Another day in Vienna

 The sun was actually shining this morning!! We haven’t seen the sun since an afternoon in Amsterdam, and it’s great to see the brightness and blue sky!  Since we had not planned to leave the ship until afternoon, we had a leisurely morning with no alarms set, and a late breakfast. We are also planning for disembarking, which is coming soon now, and organizing and packing some things in preparation for our post cruise extension to Prague. 

We took a shuttle into town and to the largest of their many Christmas markets, which is located in front of yet another gorgeous cathedral.  Though large and pretty, with a neat two deck carousel, we soon found it to be a lot of food, and little of interest in the booths. The sun had also dropped behind the tall building, and the wind had picked up, leaving us quite cold in the 32 degree weather, and we decided to take the early shuttle back to the boat. At the bus stop, we discovered most of our fellow passengers had decided the same! 

Burgtheater, National theater of Austria in Vienna 

Rathaus of Vienna, Vienna City Hall.  Gorgeous architecture everywhere 

Our evening port talk to prepare us for Budapest, also included disembarkation information, and was then followed by the Captains cocktail hour and a champagne toast! 

After dinner, the crew surprised us by donning Christmas hats and singing Christmas Songs , encouraging us to join in. Hot mulled wine and hot chocolate were passed as well, and it was all very fun and festive. They do treat us very well! 

Eddie, the hotel manager, had arranged for the crew to sing and explained they had not had much practice, but they did a great job, and I believe enjoyed it as much as we did! 

Allen had complimented Eddie on his tie when he came in, and he gifted it to him after they sang! 

We sailed past the Capital of Hungary, Bratislava, this evening on our way to Budapest. It looked lovely, and it’s too bad we couldn’t stop!