June 24, 2023
Our plans for the day included checking out of our hotel and taking a bus ride to the ship. The original itinerary was supposed to have us departing from Basel (actually nearby Krebs), but as is sometimes the case with traveling, plans can get changed, even last minute.
That is exactly what we encountered today. Instead of going to Basel, we were bussed a little further north to the city of Breisach in Germany.
Our bus ride was smooth, uneventful and our very well spoken tour director, Nanette, rattled off statistics, facts, stories and a few fun and funny examples of the different local languages. We simply relaxed as we enjoyed viewing the fertile scenery we passed by.
Upon the much anticipated arrival at our ship we excitedly got on board.
Part of us waited in the lounge while others checked in.
After a refreshing beverage, and afternoon tea sandwiches, we walked the short distance to the main desk in the entry salon, got our room keys and made our way to our cabin. Our luggage was happily waiting for us to unpack.
At 6:00 p.m. we met our captain, had our mandatory safety drill, which was followed by our cruise director telling us about our touring options for tomorrow.
At 7:00 it was time for dinner. It had been quite a while since breakfast, and although the small tea sandwich was tasty, it had not filled me up and I was definitely ready for a good dinner. We were not disappointed.
I was impressed by how beautifully each plate was presented. Every thing was fresh, well seasoned, and a pleasure both for the eye and the palette.
As we finished up our dinner, our vessel was approaching the first of 47 locks we will be passing through over the next week.
We grabbed a light jacket and spent the next hour and a half up on deck enjoying the experience of going through the lock, a post dinner cocktail and the fresh night air.
It started to get a little cool and one of the crew brought the four of us warm, soft blankets to drape over our legs.
What a lovely way to end a relaxing day…
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GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we are finally on board our river cruise! The weather could not be any more ideal, and we have met some lovely people. Shout out to Walt & Sheila who very kindly brought us back some chocolate truffles from their tour after seeing my disappointed expression when I heard that the chocolate factory tour was full. Also a huge thank you to their daughter, Tiffany. I found out that we had both gone to the same college in Corvallis, Oregon and that she is a veterinarian. I tried to respect the boundary and honor that she was on vacation, but she kindly reassured me that yes, it sounds as though the right measures were taken for our little dog and that she should be fine. Our pet sitters also let me know this evening that Maya is doing much better. Relieved pup momma tonight! Lori had offered to help me write my blog with her excellent memory recall, but somehow at midnight she was nowhere to be found, lol.
A Note From Abroad 
So excited you’re doing a river cruise. Don and I are planning to do our first river cruise September 2025.
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I’m excited for you! You and Don will love it!!! Which cruise line and where?
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Enjoying your posts! Your cruise ship room seems kind of small – thoughts?
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It is small, but cozy and very comfortable. Our friends are in a suite and it is twice the size.
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Yes, it looked cozy and I know that you don’t spend a lot of time in there, anyways. We did an Avalon cruise from Paris to Normandy and back. First river cruise for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to each days’ adventure!
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Glad Maya is OK. I’ve never heard of a not too virtuous salad. Do you have to be naughty to order it?
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Well, my husband ordered it so you have your answer, lol…
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Lovely scenery, delicious food, and good company. What’s not to like? 😁
janet
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Definitely agree
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Janet, you got that right!!!
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Enjoying your holiday in our armchairs, thanks.
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Hi Gaye! Always nice to travel with you, even if it is remotely ❤️
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Sounds like a great river cruise. We took one a few years ago from Nuremberg to Budapest which was awesome. I look forward to hearing more.
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Thank you Darlene.
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Hi you two…..
2 questions….
How is Gus doing?
Are you still using the RX100 for any of your photos, or has THE APPLE taken over?
Be safe! We’re loving (vicariously) every minute of your trip!
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Hi Paul & Linda!
2 answers…
Gus will be making his first appearance in my next post coming soon.
I’m just using my iPhone on this trip, but missing my Sony.
Hugs 😁
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I enjoyed your post, the pictures, the maps, all of it!
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Thank you John ❤️
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Thank you for sharing your travels. How different were the fields of corn and wheat in Germany vs Illinois? The pictures look awesome and the food…yum! God speed and may your gorgeous weather continue!
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They look similar, but it is too early to tell. The tallest corn we saw was only about three feet. Thank you for your good wishes ❤️
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