Wednesday, 5/14. Departing San Diego today. What was to be a nine day Hotel – River Boat – Hotel cruise from Prague to Berlin has become a Hotel – stationary ship – stationary ship – Hotel bus tour. Low water is the cause. But the reality is not as bad as it seems. The distance covered by the ship can be covered by a bus in about 4 hours tops. We were already going to spend time on buses for the excursions anyway. That Viking is giving us a 60% credit for a future cruise makes it a less expensive adventure. So we’re fine.

For once I decided to splurge on flights, so we’re in BA’s “World Traveler Plus” section. Being a cynic, I associate the “Plus” to my girth, not its amenities. We’re sitting in the new Sapphire Lounge at the airport. VERY nice. Maker’s Mark in my bourbon and coke.

There’s only one key change to the “Cruise”. They’ve added an included excursion to Torgau, where American and Soviet soldiers came together during WWII. Excellent.