After collecting our luggage back at the Mercure yesterday, we walked over to the Amalegro. We were very excited as the river cruise was the first part of our trip that we booked over 12 months ago. And all of our expectations have been met - great service, food, appointments and a well appointed cabin. There are 128 passengers (fully booked) and 41 staff to look after us. This means it is very 'intimate' and we have met lots of likeable people already. Dinner from our Austrian chef on evening 1 was sumptuous (so just as well we did not have all the courses). Dinner was followed by a gypsy troop performance that was simply stunning with it's energy!

After breakfast this morning we went on an included tour of Budapest. Although we saw quite a few things for a second time we picked up quite a few new insights, aided by a fantastic local lady tour guide who knew how to 'work' the mainly Aussie passengers. Looking forward to the captain's welcome dinner tonight after which we set off along the Danube.