By Michele Wirth | Simply Inspired Travel
There’s something magical about a river cruise—but I didn’t get to fully experience it the first time I sailed the Danube. In March of 2023, after attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Budapest, I set off on my first Danube itinerary with AmaWaterways. Unfortunately, I caught a nasty bug and spent most of the trip in my stateroom. So when the opportunity came to experience the Danube again—this time aboard Viking Egil—I was all in. This was not my second river cruise, but it was my second time on the Danube, and I was ready to fully soak it in.
What made this cruise extra special was sharing it with our friends Michael and Mary. Though seasoned travelers, they’d never cruised—and Mary had long been convinced it wasn’t for her. Seasickness and the idea of being “stuck with strangers” just didn’t appeal. But after we took them to dinner at Craft, a river cruise-themed restaurant in Tampa, and they got a taste of the ambiance, her perspective shifted. My husband pointed out, “This is what being on a river boat feels like,” and Mary was intrigued. Soon after, they were booked.
The Viking Egil Experience
The Viking Egil is a beautiful ship, sleek and stylish with Scandinavian decor—light wood, clean lines, and a sense of understated elegance throughout. It has four decks:
Finally, the Sun Deck offers panoramic views, walking tracks, and a peaceful space for lounging while scenic sailing.
The Main Deck, where you’ll find the standard E and F cabins with high windows (but no balconies).
The Middle Deck includes guest services, the shop, the dining room, and cabins in categories A, B (veranda) and C, D (French balconies).
The Upper Deck features more A-D cabins, the Explorer Suite, Veranda Suites, the lounge, library, and the Aquavit Terrace—a glass-enclosed indoor/outdoor space perfect for al fresco dining.
Our favorite onboard spaces? The Aquavit Terrace was perfect for breakfast , lunch, or dinner while watching the world glide by. The photo shows a picture I took as we sailed down the Danube from Budapest on our sail away. The glass ceiling is from the enclosed portion of the Aquavit. We also loved the upper sun deck on scenic sailing days—and of course, our own stateroom balcony, where we could unwind in private and take in the scenery.
A unique part of river cruising is the way ships dock. Sometimes multiple ships line up alongside each other at port, meaning you may walk through another ship to reach yours—or have another vessel right outside your window. It’s quirky, but part of the charm, and it rarely lasts long.
Dining Onboard
The food aboard Viking Egil was fresh, varied, and consistently delicious. Every day featured options that highlighted regional cuisine along with familiar favorites. One of the standout meals was Chateaubriand, which I sadly missed due to dinner plans in Passau—but I heard rave reviews.
One highlight was the apple strudel demonstration, followed by warm, flaky slices served as an afternoon treat—just one of many thoughtful touches that made the experience feel authentic and immersive.
A Thoughtfully Curated Itinerary
We started in Budapest, one of Europe’s most stunning cities. From there, our ports of call included:
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Vienna, Austria
- Krems, Austria
- Linz, Austria
- Passau, Germany
- Post-cruise: Prague, Czech Republic
Each port offered a mix of included and optional excursions. We loved how seamlessly everything was arranged. The Audio Vox systems were crystal clear, making guided walking tours easy and enjoyable. Mary especially appreciated how she and Michael could split up when their interests differed. While he explored one last museum, she enjoyed quiet moments reading on the balcony.
Passau was a surprise favorite. Known as the City of Three Rivers, it’s one of Bavaria’s oldest towns with beautiful architecture and a relaxed vibe. Another gem was Cesky Krumlov, an optional all-day excursion from Linz. This fairytale medieval town—with its castles, artisan shops, and even a bear moat—felt like stepping into a storybook. And the shopping? Truly special. Locally crafted, unique, and a far cry from touristy trinkets.
A Vow Renewal – That Brought Tears of Joy to Captain Michael
One of the most touching moments came during a vow renewal for a couple from Texas celebrating their anniversary. They invited us to witness the ceremony. Captain Michael led it beautifully—even shedding a tear. Afterward, we toasted with champagne. It was the kind of intimate, unforgettable memory you can only get in a setting like this.
For the Cruise Curious
If you’re someone who thinks cruising isn’t for you—Mary was, too. But river cruising is different. It’s small, personal, and perfectly paced. You unpack once, explore deeply, and return each evening to familiar comforts.
And with Viking and a good travel advisor, it’s seamless. Viking’s luxury motorcoaches are spotless. Their staff is ever-present, from airport transfers to hotel stays on pre- and post-cruise extensions. You never feel lost or unsure of what’s next. And if anything does go sideways? You’ve got me. When one of my clients recently had flight issues after a Viking cruise, I rerouted them, secured lounge access, and arranged a limo before they even knew there was a problem. I am there, even after your trip begins, for your peace of mind!
This Danube River cruise was a gift—a beautiful, enriching, low-stress vacation with friends, memories, and magic. If you’re even a little bit curious, let’s talk. I’ll help you find the perfect river cruise for your style, season, and dreams.
— Michele
Simply Inspired Travel | www.simplyinspiredtravel.com
