Harriet speaks to travelers aboard the M/S River Adagio while docked in Budapest during Eastern Europe to the Black Sea.
By Harriet Lewis, Chair, Grand Circle Cruise Line & O.A.T.
In April, I had the pleasure of traveling to Budapest, Hungary, where I met with two groups of travelers aboard our M/S River Adagio. In between, I explored the city with my close friends, Wendy and Bob. While I thoroughly enjoyed Budapest—more on that below!—spending time with our travelers was by far the highlight of my trip.
I joined each group for a cocktail reception while the ship was docked on the beautiful Danube River. The first group was nearing the end of our Eastern Europe to the Black Sea River Cruise, while the second was just beginning Romantic Blue Danube: Budapest to Prague. First and foremost, I was happy to see that everyone was having a great time! I spoke to each group about what is new with the company—including brand new itineraries and destinations.
We also had lively Q&A sessions, which are always eye-opening to me. I learned about what matters most to you as travelers when you choose Grand Circle and O.A.T.: the work of Grand Circle Foundation, opportunities for learning and discovery, our outstanding Program Directors and Trip Experience Leaders, and our commitment to solo travelers. I also heard a lot about the airlines. While I cannot take responsibility for them—it seems like every day brings something new—thank you for understanding that we do our best!
Each night, I had the special opportunity to recognize the most experienced traveler in the group and present them with a gift. Nancie Merlino of North Andover, MA, has taken 44 trips with us, and Carole Hughes of The Villages, FL, has joined us 54 times. Their loyalty demonstrates an immense amount of trust in our company, which I do not take lightly. It never fails to touch my heart.
As for the city of Budapest, I had never visited before, and did not know what to expect. To my pleasant surprise, it is drop-dead gorgeous. The architecture lining the Danube is stunning, and there are many places to sit along the river and take it all in. In fact, it was such a great city for walking and wandering, I had a packed itinerary planned and did not do half of it!
The Jewish Quarter was a must-see for me. Today, it is vibrant, cosmopolitan, and artistic. But during World War II, it was home to a Jewish ghetto that saw its population decrease from 200,000 to 70,000 as its residents were sent to concentration camps. I also felt the weight of history as I crossed the Danube over the Chain Bridge, which was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1949.
In general, I would recommend not to over-plan your time in Budapest. Leave space for strolling, exploring street art and galleries, and refueling in cafés over coffee and excellent pastries. I found the café culture to be reminiscent of France. The beer, however, reminded me of Germany—and even though I am not a beer drinker, I tried it and enjoyed it!
Thank you to all the travelers who joined me in Budapest and made this trip so special. These onboard receptions were a first for me—and I hope they will not be the last.
Photo Gallery: Harriet Lewis Meets Travelers and Crew Aboard the M/S River Adagio
Take Harriet’s recommendations in Budapest when you join Grand Circle Cruise Line for Romantic Blue Danube: Budapest to Prague.
