Host Dianne Donovan reflects on KMFA's recent Danube Cruise. For information about upcoming travel programs, please email Development Manager Virginia Alvarez. 

I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on the Danube Cruise. I had been to Prague and Vienna in the past but not to Salzburg, Bratislava, and Budapest. I had sailed a fair bit but had never been on a cruise. I knew, of course, that KMFA’s President & General Manager Ann Wilson and I would be with wonderful KMFA listeners and that we would see and hear great works of art, and eat more than our share of fabulous food (and how about the beer and wine!).

I was surprised by how much the Amadeus Elegant added to our journey. It certainly was a delight floating down the Danube, taking in the autumn colors of the gorgeous landscape, and docking in or near beautiful cities. More than this, the good ship provided us with an opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of the town squares and museums, re-charge our batteries (literally and figuratively), and enjoy excellent food and conversation. The ship seemed to bring our group closer together and we even got to know many individuals from the large group of people from Wisconsin Public Radio. It was somehow comforting to see the familiar friendly faces of the ship’s superb crew everyday. The Amadeus Elegant felt expansive and intimate--there was always someone nearby to talk to if you craved company but always some quiet pockets that were suitable for reflection. 

Some highlights I will not forget: Vysehrad (The Old Castle), with a lovely park and a panoramic view of Prague; the poignant, in some cases personal, stories of our guides from Prague; The Bamberg Symphony Concert in Vienna with Herbert Blomstedt (89 years young) conducting Schubert and Bruckner; the triple-decker desserts (more works of architecture than of confection!); hearing two spectacular young pianists carrying Liszt’s torch at the glorious Budapest State Opera House; “Little Richard”- the adorable son of one of our guides; Tyson and Tania somehow managing to keep us corralled with colorful flags; “Romanian Night”, when the ship’s musicians performed folk songs from their native land; schnitzel at Augustinerkeller in Vienna; “Passenger Talent Night”; beautiful Bratislava and its people; Hungarian goulash; the stunning beauty of Budapest at night; seeing the sites where Dvořák, Smetana, Mozart, and Beethoven performed and created great works; the gentle good nature of our group--and how we shared our perspectives on each day’s adventures together.