LIVE from the River Empress 11/15 - 11/22

We’re on the River Empress at the start of our cruise. I’ll post periodically as we sail down the Rhine River.

Here’s a picture from the first lock just south of Basel.

This looks like it will be a fun cruise.

Tim

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Looking forward to your posts.

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Can't wait to see your posts.

Thanks for posting. I'm going to follow along as I'm getting ready to book a 2018 Remarkable Rhine itinerary on the River Empress. Looking at the deck plan, she appears to have the same layout as the River Duchess that I sailed in Sept./Oct.

Roz

Brings back wonderful memories. Looking forward to your recap.

RB

Yesterday morning there was a demo of making a Black Forest cake.

We also did a walking tour of two small villages.

And we passed through at least 8 locks.

All the tours are included with the fare. We’re having a great time.

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Following along.

Keith

Bicycles are available for free use.

The cathedral of Notre Dam was a key stop on our walking tour.

We also took an optional canal boat cruise in the afternoon. While the ship doesn’t sail until quite late tonight, we came back to the ship at 3pm for some warmth and comfort food.

Temperature wise, it was about 42°f and for a spell there was a light drizzle.

Also if you want more details, follow my written blog; it’s at http://www.timmer2017riverempress.blogspot.com

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Tonight after dinner, we enjoyed French music and songs presented by Armand Jehle on an accordion and a younger female singer. They were quite good.

We sail to Germany where we’ll be for the rest of the trip until we reach Amsterdam.

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Today we visited a mechanical musical instrument museum in Rüdesheim as well as a nice wine tasting.

Later we watched castles on the Rhine for a couple hours before stopping in Boppard for the night.

We have German entertainers on board tonight.

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Btimmer,

thank you for taking the time to post from your cruise. Have a lovely dinner and very enjoyable entertainment afterwards. A couple more castle for you tomorrow, then, before you reach Koblenz and its famous Deutsches Eck. Hope you are able to go up to Ehrenbreitstein fortress on a coach excursion.

notamermaid

Every night our wine steward gives a presentation on the two wines paired with dinner. It’s been both entertaining and informative.

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Tonight we had a terrific German singer, Florina, accompanied by her husband, Toni. Her operatic voice was outstanding and she sang several pop songs plus a number of classical pieces.

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This morning we did a walking tour of Koblenz. It was another wonderful tour.

In front of the statute of Kaiser Wilhelm I at these confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers.

Roman style bridge dating from the 1200’s.

This afternoon we’re touring the Marksburg castle which we passed by this morning.

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We passed by the Marksburg Castle yesterday sailing down the Rhine River.

Today we took an excellent ship provided tour of the castle. Here’s a view of the Rhine River from the castle.

Here’s some of the typical armament throughout the centuries.

I have many more photos that I’ll put on a photo sharing site once we return to the USA.

All the ship provided shore excursions have been excellent.

Tim

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Love your pictures and review! Enjoy the rest of your cruise

Your pictures are getting me excited for our upcoming Uniworld cruise. I have an odd question, the self serve laundry facilities, what are they like? I usually pack the laundry detergent pods for laundry on the road, I am hoping that is still a good idea on the River Empress.

Your pictures are getting me excited for our upcoming Uniworld cruise. I have an odd question, the self serve laundry facilities, what are they like? I usually pack the laundry detergent pods for laundry on the road, I am hoping that is still a good idea on the River Empress.

They provide the soap at the front desk at no cost. There are two washer dryer stacked units, an ice machine, and an ironing board and iron. All are no cost. I’ll get a picture tomorrow.

The River Empress is a fine ship with excellent crew.

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We’re sailing down the Rhine from Koblenz to Amsterdam.

A giant wheel at Düsseldorf.

There are lots of scenic sites to watch. There is also a Quietvox unit which broadcasts periodic commentary about key items. It’s the same unit that is used on the shore excursions.

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A little celebratory cake for the farewell gala.

And some other treats.

We are certainly being spoiled.

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Enjoying your thread; thanks for posting!

We really enjoyed this itinerary 3 years ago and it's nice to see your post. Brings back fond memories.

Uniworld does know how to show you a great time. Sorry it's over so soon.

At 5am we checked out of the River Empress and caught our shuttle to the Schiphol airport to begin our long flights home. It’s been a terrific trip.

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Safe travels!

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Those early morning flights are the worst after a pleasant and enjoyable cruise. Makes for a very long day. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

Roz

Really enjoyed your cruise report and will look at your blog to see if there's more. Thank you, thank you for including pictures. They brought back great memories of my Rhine River cruise in 2014.