There is an included excursion today to the Wachau region of Austria and I am uncertain about whether to go. I would like to see the scenery and return to Melk but I really need the time for the brochure proof.
The brochure wins out and I’m pleased as the boat is so quiet I can get quite a bit done before lunch. The passengers are due back at 12:30.
Not so sunny today as I start to work on the outside deck but soon come in to the comfort of the lounge.
The passengers are back by midday and some have enjoyed the trip and others less so. They all agreed the visit to Melk Abbey was outstanding (it always is) but there was a slight problem at the wine tasting where the commentary was only in German which made it difficult to understand and then some of the Germans had the hump because the English were talking! I don’t know if they neared World War III but there were some words exchanged. And not the first time this week either! Some of our German cousins obviously do not like the English although others are delightful.
I spend most of the afternoon on deck which is lovely if you can keep out of the wind.
It is fascinating watching the boat being manoeuvred in and out of the vast locks. In one lock we are raised to meet the river level but then have to negotiate a low bridge. All passengers have to come off the sun deck and all awnings and aerials are lowered along with the Captains wheelhouse which is lowered hydraulically. All very impressive and exciting. The boat behind is an older vessel and the crew on there have to physically take the wheelhouse apart and lie the pieces on the deck.
It is the Captain’s dinner tonight and half an hour before we are to meet in the Panorama Lounge for a cocktail.
I have a quick beer in the Lido bar watching the lovely scenery from the back of the boat.
Most of our group are sat just inside the door of the lounge as we are given little snacks to eat and wine to drink and toast the crew with.
The crew are all called out to much fanfare and raising of glasses and the Captain gives a speech which is translated by Andy, the ship’s hotel manager. He is telling us about the worry of low water, especially on their journey to the Black Sea. At one point on the trip the river bed was only 30cm from the bottom of the boat! That is only a foot!
Where we are all sat is a place where two German couples have been sitting and the looks we received when they came in and saw their seats had gone were definitely hostile!
Dinner was great tonight with seven courses of excellent food including a steak main dish that was delicious.
It is time to pay our bills tonight and I have had a print out of mine and the waiter who always serves us has not included many of my drinks and when he has he has only charged me for small beers instead of large.
The note I put into his pocket is appreciated but also a little expected!
On the tipping front we are all given an envelope and advised that between €5 and €7 per day per person is the normal amount given although you can put what you like in the envelope. With 166 passengers on board if we all put the minimum €5 per person per night the crew would be sharing €5810.00!
Food for thought!!!
I pack my cases in readiness for tomorrows disembarkation at Passau.
1 comment:
When advised that between 5 and 7 euro`s per day per person is the norm for tips, that would have put another about £100 on the brochure price of the holiday for two. The envelope was put straight in the waste bin.
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