Day 4

Viking Helvetia 2014 8-Day Rhine River Cruise Review
Day 4 November 5, 2014
Mannheim, Germany Arrival: 2:00AM Departure: 8:45AM
Gernsheim, Germany Arrival: 11:00AM Departure: 1:00PM
Rudesheim, Germany Arrival: 5:00PM
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Shore Excursion: The ship docked in Mannheim, Germany in the very early hours of the morning. After breakfast, we had an early start for our coach trip to Heidelberg, Germany. This time we had five coach assignments (A-E) in order to accommodate those who might physically need a more leisurely pace. That coach designation was E and meant that when the coach arrived at the Heidelberg Castle, which was our first stop, the coach was able to park closer to the entrance of the castle and those on it did not have to walk a very steep incline. The tour guide also walked slower once inside the castle in order to help those needing the extra time to get around. The Heidelberg Castle was built in the 13th century and is partially in ruins from years of wars and fires but is still very picturesque. It is located on a hill overlooking the Neckar River as well as the city of Heidelberg.

Elizabeth's Gate Was Built In 1615 As A Gift From Her Husband, Friedrich

Ruins of Heidelberg Castle

Front of The Castle

Castle was damaged over the years by fires and wars.

Earliest structure was built in 1214

More Castle Ruins

View from castle - Heidelberg's red topped roofs, churches, and old bridge across the Neckar River

Another view from the castle

View Across The River

After the guided tour of the castle, our coach drove a short distance to the Heidelberg city center. Our tour guide then led us on a walking tour of the old town with its cobble stoned, very narrow streets. From the town square you could see the castle looking very majestic just above the city. We had some free time to shop and investigate the city on our own before boarding our coach for the drive to Gernsheim where the ship had sailed during the excursion. As soon as we all were back on board the ship, it sailed for Rudesheim where we would spend the evening.

Castle Gardens

Narrow street of Heidelberg

One of Many Bakeries

Buildings in Heidelberg

View of castle above Corn Market

Here are a few food photos of lunch onboard the ship. There was a selection of beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks, and tea) that were complimentary with meals.

Lunch

River as seen from the wheelhouse

Wheelhouse Tour: During the afternoon of sailing, the pilot gave small groups a tour of the wheelhouse and showed us the instruments and computers he uses to guide the ship through the Rhine. He explained all the meanings of the different shaped and colored flags that guide ships along the way and also told how it is determined who has the “right of way”.

Presentations: In the Lounge there were two different programs presented during the afternoon. One was a demonstration of how to make Rudesheimer Kaffee. It consists of coffee, brandy, sugar, whipped cream and dark chocolate. The other was an informational program about discovering the different Viking cruises and the countries you can explore.

International Dinner: For dinner we had several different choices of dishes from around the world which gave us an opportunity to try new foods. There was also an optional excursion that many of the passengers went on. It included dinner and folkloric entertainment in one of Rudesheim’s restaurants.

Scenes along the river from Gernsheim to Rudesheim

Museum is located inside this very old house

Mechanical Music Museum: A small group of passengers walked to this very interesting museum located in an old home. It contained numerous musical instruments which the museum’s guide played for us. One of the interesting areas of the house was the house’s chapel. It had beautiful drawings on the walls and ceiling as well as a lovely, old tile floor that was impressive. So glad I didn’t miss this museum.

Different musical instruments in museum

Paintings on wall and ceiling of house chapel

Walk back to ship along very narrow street of Rudesheim

After-dinner Entertainment: A local glass-blower came on board the ship to demonstrate the art of glass blowing and there was also music by a wonderful pianist.

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