We left Strasbourg after 2 nights with the group full of anticipation. Today we would join the ship in Boppard! There was about a two hour drive from our hotel to Heidelberg where we were broken into groups of 20 and assigned local guides. We began with the castle above the old town. I really hadn’t done any advance research since this was a bit of a deviation from my original itinerary. I was surprised at many of the parts of the castle being simply the facade left. It did have an interesting history and lovely views down over the Old City. We took the funicular down into old town for independent time and lunch.
Another two hours and we arrived in Boppard. The bus parked at the bus station and there was the majority of the ship’s crew there to welcome us. They grabbed our luggage and we took off for the approx 4 block walk to the river and the ship’s docking location. It was so great to finally make it on the ship after 3 nights in alternative hotels due to low water on the Rhine. We could see large sections of exposed shoreline with the lower river levels. Best of all we could see the Monarch Duchess docked at port.
There are 63 of us passengers on a ship with a capacity of 125. Many people received complimentary upgrades on their cabins. We met with ship staff for a safety and ship orientation and then had our first onboard dinner together. There was a significant contrast to the level of service, number of choices, and quality of food that had been available in our alternate accommodations and the meal was quite a happy occasion.
Afterwards I went for a walk along the shore of the Rhine and through Boppard. The views along the flower basket lined promenade were pleasant. The atmosphere peaceful with the quiet hum of families eating dinner at cafes and none of the crowds of tourists we had encountered in other locations. The temperature was 73 degrees!
The cruise line did their best to provide a quality alternative experience for the three nights we were unable to be on the ship. I would rate the hotels, guides, and meals as equivalent to what one might experience on a Rick Steves tour except all meals were included. However, from the moment you step onto the ship you notice the differences in service, accommodation and food offerings.
Would I have preferred to have all 7 nights on board? Of course, but no one can control water levels. I am looking forward to the 4 nights we have and the rest of my trip.