Gateway To Black Sea Day 2

Day 02 - Wednesday, October 9, 2013 - Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany; Transfer to Budapest, Hungary; Board ms River Splendor; Welcome Briefing

Our flight from Denver was very smooth and we arrived almost 30 minutes early in Frankfurt. At 10:30 we cleared customs, passport control, and then walked to our gate, A-5.

On the way we stopped at a Lufthansa Lounge to check our e-mail. The lounge was very warm and very crowded. It seemed every business person in Europe was there waiting for their connecting flights.

After checking in for the flight we boarded a shuttle bus that took us to the plane on the tarmac. The flight to Budapest left the gate on time at 12:40 but there was a delay and it was almost 1:00 before we were in the air.

The flight crew served us a snack as we flew over the cloud-covered countryside. It was a short hop and we were on the ground in Hungary at 2:15.

We noticed several people with Vantage luggage tags. Traveling is always an opportunity to meet people during our journeys. Slipping our name badges over our heads, we picked up our bags and walked through the "Nothing to Declare" doors.

Maya, the representative from Vantage, met us and assigned us to the yellow dot group. We waited for the seventeen travelers also on the Frankfurt flight. As soon everyone found their bags, we got on the bus that took us to the river boat.

The driver took us to the river port where our boat crew of ms River Splendor was waiting for us. The desk clerk took our passports, we were given our keys, and Elena took us to our cabin, a spacious room on the main deck with a French veranda.

We unpacked our bags as there were plenty of cabinets and drawers for all of our belongings. Before our Welcome Meeting and Port Talk we went out to take a few photos of the river and our boat.

By 5:30 the light was fading and we went in to meet the other passengers and to meet the Captain and his crew. After an important safety briefing and finding out more of the services of the boat, we had dinner in the Main Dining Room.

The menu was typical of most cruise ships, but as an alternative to the main menu, there was a list of light options. As it was getting late, we both opted for appetizers, soup, salad, and dessert! Sensible choices!

The Captain repositioned the boat at 8:30 from the outlying dock to a berth that was within walking distance of the city center. Vic went out to take a few night shots of Budapest, one of the most beautiful of Europe’s old capitol cities.

With a wi-fi system throughout the boat, we were able to go back to our cabin and finish the journal. Vic sorted the photos from our first day on the Danube. After a shower we were more than ready to get to sleep to be ready for Budapest in the morning!

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ms River Splendor

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

I can hardly wait for the pics of Budapest and the others! that little cruise liner was cute. the dining room was very nicely done and those breads - YUM!!! How long is your trip?

I like the red luggage--easy to find in a sea of black bags! I think we would enjoy a river cruise with a spacious room and the light menu. Glad you are enjoying your trip. Blessings!

Spent the last hour viewing your Top Ten. So enlightening. Again ready to travel with you.

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Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.

Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...

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