Goodbye, Park Plaza Nuremberg, and hello to the next chapter of our adventure! Today, we left the charming streets and Christmas markets of Nuremberg behind and checked in to our floating holiday home, the Avalon Illumination. Even though the morning was rainy and misty, it didn’t dampen our excitement.
A Cozy Start to the Day
The day began with breakfast at the Park Plaza, our last meal at this wonderful hotel. Afterward, we packed up our suitcases, said goodbye to our room, and checked out. As we stepped outside, the cool drizzle set a cozy mood for the journey ahead.
Heading to the Cruise Port
We shared a taxi to the cruise port with the Kessler family, whom we have known for a long time. Michele has been our travel agent both on base and since. Gary was one of our teammates and boss's during our career. Despite the rain, the ride was short and filled with chatter about the adventures awaiting us aboard the Avalon Illumination.
When we arrived at the port, the crew was already there to welcome us, even though it was still late morning. Check-in was seamless—they greeted us with warm smiles and a glass of hot tea, the perfect thing to chase away the chill from the misty weather. Before we knew it, we were being escorted to our cabin, where our luggage was already waiting for us!
Settling In
Our room is cozy and modern, with a full-length window offering panoramic views of the Danube River. After unpacking and settling in, we took some time to explore the ship. It’s beautifully decorated for the holidays, with garlands, twinkling lights, and even a Christmas tree in the main lounge.
We had lunch in the Panorama Lounge, where they offered a mix of light bites and hearty dishes. It was a relaxed way to ease into life aboard the ship. The dining area’s large windows made it easy to enjoy the misty views of Nuremberg’s riverside, even as we stayed warm indoors.
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| Small Lounge |
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| Small Lounge |
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| Large Lounge |
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| Large Lounge |
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| Large Lounge |
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| Dining Room |
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| Dining Room |
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| Dining Room |
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| The Gym |
The Evening
They had a safety briefing and a Welcome Reception at 6 PM, followed by dinner at 7 PM. We’ll remained docked in Nuremberg for the night, giving us one last chance to take in this historic city tomorrow during the morning excursions before we officially embarked on our Danube journey in the late afternoon.
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| The Captain's toast |
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| The Captain demonstrating a life vest |
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| Ready for the toast |
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| German Mushroon and Dumpling soup |
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| Beef |
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| Ice Cream |
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| Apple Tart |
So far, the crew has been nothing short of amazing, making us feel right at home. We’re excited for the days ahead as we float along the Danube, visiting more magical cities and experiencing the Christmas season from the comfort of our holiday ship.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventures—Nuremberg still has a bit more to show us before we set sail!
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