Inaugural Voyage of the "Scenic Crystal"
Cologne
22 April- Cologne
Saftey Drill this morning and then a short Guided tour of Cologne this afternoonMore links and smart phones display click here for blog
I was up real early and headed to the Crystal lounge where I got a Cappuccino and took another back to the cabin. Tried to get on the Wi-Fi but no luck.
Most of this morning and early afternoon will be cruising along the Rhine to arrive in Cologne around 4 pm. After the Safety drill we are asked to meet in the Crystal lounge where the Cruise Director Sylvie will give an overview of the cruise and how to book the Scenic Free choices.
Our first official morning breakfast. All the staff where ready to look after whatever we wanted. There is a full buffet with everything you could want for breakfast, even had a chef ready to cook your eggs the way you like them. If that was not enough you could still order off a small menu: hot waffles , poached eggs, eggs benedict and minute steak. I did notice that you had to ask for a bagel and remember to ask them to slice it for you. They had a toaster that everyone put higher and lower and higher etc, watch so you do not burn any buns, bread or bagels. There were lots of spreads, fruit and cream cheese on the buffet.
We noticed that the coffee and tea had a chlorine taste, I guess new equipment, so we decided to ask for bottled water "still water" otherwise you got a sparkling water. For coffee and tea we figured out that we should pick that up at the tea and coffee station in the lounge before we head to the dining room.
They have an exercise room on the Moselle deck, rowing machine, elliptical, bike and walking equipment. They mentioned that this will be added to all the other space ships as this exercise facility is the first one in their fleet.
Gym
Cloudy and rain for most of the day, arrive in Cologne and got ready for the walking tour. All the cabins have a large Scenic tours umbrella so you do not have to take one with you.
Sunday- shops are closed , this is common throughout most of the towns and cities along the Rhine and Moselle.
Cologne was founded in 38 BC , so there is plenty of history to explore, over 28 main attraction. The Cologne Cathedral, with its Gothic interior, would be the featured sight to visit. Started in 1248 , abandoned for about 300 years and then finally finish in 1880 when the two 510 foot tall west spires where completed.Cologne Cathedral
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It was cold and raining so we were glad the walking tour was only about 1 1/2 hours . Cologne is on the 8 day tour not the 15 day tour.
Back to the Scenic Crystal and headed to the lounge. With spirits included , hot Blueberry tea was in order. ( Amaretto, grand Marnier and hot tea). Time for Dinner. Every evening has a different menu , Appetizer, Soup/salad , Entree and Deserts along with , wine, beer , and beverage.( No spirits) If you did not see anything you desired you could also order from a standard selection of : Salmon , steak , chicken , hamburger , Service was good.
This section , Amsterdam to Cologne , is the longest distance covered on this cruise. Depart for Cochem at 7 30 pm tonight..