Danube tragedy lessons to be learned

I was so sad to hear of last week’s terribly tragic events on the Danube almost outside the Parliament building.

This was hopefully a one-off event. Even now, as I continue to read the reports of the incident and the police assessment, I am still in my own mind a little unclear as to exactly what happened.

It would appear that the 445 foot Viking Sigyn and the small Mermaid tour boat were travelling paralell with each other approaching the St Margarets Bridge when suddenly, for some unknown reason, the smaller boat edged into the path of the larger vessel. The smaller boat was overturned and sank in under ten seconds.I am not sure that the arrest of the captain of the Viking Sigyn is correct as it would appear that the collision by that time was unavoidable.

The fact that the Koreans on the smaller boat were not wearing life jackets should not be read into too deeply. Many of the small tour boats cruising up and down that busy section of river would carry enough life jackets for the number of tourists on board but if your boat is hit and sinks in seven seconds, the life jacket is useless unless it is already being worn.

What I will say is this. That stretch of the Danube is busier than you could possibly imagine. At night time, one of the favourite excursions is the run up and down that section of river to see the city’s lights and especially the Parliament building.My wife and I have cruised that very same area a number of times and truthfully, it remains one of my most memorable trips.

Ours was a classic Danube itinerary which included the wonders of Vienna, a day in Bratislava, and the magnificent Melk Abbey. Vienna is a must. Opera, the renowned Vienna Boys Choir, home of the famous Spanish Riding School and its Lipizzaner horses, Mozart, Schloss Schonbrunn, Sacher Torte Apple Strudel…     they are all here. So much to see, and I am sure we will return there some day.

This tragic incident will not put us off doing this same trip again. Do not let media coverage of this tragic event dampen your desire to experience what is one of Europe’s best river cruises.Just about any Danube river cruise that either starts, or ends, in Budapest will include Vienna and you’re almost certain to get an overnight stay there. It’s not the only highlight of this seven night cruise though. If you have the time make sure you stay a night or two in Budapest, one of Europe’s spectacular cities.Budapest’s Gellert Baths are amazing or, if you are even more adventurous, the Szechenyi Spa and Swimming Pools. I guarantee you will have not experienced anything like this before. Not only are the enormous range of spas, thermal baths and pools spectacularly different, but, for me, part of the experience of any visit there is the cultural differences between all the people using these facilities. Just to understand the “menu” of what’s on offer, not easily translated for the English, is in itself a challenge. Take your own bath towel to avoid the cost, and greater challenge of trying to dry yourself with a sheet…    yes, no mistake…    a sheet, but that’s another story.

My own preference and recommendation, when it comes to river cruising, is to opt for either APT, a line that specialises in this or Viking. The latter has numerous boats on all the main rivers.

Need my expertise? I certainly hope so, and I am ready to guide you. Call me on 0330 303 8397 or email me waynef@cruise.co.uk and I will get you river cruising in no time.