{"id":5311,"date":"2014-07-04T17:55:52","date_gmt":"2014-07-04T17:55:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avidcruiser.com\/livevoyagereports\/?page_id=5311"},"modified":"2016-06-29T08:11:32","modified_gmt":"2016-06-29T14:11:32","slug":"day-7-regensburg","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/live-voyage-reports\/emerald-waterways-emerald-sky-budapest-nuremberg\/day-7-regensburg\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 7 – Regensburg"},"content":{"rendered":"

Regensburg, Weltenburg Abbey, and One Last Emerald Cruises Day<\/h3>\n
\"Today,<\/a>

Today, we enjoyed one last day in Germany, Europe, and onboard Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Star. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

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

July 18, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s our last full day aboard Emerald Cruises<\/strong>\u2019 Emerald Star\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>today, as we approach the end of the Danube and our weeklong voyage that began in Budapest and has whisked us through the heart of four separate countries in just six short days. This evening, we\u2019ll enter the Main-Danube Canal and begin our transit toward Nuremberg, where we will disembark tomorrow morning and another group of guests will take our place.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, we still have one day left onboard, and it promises to be a busy one, with excursions to Regensburg, Kelheim<\/strong> and Weltenburg Abbey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"As<\/a>

As the last day of our cruise, this was the ‘housekeeping’ day: filling out customer surveys, collecting luggage tags, and settling onboard accounts. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Regensburg<\/strong> has been called the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. It\u2019s also widely recognized for one of its most iconic features: the Stone Bridge constructed between 1135 and 1146, which today is covered in scaffolding as reconstruction takes place.<\/p>\n

Directly adjacent to the Stone Bridge is the Wurstkuche<\/em><\/strong>, a small restaurant that has been serving up superb Schweinsbratwurstl vom rost mit sauerkraut <\/em>(bratwurst & sauerkraut) for the past 700 years. That, plus a pint of Bavarian beer, was my goal for this morning. With just shy of two hours on shore, I\u2019d be able to do that and still tour around for a little while.<\/p>\n

\"One<\/a>

One of five local guides for our brief walking tour of Regensburg. The fifth guide was exclusively for gentle walkers. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Unfortunately, once pierside in Regensburg we learned that our time in town would be reduced even further, to a little more than 60 minutes, before we had to be back onboard due to lock schedules upstream. Compounding this was the fact that Emerald Star<\/em> was docked in the second furthest berth from town, meaning a brisk 10-minute walk between the ship and the Wurstkuche<\/em> in each direction. Math isn\u2019t my strong suit, but I do know that leaves approximately 40 minutes to tour the town before the all-aboard call at 11:15.<\/p>\n

\"Approaching<\/a>

Approaching Regensburg from the cruise piers. The walk to town from most ships is between five and ten minutes. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

You might ask why I am so passionate about visiting Regensburg for more than 40 minutes. Here\u2019s why: Unlike our short call on Durnstein, Regensburg offers a multitude of ways to spend your day. There\u2019s the aforementioned Wurstkuche<\/em>, the opulent Schloss Emmeram<\/em>, also known as the Palace Thurn und Taxis, is located on the outskirts of the town. There are also numerous cafes and open-air markets, tons<\/em> of cool shops, a residence formerly occupied by Oskar Schindler, and \u2013 most imposingly \u2013 the Gothic Dom<\/em>, or Cathedral, that anchors Regensburg and has dual spires that are visible for kilometres in either direction.<\/p>\n

\"There's<\/a>

There’s much to see in Regensburg, from the oldest sausage kitchen in Germany … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...to<\/a>

… to outdoor cafes … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...historic<\/a>

… historic buildings dating back to the middle ages … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...wide<\/a>

… wide town squares … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...Venetian-esque<\/a>

… Venetian-esque passageways … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...the<\/a>

… the imposing Dom … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...and<\/a>

… and even a house once occupied by Oskar Schindler. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

It seems that, particularly today, our schedule is operated on the narrowest of margins; perhaps not what you want to do when you have to enter the numerous locks of the Main-Danube Canal in order to reach Nuremberg by tomorrow morning. Our afternoon excursion to Kelheim this afternoon requires us to reposition the ship in order to make it through the Regensburg Lock at the mouth of the Regen River.<\/p>\n

\"Disembarking<\/a>

Disembarking Emerald Star just outside the Regensburg Lock. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

We arrived at the Regensburg Lock just after one in the afternoon, and disembarked at 1:30. It was then that I discovered I\u2019d been here on another river cruise two years prior \u2013 and that you can walk to the parking lot where the coaches picked us up from the center of Regensburg in about 10 minutes. Sure enough, to reach Weltenburg Abbey and Kelheim, we drove back <\/em>through the center of town.<\/p>\n

For the first-time cruiser, none of this would matter. If you\u2019ve been here before, however, this morning might have left you singing a different tune.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the excursion Emerald Waterway had planned to Weltenburg Abbey and Kelheim was fun and immensely enjoyable.<\/p>\n

\"To<\/a>

To reach Weltenburg Abbey, you have to walk approximately 800 metres from the coach parking lot. It’s an easy, picturesque walk, though a shuttle is available for those with mobility issues. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Weltenburg Abbey<\/strong> was founded by is situated near the Danube Gorge<\/strong> and was \u2013 somewhat ironically \u2013 founded by either Irish or Scottish Monks around 620. It is thought to be the oldest Abbey in all of Bavaria. There\u2019s a gorgeous baroque cathedral on-site, but perhaps more importantly, Weltenburg Abbey is also the location of the Weltenburger Klosterbrauerei, <\/em>a monastic brewery that has been making refreshing pints since 1050.<\/p>\n

\"Approaching<\/a>

Approaching the entrance to Weltenburg Abbey … Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"...and<\/a>

… and Weltenburg Cathedral. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

I\u2019d heard that the Weltenburg Cathedral was spectacular \u2013 and it\u2019s true, it was gorgeous. On a hot day like ours, where temperatures pushed 34\u00b0C by afternoon, a refreshing beer and a freshly made Bavarian pretzel was just what the doctor ordered. After spending 20 minutes in the Cathedral learning of its history, we had approximately 90 minutes to enjoy one complimentary beer, which most of us supplemented with another beer held in the shaded outdoor beer garden.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>

Inside Weltenburg Abbey. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

\"Enjoying<\/a>

Enjoying a traditional Bavarian beer – reportedly the oldest operating Monastic brewery – and a fresh “bretzel.” Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"After<\/a>

After a complimentary beer indoors, we moved outdoors for another refreshing Dunkel, or dark beer. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Following our beer, a short walk took us to a small ferry that would whisk us across the Danube Gorge to Kelheim. This was one of the most enjoyable events of the afternoon. Our small ship took us on a 20-minute cruise along the Gorge, where we passed swimmers, kayakers, and bathers sunning themselves and cooling off in the rapidly-increasing heat of the day.<\/p>\n

\"After<\/a>

After 90 minutes at the Abbey, we made the short walk to a small ferry terminal for a scenic cruise to Kelheim through the Danube Gorge. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Embarking<\/a>

Embarking our ferry boat for the 20-minute ride to Kelheim. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

On our way into Kelheim, we passed the imposing Befreiungshalle<\/em><\/strong>, or Hall of Liberation. It\u2019s not at eye-level, however; you have to look up to see it. Standing like the coliseum high atop the Bavarian hills near Kelheim, the Befreiungshalle was constructed between 1842 and 1863 to celebrate the victories against Napoleon, everybody\u2019s fun-loving European conqueror, during the German Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Seen<\/a>

Seen from the ferry: the imposing Befreiungshalle rises above the hills. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Embarking<\/a>

Embarking the Emerald Star in Kelheim for our last evening onboard. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Immediately after disembarking our little ferry, we re-boarded the coaches for the five-minute drive to the waiting Emerald Star<\/em>, which had already begun moving again before I even reached my stateroom. I then had 15 minutes to change quickly to be back in the lounge for our nightly entertainment: a local German Oompah Band who would perform a fantastic 30-minute concert for us.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>

A traditional German Oompah Band performed for us in the Horizon Lounge this evening prior to dinner. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

This is a jam-packed day that would make a fabulous first day after departure from Nuremberg on the Eastbound itinerary, but it makes for a busy, confusing last day onboard on the Westbound itinerary. In contrast with how well-planned the rest of the itinerary was, today felt like a mad scramble \u2013 rushing to disembark in Regensburg, rushing to eat lunch back onboard, rushing to make the afternoon excursion to Kelheim, and rushing to take in the Bavarian Oompah Band, the pre-dinner talk, and dinner. Not to mention: packing, settling your onboard account, delivering the cruise survey to the reception desk, and securing your luggage tags for tomorrow morning\u2019s transfers.<\/p>\n

\"Food<\/a>

Food onboard has been universally good. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

After one last fantastic dinner onboard, it was time to settle up the onboard account, which could be done in cash in Euros (the onboard currency), or by credit card. I also picked up the appropriate colour luggage tags for my morning transfer to Nuremberg Airport and spent a bit of time saying goodbye to crew members I had come to know well before watching the most gorgeous sunset of the cruise as we left the Danube behind and entered the Main-Danube Canal. Built in 1992, this engineering marvel has a total of 16 locks and runs for 171 kilometres.<\/p>\n

\"Cruise<\/a>

Cruise Director Daniela makes her last port talk for guests on Emerald Star. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Before 1992, sailing from Kelheim to Nuremberg would have simply been impossible. Now, not only is it possible, but highly desirable, as river cruise and cargo ships can now sail from Amsterdam all the way to the Black Sea.<\/p>\n

Despite the day\u2019s somewhat chaotic schedule, I remain impressed with Emerald Cruises and with my time aboard the Emerald Star<\/em>. There\u2019s some things they can improve upon, and there are some features that ultra-luxe parent company Scenic has that I\u2019d love to see transition down to Emerald, but to have a product that is this polished and ready right out of the gate has truly surprised me. There are things that their immediate competitors do perhaps a bit better, but it\u2019s a very narrow gap, and one that could definitely close considerably in the coming months.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

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

Next year, Emerald will debut Emerald Dawn <\/em><\/strong>and Emerald Sun<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 <\/em>and the company has been\u00a0listening to its guests. The crew onboard are genuinely interested in what is working, and what isn\u2019t. Recommendations are being made to head office, and it wouldn\u2019t be unrealistic to expect to see some minor changes to the line\u2019s next two river cruise vessels.<\/p>\n

For a line that\u2019s only been in operation since April, Emerald is off to a heck of a good start.<\/p>\n

\"Leaving<\/a>

Leaving the Danube and entering the Main-Danube Canal near sunset. 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":"

Regensburg, Weltenburg Abbey, and One Last Emerald Cruises Day Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports July 18, 2014 It\u2019s our last full day aboard Emerald Cruises\u2019 Emerald Star\u00a0today, as we approach the end of the Danube and our weeklong voyage that began in Budapest and has whisked us through the heart of four separate countries in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5298,"parent":4839,"menu_order":6,"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\/5311"}],"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=5311"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5311\/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=5311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}