to Basel, Switzerland where the Viking Welcoming Committee was waiting to take us to the ship. 

Alruna

Gingerbread display in the lobby

We went to lunch then unpacked then took a Welcome Tour of Basel.  It was short bus ride to the center of town. 

Our tour guide Jose walked us through some history.  Basel in right on the Rhine and borders France and Germany. 12 Century Gothic Cathedral.  

Now known as  Corporate headquarters for two pharmaceutical giants.

We had a quick stop at our first Christmas Market.  It was packed.  He said it was because they just opened Thursday and its been rainy.  It was the first day the sun was out, plus being Saturday plus they were having a marathon so lots of people were congregating.  I’m glad I know from past experience that all the markets won’t be like that.  

'cuse me, can I take a picture of your meat?
Meat kabob topped with a chuck of bread.
Looked so yummy! 

We only had about 20 minutes at the Market before we needed to meet Jose to walk back to the bus.  As we were walking a wave of runners came barreling through.

Running of the Bulls!!

So cute! 

Back to the ship where Lisa and Denise we waiting for us in the Lounge for the Welcome Briefing. Then off to dinner. I had the Regional Specialty Selection:

Schweizer Wurstsalat
(Marinated Cucumber, Emmental Cheese and Ham Salad) 

Zurich Veal Geschnetzeltes
(Veal and Mushroom Stew)

Zwetschgenwahe
(Cinnamon, Plum and Almond Tart)

Sunday December 1, 2019

Good Morning from Breisach, Germany

We woke up to rain but by the time we finished breakfast and went to the bus it had stopped.  Off to the Black Forest with Jessica, tour guide du jour.  Per Viking:

Day 2 Breisach, Germany, Sunday 12-1-19 - The Black Foresta.m. tour 4 hrs: Explore the dense, lofty fir forests of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Meet your guide at your ship, then embark on a scenic motor coach excursion through a mythical land of cuckoo clocks, glassblowing and timeless fairy tales. You will begin with a drive into the woods, passing the wine-producing villages of Ihringen, Gottenheim and Bötzingen, each of them cradled among the soft, undulating hills and prolific vineyards of southwestern Germany. After a photo stop, continue to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. During your visit, you may choose your immersion into Black Forest culture: take a forest stroll, attend a demonstration of cuckoo clocks or glassblowing, or learn to make the decadent Black Forest Cake for which this region is known. After, you will return to your ship via Freiburg, a major university and ecclesiastical center.

Connie, Lisa and Denise went on the Nature Hike.  I went to the cuckoo clock demonstration then to the store across the way to the glassblower. 

I blurred out his face because he yelled at me for taking the picture

Handrail to glass shop adorned with blown glass ornaments

They were back in time for the Black Forest Cake demo, no samples. 

Connie's photo of the finished product

We could have bought some to go but we weren’t hungry.

The largest cuckoo clock in the world
with my Sedona Swag Bag!

The Spice Girls Travel Club
Connie, Denise, Me, Lisa

Back to the ship where we had a quick safety drill prior to lunch.

Now Connie is working on a project; Lisa and Denise decided to take a little nap.  I’m on the Aquavit Terrace updating and downloading pictures.  There was an optional tour to a Christmas Market but we all decided it wasn’t worth the price.  We’ll see plenty of Christmas Markets in the days to come.   We may walk into town later although being Sunday everything is closed. 

We ended up not going into town and just hanging out in the lounge.  
Dinner wasn't my favorite.  

French Onion Soup
~meh~ it was okay, I've had better

New York with Roquefort Sauce, Tomato Provencal, Shoestring Potatoes
The meat was tough, the Roquefort sauce was not what I was expecting. ~pass

Michael, our server, told the Maitre'd (little tattle tail) so the Maitre 'd came over and had a little chat about how we should tell the server and order something else if we aren't happy with our meal. They don't want us to be disappointed with anything. It won't kill me to miss an entree.  Dessert please.    

Apple Tarte Tatin with Carmel Calvados

They had a choir come in after dinner that sang German Christmas songs.  

Very nice but I left early because I didn't sleep last night.  I'm hoping the Sandman will find me tonight.

Monday December 2, 2019

This morning we woke up in Kehl, Germany for our only day in France.

Good morning from Kehl Germany

 Per Viking:

Day 3 Strasbourg, France, Monday 12-2-19 Either Strasbourg Highlights (included) a.m. tour 4 hrs: Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your local guide for a drive through the German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home of many institutions of the European Union and the Council of Europe. Continue past remarkable Renaissance architecture, then proceed to the city center for a walking tour of the picturesque Petite France area, the former Tanners’ District surrounded by the small Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals. Here, you will see the Old Customs House and the covered bridges with their defensive towers. In Cathedral Square, view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral, towering above merchant houses. One of the finest of Europe’s great Gothic cathedrals, it was once the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. You will have time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

I don't usually speak for other people but I think it's safe to say we all really enjoyed Strasbourg. These next pictures are slightly out of order.

Petite France.  So pretty!

Connie's photo - Stork's nest. 

The storks have migrated to Africa but they come back to the same nest every year.  One nest feel down and did significant damage to a house.  It weighed 900 pounds!  Our guide said they found socks inside.  People hang their laundry outside and the storks steal it.  

Connie's photo - This is typical of the decorations above the storefronts.
No wonder they receive awards for the best Christmas Markets.

We walked about 15 minutes to the bus.  Our guide Juliette included a history lesson on the drive (typical). Once we got off the bus we had another 15 minute walk to the Cathedral where we had tour which ended at the astronomical clock which I thought was amazing.  

Lisa's photo

It was beautiful with a sad story.  There is a figure of a skeleton at the top "waiting for death".  Every 15 minutes the chime rings and it rotates one quarter turn. First is the child, then the teenager, then the adult, then the elderly.  Kind of grim reaper-ish.

Selfie time!

When the tour was over we went through the Christmas Markets, had our first Gluhwein, walked around for a while and then went to lunch.  

Not in Jail...Basement of a French Bistro

I had snails with mushrooms in scallion sauce.
M-M-Good 

We wandered around the Christmas Market and supported the local economy before heading back to the meeting place to walk to the bus, ride to the stop, walk back, but first, across the bridge where the center is the border between Germany and France.  Border Bridge Shenanigans, one foot in France, one foot in Germany: 

The Bridge (not my photo)

This one is my picture of the bridge from the deck of the ship

Speaking of walking, Lisa's tracker said we took over 11,000 steps today!  

Now updating and relaxing in the Lounge before dinner.  

Dinner was Taste of Germany which is the only night of buffet style dining.  Not our favorite.  After dinner they had a dessert buffet, followed by a tour of the kitchen. Shenanigans with Executive Chef Ioan and Pastry Chef Rosen

BTW - When we did the Viking Paris to Normandy trip in June they told us they no longer could do the kitchen tour by order of the health department.  It must just be a Paris thing. 

Busy day on the agenda for tomorrow.  Stay tuned!  

Tuesday December 3, 2019

Good morning from Mannheim, Germany

This morning we're docked in Mannheim.   After breakfast we get on the bus and do Panoramic Heidelberg while the ship sales to Gernsheim.  During lunch we sail to Rudesheim.
Per Viking:

Day 4 Heidelberg, Germany, Tuesday 12-3-19 - Panoramic Heidelberg 6 hr tour: See the castle and old medieval town so steeped in romance that they stood at the center of the German Romantic movement. You will join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, several miles up the Neckar River. The town sits on a narrow passage of the river at one end of the graceful Old Bridge. You will ascend to the majestic Heidelberg Castle, which has long inspired writers as varied as Johann von Goethe and Mark Twain. Originally built during the early 13th century, it was the residence of the Palatinate monarchy through the 18th century. Descend into the Altstadt, or Old Town, for a walking tour toward the turreted Heidelberg University. Founded in 1386, it is Germany’s oldest. You can see the school’s tower in which unruly boys were incarcerated for misdeeds, and the Red Ox tavern in which they boasted to their mates about their imprisonment.

PLUS CHRISTMAS MARKETS!!!  They left out the best part!!!

After breakfast we were back on the bus (typical routine so far) and headed to the Heidelberg Castle.  Our guide Ricky was quite the comedian, at least he thought so!  Well at least he was entertaining!  We got on the autobahn and he was telling us people think you can just go as fast as your vehicle will allow but that’s only in designated areas.  People also say they must have a lot of accidents with such high speeds.  He said that’s not exactly true either.  Usually it’s the trucks causing the accidents. “One time a strawberry truck hit a truck hauling sugar.  It created quite a jam.”  Bada-bing.  He cracked himself right up!   

Inside the Castle Courtyard

Angels watching over

Beautiful view of Heidelberg from the Castle

After touring the castle we had about an hour to go through their small-ish Christmas Market which was mostly food.  We enjoyed some delicious potato pancakes. 

Our ship met us in Gernsheim and immediately sailed away.  Goodbye Heidelberg. Sorry was there wasn't enough time to hook up with my friend Bruce. 

We had lunch on the Aquavit Terrace.  It’s a lighter buffet but still plenty of food. We had soup and salad and a few other sides, plus the *bread*and*butter*. Viking always has THE BEST bread and butter. After lunch we relaxed in the lounge where they had a coffee demo.  I don’t remember what it was called but it involved heating alcohol and sugar over a flame until almost boiling, adding coffee, topped with whipped cream and chocolate powder.  They passed around samples. 
We docked in Rudensheim around 5-5:30 and headed straight to their enchanting Christmas Markets. About a 15 minute walk straight up the river.  “You can’t miss it.”  This is the first one we’ve been to at night which was so pretty with all the Christmas lights.  

Resting on the ledge outside a fabulous Christmas store

Hangin' with the locals

Gotta' hop on a scooter!  

We had decided to eat in town instead of on the ship.  After surveying our options, we had fantastic sausages hot off the grill from one of the Christmas Market vendors. Lisa did potato pancake research!  We must compare ALL the potato pancakes. We walked around a little more supporting the local economy (wink) then back to the ship for coffee and dessert. 

Wednesday December 4, 2019

Good morning from Rudensheim
Sailing away from the dock on our scenic ride through the Rhine George

Today's agenda per Viking:

Day 5 Koblenz, Germany, Wednesday 12-4-19 - Marksburg Castle p.m. tour 3 hrs: Visit the only castle in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. You will drive with your guide to Braubach, where the incredible Marksburg Castle watches over the town as it has since the 13th century. Because this magnificent structure was built with strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Upon arrival on its lofty grounds, enjoy spectacular views of Braubach, the Rhine and the surrounding countryside from its 550-foot perch. You will tour the citadel, see the impressive kitchens in the Gothic Hall building and step into the ancient torture chamber to view some grisly instruments. The distinct butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a beloved landmark of the town with its distinct profile. Today, Marksburg Castle is home to the German Castles Association, which works to preserve medieval fortifications such as Marksburg all over Germany.

We had a beautiful scenic cruise on the Rhine George. 

Lisa and I bundled up and sat on the rooftop deck for a while.  They brought around hot orange tea with a shot of liquor.  We had lunch on the Aquavit Terrace again.  We docked in Koblenz at 1:00.  We had decided to skip the tour and explore the town on our own.  As we docked we saw the funicular (gondola) and decided that would be a fun thing to do.  It zips across to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.  

We didn’t tour the fortress but we took a nice walk along a path and met this handsome guy:

American Bull Terrier named Paul.   Seriously!  

Then we continued up to a lookout point.  

Back down and off to the Christmas Markets.  We bought a few little things then had to sample the potato pancakes, for research purposes of course.  

Potato Pancake Connoisseurs! 

So far, these were the best.  Connie asked the lady what was in the mix and she said potatoes, egg, salt, onion.  Hmmmm.  Probably not a good idea for me to make these at home.  They could be are addictive! 

Back to the ship to relax before our Viking Explorer Club Cocktail Party (for people who have cruised with Viking before).  Cocktails and canapés.  

Aperol Spritz 

Then off to dinner.

Mozzarella di Bufala Caprese

Weiner Schnitzel (veal with warm potato salad)

Cheesecake

Layered Wine Gateau with Red Wine Butter Ice Cream

There was a tree trimming party in the Lounge with eggnog and hot chocolate, etc. but we decided to skip it.  We need our ZZZzzzzzzz's.

Thursday December 5, 2019

Viking’s Plan:

Day 6 Cologne, Germany, Thursday 12-5-19 - Cologne Walking Tour a.m. tour 2 hrs: Learn about the treasured heritage of Cologne and visit its spectacular cathedral, towering over the Old City in all its Gothic splendor. Step into a rich past, following some of the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. Stop at Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in several stages over the next seven centuries. Finally completed in 1880, it largely escaped the damage that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained glass windows. 

Our Plan: Our friend Jay who lives in Germany worked in Cologne on Wednesday so he stayed over and is meeting us in the morning when the ship docks.  He’ll give us a walking tour to the Cathedral than the three BEST Christmas Markets.  Yay!

Good morning from Cologne

Jay met us on the dock about 9 a.m. and we headed straight to the Cologne Cathedral. The towers for its two huge spires give the cathedral the largest façade of any church in the world.  

Cemetery at the Cathedral

There is a reliquary said to contain remains of the Three Kings. 

Connie's photo of the reliquary

We went into a store that sells cologne in the fragrance of Cologne.  Jay had said it smells like an old lady (of the blue hair variety) and he was right. Still kind of cool that they have cologne called Cologne in Cologne.  

We had a little time before the Christmas Markets opened so went to a coffee house coffee/hot chocolate.  We actually went to FOUR Christmas Markets stopping for lunch at a brauhaus for some traditional German food.  

Under the gigantic mistletoe
A display for a charity fund raiser

Potato Pancakes - for the sake of research

The last Christmas Market was at the Chocolate Museum.  We went into the gift shop and they found lots of chocolate treasures to take home.  After meandering around for a while we headed back to the ship and Jay headed home.  That you Jay for enhancing our day!  

Dinner

Jumbo Lump Crabcake  with scallion remoulade

Roasted Pork Rack with savory cabbage and mashed potatoes 

Moelleux ay Chocolat (Chocolate Lava Cake)

We had a hilarious time with Bob and Pam. Our new friends from Oregon. 

We ended the evening in the Lounge singing with Stephan, the piano man.  

This was a super fun day all the way around.  

Friday December 6, 2019
Hard to believe today is our last full day on the ship!  
Per Viking:

Day 7 Kinderdijk, The Netherlands, Friday 12-6-19 - Kinderdijk Windmills p.m. tour 2 hrs: See the picturesque Dutch countryside and the original technological marvels of historic Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will walk with your guide into the serene polder lands of South Holland. As you cross the dike to the windmills, you will notice that they in fact are at a lower elevation than your ship, as much of this part of The Netherlands is below sea level. Built in the mid-18th century, these 19 windmills, the largest concentration in The Netherlands, stand like sentinels on a hushed landscape. You will learn why they were built and see firsthand how they work, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters. Families who live in these mills are required to keep them in working order. This excursion provides a revealing look at these marvelous buildings that helped shape the legendary Dutch landscape.

After breakfast we had our disembarkation meeting in the Lounge.  We have to have our luggage out at 6:30 a.m. and off the ship at 8:30 to transfer to our Hotel in Amsterdam.  Not to bad. 

Good morning from.somewhere on the Rhine
Sailing between Cologne and the Netherlands 

This morning we're enjoying a scenic cruise in the first rain we've seen since arriving. We docked right after lunch and went on a tour of the Kinderdijk Windmills.  It was rainy and windy so that combo made it cold.  Sharon, our Program Director, said it was 40* but felt like 31* with the windchill.  Brrrrrr.  

Our tour guide was Simon.  He explained our way through the one mile walk to the working windmill.  Kinderdijk is below sea leave so the windmills pump water out.  We went through the gift shop. Proceeds from sales help fund the project so we HAD to buy some souvenirs!  
Back to the ship and started to pack before relaxing in the Lounge prior to dinner.  
Dinner was good. 

Caesar Salad - classic and de-lish

Chateaubriand Bearnaise with Lyonnaise Potatoes

Carrot Cake

Chef said if it wasn't the best Chateaubriand you've ever had he'd buy everyone in the Lounge a cocktail.  Bold statement and ya all know I'm a fussy eater, I must say it was fantastic.  Super tender and flavorful. 


We turned in after dinner to finish packing since we have to have our luggage outside our door at 6:30 a.m.

Saturday December 7, 2019
After breakfast Viking will transfer us to from the ship to our hotel for our post-extension in Amsterdam. Check in time is 3 p.m. so if our rooms aren't ready early they will hold our bags and we'll be off to a welcome walking tour of Amsterdam.

Just a quickie update because it's been a busy day and I'm tired. 

Good morning from Amsterdam
Disembarked ~ Bye-Bye Viking Alruna

Rooms not ready.  Walking tour of the city.  First impression: Filthy.  WOW.  Water bottles, beer bottles, cigarette packs, trash, trash, everywhere in the streets and in the canals.  Tons of bikes and cars  zipping by.  Very little traffic control.  Beautiful architecture once you see past the garbage. We lucked out with the weather, no rain!

Bikes, Bikes, everywhere.
Tour guide said they have more bikes then residents 

Typical canal view

They didn't have street names or house numbers
so people had murals to identify their buildings

As you are probably aware, marijuana is legal in Amsterdam.  They have "Coffeeshops" where they sell cannabis along with food and beverages.  They city is quite fragrant!  
After the tour we went to Central Station and into a bakery/cafe for lunch.  I ordered a croque monsieur and Lisa ordered a baguette with ham and we split half and half.  

Both were very good.  
We shopped a little then back to the hotel.
Lisa and Denise rested while Connie and I ventured out via Uber to find the licorice store I wanted to go to after seeing it on an episode of Food Network's Delicious Destinations. Real licorice is made with licorice root, not colored/flavored sugar candy we get in America. I'm not sure I've ever had "real" licorice before. Connie discovered the store is closed Sunday and Monday so it was only chance to go and we had a couple of hours before our dinner reservations.  Mission accomplished.  

No photos allowed so Connie and I took one from the street
If you look close you can see the wall of licorice

The owner is a little salty as the reviews say but I think she warmed up a little before we were done.  We had to guess at what flavors to buy (no samples).  I bought some sweet and some salty. She didn't mark the bags so asked how I would know which flavors they are.  She said "when you put it in your mouth".  Okey dokey then!  By the way, it's really good and was worth the trip.  I'm glad we went.
Back to the hotel in time to meet up for dinner at the restaurant in the hotel.  We had a window table with a nice view and the food was very good. 
We walked back down to the canals to catch a canal boat ride "Amsterdam's Festival of Lights".  The boat was crowded but the lights were very pretty.  

Connie's photo

Day is done!  
      
Sunday December 8, 2019

Another quickie from our last full day in Amsterdam.  We woke up to super wind and rain.  After the included breakfast buffet at the hotel we took a taxi to the Anne Frank House. We had tickets in the first time slot so that was great since we didn't have to wait for other groups to clear out prior to entering rooms.  There was a self guided auto tour so that was nice. Their plight was very well documented and brought me to tears a couple of times.  It's amazing any Jewish people survived those horrific times.  
We walked in the rain to Dam Square, the indoor mall by the Palace.  Lisa and Denise went shopping while Connie and I went off to our cooking class, Dutch Pancakes.  By the time we arrived the rain had stopped and it turned into a beautiful day.  

Connie's picture
View from inside Fusina's Canal House

We went on a walking tour to an amazing cheese shop, then a regular grocery store. We took the tram to the organic grocery store where meat, cheese and produced indicate what farm they came from on the labels.  

Cheese Shop

Bread in the Cheese Shop

Making port whine cheese
(invert the bottle of wine into the cheese block)
Inside organic grocery store

Flower Shop on the tram line in Amsterdam
Sign on top "Had je me maar" = if only you had me

Then back to her canal house (which was quite charming).  We started off with wine and cheese.

Two kinds of cheese with Applestroop (like jam)

Then herring which was surprisingly delicious. If you didn't know it was fish, you wouldn't have known it was fish. It was extremely fresh and mild with the texture of butter.  Like butta'.  Then we had salad with little tiny baby shrimp.  After that we made an apple pancake. 

Fusina explaining technique 

Connie doing the "flip" ~ like a pro

Apple Pancake

She drizzled it with syrup and sprinkled a little icing sugar. Nothing like the Dutch Baby we can get some places in the USA.  Then more wine followed by another pancake with pancetta and cheese. 

Connie's photo - Fusina checking the pancetta and cheese progress

Connie's photo burst ~ me flipping
slightly off center but at least it didn't fall on the floor!

Pancetta and Cheese Pancake

Culinary expertise not required for this cooking class.  I mean, how hard it is to mix pancake batter? Everything was really good and Fusina, our host, was very nice, knowledgeable of the Netherlands culture and customs, and friendly. 
We went back to the hotel and relaxed a bit before heading out for dinner.  We went to a "floating" Chinese restaurant called the Sea Palace. I know it seems odd to go to a Chinese restaurant when in the Netherlands but did you know there is a very large Chinese population in Amsterdam?  Estimated at over 70,000.  We had walked through China Town on our tour Saturday.  Anyhow, the food was amazing. 

Connie's photo
Me in red jacket

We split an order of egg roll and an order of steamed dumplings.  For dinner we shared combination fried rice; beef with asparagus and macadamia nuts in a spicy sauce; pork belly with crispy skin.  M-M-Good.  If this place was at home I'd eat there often!  
We walked back to the hotel and hung out in the lobby for a little while before heading up to pack for our early morning departure.  It was perfect timing because not long after we settled in there was lightening, thunder and pouring rain. 

Monday December 9, 2019
Up early for our shuttle to the airport.  We left before the restaurant opened and the hotel messed up and forgot to prepare our breakfast boxes.  This was my third Viking River Cruise and first time our airport experience did not include a Viking representative to point the way.  It was a little confusing when we went into the terminal but we figured it out pretty quickly.  We flew from Amsterdam to Munich then Munich to Denver. Then I continued on to Phoenix.  The airport experiences were not without hassles starting with inappropriate security screening in Amsterdam (in our opinion) to TSA boarding pass not scanning so I had to go back and wait in the regular line and barley made my connecting flight.  However immigration and customs were a breeze, all flights were on time, my luggage made it Phoenix, so it's all good.  

I have photos to add from Saturday and Sunday but I can't get to my pictures right now.  My travel laptop doesn't want to power on so if it won't tomorrow, I'll re-download from my camera and re-save some of Connie's FB photos and then I can add them in.

Overall - Viking was amazing once again.  The staff has been top notch on all three of my Viking journeys.  I didn't take any photos of the inside of the ship because it's exactly like the ship photos in my Danube Waltz blog here.
I think Connie, Lisa, Denise and I traveled well together and had a lot of fun.  
The CHRISTMAS MARKETS were amazing.  We were a little disappointed we didn't find one in Amsterdam.  


We had a great time but it's always nice to be home-sweet-home.  

Now back to the real world until next time. 

Speaking of next time - Lisa talked to a couple who had recently traveled Viking's Ocean Cruise, Into the Midnight Sun and couldn't say enough good things about it.  It starts in Bergen Norway (several stops in Norway), then a few in Scotland and ends with a couple of days in London. It's a 15 day trip and we're thinking 'maybe' 2021.