We were warned several times that we would be the youngest people on a river cruise. At first glance, can confirm this is true.

Ken and I are both a little nervous about the potential for herd tourism on a river cruise – everyone following a guide carrying a flag on a stick. Neither one of us has the patience for that flavor and pace of activity.

The Transfer

This morning, we got on a giant tour bus at the hotel for our transfer to the ship. I don’t love giant tour buses, but they have to get all of us to the ship somehow. So I’ll allow it.

On the way to the ship, I thought we were going to the Central Market, but, surprise! We’re going to Margaret Island – a big green space in the middle of the Danube River.

The Irish Goodbye

Ken and I immediately executed a flawless tactical maneuver known as the Irish Goodbye – and did our own walk. Beautiful trail. Half pavers and half softer surface for running. If we had this trail at home, I would immediately begin running every day, or at least tell people I run everyday.

NOW, the Central Market. We were there the other day on our food tour, but I was glad for the stop, as I wanted to revisit/buy some of the world famous Tokaji wines. More on Tokaji wines when I do my drinks culture report from Budapest.

A Stolen Passport

On board the ship: First thing they do after you board is steal your passport – “for customs and operational procedures”. OK, it wasn’t really stealing as much as mandatory surrendering. But yeah, don’t love that. Considered balking, but don’t want to get labeled as a problem passenger in the first 5 minutes of the cruise. Reluctantly playing along.

Shoes on the Danube

Unpacked, and set out for a quick walk along the Danube River before dinner. Walked past the Shoes on the Danube memorial exhibit. It honors the thousands of Jews who were shot by members of the Arrow Cross Party (a Hungarian fascist movement that was pro-Nazi and militantly anti-Semite) and thrown into the river in the winter of 1944-1945. The victims were forced to remove their shoes before they were shot because shoes were valuable and could be resold. Extremely powerful exhibit.

Quickly learning that river cruising is all about being social. As an avowed introvert, I have a limited capacity for peopling. And I have met many people so far – I really hope they don’t expect me to remember their names tomorrow.

Quote of the Day

Just before we set sail, everyone gathered in the lounge for a meet and greet with the ship’s captain, cruise director, and other key staff. QOTD from our cruise hospitality director, Dragan. “It’s a really cool name if you’re born in an English speaking country. But if you’re born in Serbia, it’s a fluffy name.” (It means dear, or beloved.)

We set sail just as the sun was setting. I’m sure this is deliberate – so you sail past the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building in all its illuminated glory on your way south. No complaints here.

Good night!

Travel date: October 15, 2025.