This trip surpassed my expectations - big time. I have cruised extensively and hadn't really considered a river cruise since Viking 10 years ago, from Moscow to St. Petersburg. That was a wonderful itinerary. River cruising has come a long way since then....the ships are far more comfortable.
First off - let's get one thing out of the way: the decor of the Maria Theresa. It's like Liberace had a fever dream -- very Hapsburg brothel. Not to everyone's taste to be sure, but it grows on you. And being only two years old, it is very high tech (iffy wifi notwithstanding) and well thought-out.
I beg to differ with a previous reviewer who said that most of the walking tours could be done sans tour guide. True enough. And I usually eschew tours. But since they were included, why not? Glad for that - they were generally excellent, and the blue tooth technology allowed one to wander away from the local guide and still hear the commentary. And there was free time to do more exploring on your own from time to time, such as Day 2 in Vienna or Passau by night. Groups were kept small.
Cabin 207 is one of those with a small window at the top of the wall - no view per se. That being said, it was roomy enough and quite comfy - loved the TV hidden in the mirror. And the bathroom was great: heated floor and towel rack much appreciated. One thing about being on the bottom deck: the cabin was right near the small cafe where snacks and cappuccino were available most of the day.
What a delightful and beautiful small town! After the 20 mile bike ride here from Melk, we opted to walk around for a couple of hours. The views of the Wachau Valley from the ruins of Kuenringer Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, are spectacular adn not to be missed.
Informative and fun walking tour of this small capital with Dagmar. I had heard a few negative things about Bratislava from friends who'd been there. Prague it ain't - but it was worth the half day we had there, and a lot has been done to spruce up the old town.