Koblenz

At 8:30 we began our cruising along the Rhine River with an informative commentary from Rene on the castles along our route.  the following castles were on our itinerary; Castle Rheinstein, Castle Sooneck, Toll station at Pfalzgrafenstein, Fortress Rheinfels, Boppard Castle, ending at the Marksburg Castle, which is located at the junction of the Rhine River and the Moselle River.

Koblenz was one of the military posts established by Drusus about 8 BC, and the city celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1992.  The name Koblenz originates from Latin word confluentes, which means "merging of rivers". Remains of a large bridge built in 49 AD by the Romans are still visible. The Romans built two castles as protection for the bridge, one in 9 AD and another in the 2nd century, the latter being destroyed by the Franks in 259. We docked across from  Marksburg Castle high above the city.  The Rhine Gorge was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, with Koblenz marking the northern end. There was a tour up tho the castle, requiring many steps and uneven walking.  The view was fantastic and the sun finally came out and brightened our spirits!!

In front of the church of Saint Castor stands a fountain, erected by the French in 1812, with an inscription to commemorate Napoleon's invasion of Russia.  Theresa and Bob Boren were seen visiting the Basilica of St. Castor or  Kastorkirche. The gardens were quiet and filled with beautiful, beautiful flowers everywhere. The ceiling and alter were so restful and beautiful.

Several of us took a trolley around the town, much of which had been destroyed by allied forces. In this quarter of the city, too, is the Liebfrauenkirche, a fine church with a nave dating from 1250 and the choir stall from the early 1400's. The church has lofty late Romanesque towers. The  nave dates from1250, and the choir from 1404–1431),with lofty late Romanesque towers. About 40 travelers went into Moselle region where they visited with Horst Schultz who defined the luxury hotel experience by being the president and founder of the Ritz Carlton Hotel the hotel owns exclusive rights to the Riesling wine produced at this Moselle vineyard.  The Heiden's, the Hoesel's , the Kingsborough's, the Kerr's, the Alexander's, Pat Black, Caroline Darr, the Griffin's and the Humphrey's all enjoyed this outing.

This afternoon we listened to a speaker who outlined the relationship between France and Germany his discussion included monetary issues, welfare issues and employment issues relating to the European Union. He graciously answers questions from our travelers.

Cruise Director Rene gave us an update on Vikings plans for expansion and upgrade of their cruise offerings, including plans for cruises up the Mississippi River to Nashville and St. Paul. Nashville may have arrived on the international sailing map!!

After a wonderful German buffet and German entertainment during dinner, Giovanni again delighted us with music for dancing. Great way to end a fine day!!!'