In a city rich in history, I had not realized the Hapsburg dynasty lasted for more than 600 years, not that Austria offered to become neutral after WW II. We did a bus, then walking segment of the center. Unlike other monarchies, the Hapsburgs built new wings to their palace to end up with a sprawling, 1000+ room complex (might be more). There is a summer palace as well, although we didn’t opt for that excursion. The Saint Stephan’s Cathedral was our end point with lots of shopping, coffee houses, ticket office for music concerts and so on. While we have no shortage of coffee and desserts on-board, having a coffee in Vienna itself and the famous sacher torte is just one of those things. The dense chocolate cake is if course slightly different depending on who makes it. We did split a piece.

We came back to the ship for lunch. tried a little rest, then went strolling along the pier and up a bit. This is a major river cruising pier with a combination of local sight-seeing boats and those like us. I think the one most distant we saw was from Rotterdam. We did not book an excursion for today and unfortunately, weather has turned against us.Not surprisingly, the regional dish for last night was weiner schnitzel with warm German potato salad and a cranberry sauce. The sauce was something different and yes, dessert was sacher torte. I did choose the caramel ice cream and had two bites of Hubby’s torte.

The plan was walk/use the U-bahn (subway) to go to a couple of the many museums. Aside from rain, the temperature is supposed to reach only 55 degrees. We wouldn’t mind taking a cab, but what we’re not sure about is getting a cab back. When I was in Paris a few years back with my sister, I was surprised to learn how difficult getting a cab could be and I’m not sure I want to take that chance here. We will have leisurely breakfast and then decide.