{"id":5309,"date":"2014-07-04T17:54:30","date_gmt":"2014-07-04T17:54:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avidcruiser.com\/livevoyagereports\/?page_id=5309"},"modified":"2017-09-06T16:52:39","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T22:52:39","slug":"day-6-linz-passau","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/live-voyage-reports\/emerald-waterways-emerald-sky-budapest-nuremberg\/day-6-linz-passau\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 6 – Passau"},"content":{"rendered":"

Passau and Danube Scenic Cruising aboard Emerald Star<\/h3>\n
\"Emerald<\/a>

Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Star docked in the German city of Passau. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday, July 17, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, guests aboard Emerald Cruises<\/strong>\u2019 Emerald Star <\/em><\/strong>had three distinct ways to spend their day: an optional, full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria<\/strong>; an optional, full-day journey to the storybook village of Cesky Krumlov<\/strong> in the Czech Republic<\/strong>; or the option to stay onboard to enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along the Danube, followed by a visit and guided walking tour in Passau, Germany<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>

This morning, Emerald Star docked briefly in the small Austrian town of Aschach to disembark guests traveling on to Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Guests<\/a>

Guests from Emerald Star boarding their coach to Cesky Krumlov. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Now, that\u2019s a heck of a tough choice. I\u2019ve been to Cesky Krumlov before, and absolutely fell in love with the town that has remained largely untouched for hundreds of years. Conversely, I\u2019ve never been to Salzburg, and have always wanted to go there. However, both of those options are full-day excursions that would eliminate the option of touring Passau \u2013 and I love Passau. The chance to spend a relaxing morning onboard Emerald Star<\/em> as she makes her way up the Danube followed by an afternoon in Passau was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.<\/p>\n

\"Enjoying<\/a>

Enjoying a light breakfast in the Horizon Lounge. Fruits, yogurts and breads are available each morning here. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Horizon Lounge: the place to be for scenic morning cruising. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Today\u2019s Daily Program of activities:<\/p>\n

\n
    \n
  • 07:30 \u2013 08:15: Ship stops shortly in Aschach to disembark guests going to Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg, then sails further.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 06:30 \u2013 10:00: Light Breakfast, Horizon Lounge<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 07:00 \u2013 09:00: Breakfast, Reflections Restaurant.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 08:00: Departure to Salzburg \u2013 Bus 1. Bus returns at 18:00 in Passau.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 08:45: Departure to Cesky Krumlov \u2013 Bus 2. Bus returns at 17:30 in Passau.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 12:00 \u2013 13:30: Lunch for guests staying onboard. Reflections Restaurant.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 14:30: Ship arrives in Passau, Germany.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 14:30 \u2013 15:30: Guided walking tour of Passau for guests staying onboard, with four local guides. Guide Four is for Gentle Walkers.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 16:00 \u2013 16:30: Tea Time. Horizon Lounge.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 18:00: All Aboard! Ship sails to Regensburg, Germany.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 18:45 \u2013 19:00: Port Talk with Daniela. Horizon Lounge.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 19:00: Captain\u2019s Farewell Cocktail. Horizon Lounge.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 19:15: Captain\u2019s Farewell Dinner. Reflections Restaurant. <\/em><\/li>\n
  • 21:15: Movie Night, \u201cThe Counsellor.\u201d Please sign up at Reception. Pool Area.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 21:15: Disco Night (put on your dancing shoes\u2026). Horizon Lounge.<\/em><\/li>\n
  • 22:30 \u2013 23:00: Late Night Snack<\/em><\/li>\n
  • *Due to safety reasons (low bridges), the Sun Deck will be closed starting tonight at 22:00. Thank you for your understanding.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    \"Setting<\/a>

    Setting sail along the Danube for a morning of scenic cruising! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Of course, a morning of scenic cruising allows us to answer some reader questions that have been emailed in the last few days \u2013 and both of them concern Scenic Tours<\/strong>, Emerald Cruises\u2019 big sister. Both Emerald and Scenic were founded by Australian entrepreneur Glen Moroney, and two readers \u2013 who have never sailed either line \u2013 wanted to know what the basic differences between the two were.<\/p>\n

    \"Taking<\/a>

    Taking the time to explore the Emerald Star: the small but functional Fitness Center on Deck 2 aft. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Scenic offers guests a few more \u2018bells-and-whistles\u2019 aboard its ships, which are known as \u201cSpace Ships.\u201d Those ships include some luxe features like butler service, all beverages complimentary at any time of the day, and all tours included gratis<\/em>. Scenic’s touring options ashore are also more extensive \u2013 and possibly extravagant. On a given day, you may have two or even three options, whereas on Emerald you may only have one or two options. Scenic even offers a unique feature known as Scenic Tailormade; a GPS-enabled commentary device that works both onboard ship and ashore in cities like Vienna. If you like the idea of a \u2018do-it-yourself\u2019 tour, Tailormade is as good as gold.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/a>

    A small gift\/jewelry shop is located on Deck 1 outside the Salon. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Scenic, however, comes at a higher price point. Emerald Cruises has been designed to offer a similar level of personal service, but with a few more extra-cost options and a bit less choice. However, in exchange, the initial cost of sailing with Emerald is lower, and more on-par with offerings from lines like Viking River Cruises.<\/p>\n

    Where Emerald really excels, in my opinion, is in offering river cruisers more than they can get for the price on other lines. Gratuities are included on Emerald, but additional on many competing lines. Transfers between the ship and the airport are also included on Emerald, but not necessarily with other lines in the same price category. Are those costs deal-breakers? Of course not. But it is relaxing to know that you don\u2019t have to worry about purchasing add-on transfer services, or paying gratuities at the end of your voyage.<\/p>\n

    \"The<\/a>

    The gorgeous swimming pool aboard Emerald Star. Note the opened, retractable roof. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    I also think it\u2019s worth mentioning that from time to time, I have to remind myself that Emerald Cruises has only been operational for two months, and the Emerald Star<\/em> for a little more than a month. That the product is this polished right out of the gate speaks highly to the skill of the crew onboard, many of whom have come over from Scenic.<\/p>\n

    \"Entering<\/a>

    Entering one of the many locks on our way to Passau … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"...with<\/a>

    … with only inches to spare. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Onlookers<\/a>

    Onlookers watch our progress through the locks. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    As we sailed along the Danube, numerous guests made use of Emerald Star<\/em>\u2019s attractive swimming pool as temperatures soared to 31\u00b0C and the sun deck heated up. Despite the heat, Emerald Cruises highly accommodating bar staff made sure guests were hydrated with a variety of beers, wines, soft drinks and \u2013 of course \u2013 plenty of water and iced tea, the latter two of which were placed out on a serving station behind the navigation bridge where guests could help themselves.<\/p>\n

    \"Temperatures<\/a>

    Temperatures soared by midday, but made for some spectacular Danube scenic cruising. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Pitchers<\/a>

    Pitchers of cold water and iced tea were placed on the Sun Deck for guests to help themselves to. Full bar service was also available. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Just after 14:15, we arrived at our first port in Germany. Passau<\/strong> is incredibly scenic to approach from the east, as it\u2019s remarkably easy to see the confluence of three rivers that join on the eastern tip of the town: the Danube<\/strong>, the Ilz<\/strong>, and the Inn<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \"Sailing<\/a>

    Sailing into Passau, Germany. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Passau has a population of just over 50,000 inhabitants. If you haven\u2019t been there, chances are you\u2019ve heard of it. Last year, Passau experienced record flooding on a scale that hasn\u2019t been seen since the middle ages. Seeing pictures of it on the news, flooded out and covered in silt, broke my heart. This is my fourth visit to Passau, but my first since the floods, and even a year later, the damage is still visible \u2013 and still being repaired. Water damage is still visible on the foundations of many buildings, and signs indicating that restoration work is still ongoing are everywhere along the waterfront, where damage was the most extensive.<\/p>\n

    \"Passing<\/a>

    Passing under the Luitpold Bridge prior to docking in Passau. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Passau is an amazing city, and I didn\u2019t regret my decision to stay onboard one bit once I saw its beautiful skyline come into view. Not that I did much; I basically did some window shopping, which was good for me but bad for my credit card when I found two new shirts and a sports coat at a store on Ludwigstrasse<\/em>, Passau\u2019s pedestrian-only shopping district.<\/p>\n

    A few photos from my afternoon ashore:<\/p>\n

    \"Docked!<\/a>

    Docked! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Damage<\/a>

    Damage from last year’s record flood is still visible, particularly along the waterfront. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Passau's<\/a>

    Passau’s Hotel am Paulusbogen as it appeared today … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"...and<\/a>

    … and in 2002 and 2013. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"The<\/a>

    The Old and New on display in Passau. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Passau's<\/a>

    Passau’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral, also simply known as the Dom, has the largest cathedral organ in the world, with 17,774 pipes. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"The<\/a>

    The streets of Passau are very pedestrian-friendly, and the entire city can easily be explored on foot. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Passau<\/a>

    Passau is also a very pretty town, with fresh flowers everywhere. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Photo<\/a>

    Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Two interesting things happened when I returned from my walkabout in town. First, since temperatures were pushing 33\u00b0C, the roof of Emerald Star<\/em>\u2019s swimming pool was opened to the elements. We were also docked with our stern nearly level with the Luitpoldbrucke<\/em> Bridge, and it was an object of fascination for those pedestrians crossing the bridge to look down into the pool. There was much excited pointing and gesturing; so much so that I think it might behove the company to paint the Emerald Cruises logo onto the surface of the white steel roof cover that retracts over to the port side of the ship when in use.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/a>

    A unique view of the Emerald Star’s Sun Deck, as seen from the Luitpold Bridge in Passau. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    The other interesting thing was talking to my fellow guests that had participated in the alternate excursions to Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg. Despite frequent rainstorms that we weren\u2019t treated to, the Cesky group fell in love with the storybook Czech Republic village \u2013 though, perhaps not the rather meat-and-potatoes styling of the local food.<\/p>\n

    Salzburg, likewise, was also a hit, though only a dozen or so guests participated in it. On my other river cruises, Salzburg\u2019s been so popular that it has completely filled two coaches. I don\u2019t have any concrete evidence for this, but my personal assumption may be that the movie The Sound of Music<\/em> does much to drive American audiences to see Salzburg, but perhaps less so for those from other countries.<\/p>\n

    \"Emerald<\/a>

    Emerald Star departs Passau under increasingly dark skies. It never rained, but the thunder was very pronounced. Note the windows in the foreground for Emerald Star’s swimming pool. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    After our departure from Passau, the evening progressed much as our other evenings have here onboard: a long and fabulous dinner coupled with post-dinner drinks and conversation in the Horizon Lounge.<\/p>\n

    Late tonight, however, I learned about this afternoon\u2019s shoot-down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over the Ukraine. To say it rattled me is an understatement; 9M-MRD is the second Boeing 777 that the airline has lost this year, but this time, there is little doubt about what happened, but substantial doubt over who did it.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s hard to reconcile that fact as I watch the Danube slip by me from my balcony, surrounded by what seems like every creature comfort. This afternoon was a wonderful one for those of us onboard Emerald Star<\/em>; it was a very different one for 280 passengers flying from Amsterdam\u2019s Schiphol Airport to Kuala Lumpur.<\/p>\n

    \"Evening<\/a>

    Evening turndown service. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    For me, it\u2019s a reminder to be grateful for experiences we have in life \u2013 in particular, the ones we\u2019ve enjoyed for the last week here in Europe. It\u2019s also what I\u2019d like to say to those readers who are following along who are considering river cruising or traveling to Europe or any \u2018bucket list\u2019 item: Do it now, because there are no guarantees thing will unfold the way you expect them to.<\/p>\n

    \"Photo<\/a>

    Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

    Emerald Cruises, Budapest to Nuremberg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
    DAY<\/B><\/td>PORT<\/B><\/td>ACTIVITIES<\/B><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Saturday, July 12, 2014<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Embark Emerald Cruises' Emerald Star<\/i> in Budapest; Welcome Aboard Dinner<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Sunday, July 13<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Guided tour of Budapest including Fisherman's Bastion and Castle Hill<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Monday, July 14<\/a><\/td>Bratislava, Slovakia<\/td>Old Town walking tour; EmeraldPlus excursion for tea with a local Slovakian family<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Tuesday, July 15<\/a><\/td>Vienna, Austria<\/td>Panoramic \"Ringstrasse\" tour of Vienna; free time and optional Schonbrunn Palace Tour and Viennese concert. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Wednesday, July 16<\/a><\/td>Vienna \/ Durnstein \/ Melk, Austria<\/td>Guided tour of Melk Abbey; guided tour of Durnstein<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Thursday, July 17<\/a><\/td>Linz, Austria \/ Passau, Germany<\/td>Walking tours & free time in Linz and Passau; Optional full-day tour to Salzburg, Austria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Friday, July 18<\/a><\/td>Regensburg \/ Weltenburg, Germany<\/td>Guided tours of Regensburg & Weltenburg Abbey; optional traditional Bavarian entertainment excursion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Saturday, July 19<\/a><\/td>Nuremberg, Germany<\/td>Disembark & onward journey home.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Passau and Danube Scenic Cruising aboard Emerald Star Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports Thursday, July 17, 2014 Today, guests aboard Emerald Cruises\u2019 Emerald Star had three distinct ways to spend their day: an optional, full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria; an optional, full-day journey to the storybook village of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic; […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5298,"parent":4839,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5309"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5309"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5309\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4839"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}