Due to the same river level problem I've been going on about for four posts now, this bit of the itinerary was changed as well. We had to travel northwest all the way to Vienna, arriving late afternoon, then the next day, back on the bus for the trip south to Bratislava.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. When we finally reached "our" ship, we were amazed. The Tor was completely decked out for the holidays and looked enchanting. All public areas were festooned with greenery and lights. And gingerbread!
We allowed ourselves only a moment to run around the ship and take in the holiday glory before we set off for a short tour of Vienna and visit to the Christmas Market. Try the hot eggnog. Seriously, who knew. It was fab though. And in case I haven't mentioned this yet. At the markets, they first sell you a drink in a proper seasonal mug. If you return the cup as you leave, you get a coin back. I don't know, Euro, Forint, Crown, whatever. I did bring home a few, including this beauty.
And while I was waiting for Himself to locate me, I ate one of these things. No idea what it was, other than damn gooey good.
Didn't spend much time there, though it was a great market. We headed back to the ship for the scheduled festivities.
Back on board we freshened up for the Captain's Welcome toast. We also got to meet the amazing crew we would spend the next few days with. We were so impressed at the commitment to service at the individual level. By the 2nd day, these folks know your name, your room number, your favorite drink and your kids names.
And finally and perhaps most importantly, we made friends. Why else do we travel? I saw this quote on a Viking publication and I could not have said it better myself.
And this, Ladies and Gentlemen was the night we first met our tribe.
More to follow.
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