From Bavarian Beer Halls of Munich to the Blue Danube Cruise (Days 1 & 2)

Locals and tourists waiting for the 5pm Glockenspiel performance of the tower clock.

Matt Wolfe, has three degrees. Graduate of St. Pete Junior College, A.A. Mass Communications, B.F.A. University of S. Florida, Art & Photography, Therapist A.S., Walter’s State.
Carol Birkner, holds a B.S. East TN State, as an educator, IT technology specialist.
We are members of Coastline Travel Group, Virtuoso Consortia, CLIA cruise membership. World Travelers with many countries left to explore with you our clients and future guests.

We are Certified Travel Specialist with AMAWaterways, Viking River Cruises & Seabourn Ocean

We are here to answer all your cruise questions!

Our flight was aboard Lufthansa airlines from Charlotte non stop to Munich. This was our first time flying on Lufthansa while having placed many clients on them over the past several years. The one drawback to Lufthansa is choosing your seats. Seat choice is a fee and it is not included in the base fare unless you wait until the 24 hours pre departure time. At that time the seats will have been choosen for you by the airline and only then can you choose a different seat for no charge if there are any open seats. Our flight was full and no seats were available to choose from. Carol and I were in the last row seated together and we were very cold throughout the flight. The attendant acknowledged the rear is very cold compared to the rest of the plane. 

Part of the group waiting to board for the Munich flight in Charlotte.

We booked the group at the Platzl Hotel, a historic but modernized 4 star property in the heart of the old town of Munich. The hotel is a short walk to the famous Hofbräuhaus München and 5 minutes to the Marienplatz, the location of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock tower.

Platzl Hotel is close to the historic sights of the old town. Frauenkirche 2 towers top this restored Gothic church, bombed in 1945, known for its legendary Devil's footprint.

Despite the usual fatigue from a red eye flight we went to explore the town with a lunch stop at Hofbräuhaus to listen to a live polka band performance, sample the beer, and have traditional german food. The two other couples, Carol’s parents and aunt/uncle are non drinkers they did enjoy the festive atmosphere of a friday lunch crowd and the last day of October. AMAWaterways offers land pre-cruise tours with transfers and hotel accommodations, but due to time constraints we planned a one day stay in Munich. While 24 hours is barely enough to get the feel of a city and what there is to see, you always want more. We will come back for an extended visit. Munich is very friendly and inviting. Everyone was out in the afternoon socializing at the outdoor beer gardens and restaurants you are reminded what makes trips to Europe unique to travel in the states. 

The famouse Hofbräuhaus. A great place for live music and authentic German food to sample.

The next morning we took a 1230pm train to Vilshofen for 330pm arrival. Due to work on the rail line we had to switch to a bus for one hour before returning to the final 20 minute leg on rail. The alternative was a private transfer from Munich via car/van but that was cost prohibitive. Usually the train would be relatively smooth but the switch to bus added some confusion, extra walking with luggage. Once we arrived at the Vilshofen train station, there was a short walk of 10 minutes to the docked AMALea. Walking was a mistake pulling luggage across cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Carol’s family members are in their early 80’s, despite what google/apple maps showed as the relatively short walk really was quite arduous. A taxi was more appropriate and I apologized profusely. 

Jack is happy to take a rest on his rollator as the cobblestones of Vilshofen prove a tough challenge from the train station to the AMALea ship.

Check in for the ship was very quick and seamless. In less than two minutes we were down the hall and settling into the room unpacking. We had a CA room which has a french balcony, floor to ceiling sliding door that open the width of the room and has a glass railing. Two chairs provided a nice seated area though it was somewhat small. A taller person would feel very cramped. The next category up is the B category which has both the french balcony and an exterior balcony for outdoor sitting. The stateroom is larger as well, 245 sq ft compared to 210 for our cabin.

AMALea docked waiting for us to board.

Every evening onboard has a complimentary sip and sail cocktail hour with live music, a different cocktail and mocktail (non-alcohol) drink plus wine and beer included. If you want something else from the bar, it can be charged to the room. 

The first night on the Danube that departs from Germany always has a “Oktoberfest” onboard celebration with live music and dancing. Carol brought a traditional bavarian dress and was the immediate hit of the night. She and I danced to polka music, learned a few new traditional dance steps, and generally enjoyed the whole evening. 

Carol learns Bavarian dance performed in her traditional dress from one of the locals who entertained us on the first night in Vilshofen.

A combination of French and regular balcony of the B category, 245 sq ft.

The next day we departed Vilshofen and cruised to Passau, Germany where we took an afternoon active hike to the Pilgrimage Church overlooking the town and river. Carol and I took this tour while her family members did the gentle town walking tour. AMA generally offers 3 levels of tours including gentle, moderate, and active including bike tours, all included in the price of the cruise. Passau was a Roman outpost around 2000 years ago and has been inhabited since then with various groups.

Despite a constant cold heavy rain, Carol and I opted for the “hike” to Wallfahrtskirche Mariahilf, the pilgrims church. With umbrellas in hand provided by AMA we trudged to the top and were rewarded with beautiful views along the way. The decorated gothic church includes 321 steps. Pilgrims would ascend each step on their knees pausing to pray until they reached the church above. We actually descended the steps and it brought us from the church down to a tunnel back into the main square.

Views of Passau St. Stephan's Cathedral from the shore of the Danube.

After a warm shower, another sip and sail cocktail hour, and a beautifully prepared dinner we prepared for the next day in Linz.