Walking Tour Cologne

Avalon Artistry II

in Cologne

Germany

Our morning tour began shortly after breakfast.  We departed the ship in groups as usual and headed for town.

Cologne (German Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city after Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Cologne is located on both sides of the Rhine River, less than eighty kilometres from Belgium. The city's famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. (click on images).

One of the few remaining parts of Cologne, dating back to the Middle Ages, is located not far from the beautiful Romanesque St. Martin Church. There are many interesting and colourful old town houses which date back to between the 14th and 17th Centuries. Cologne was heavily bombed during The Second World War. Fortunately those charming Gothic buildings were not affected. The modern day fish market is a charming blend of inns and pubs.

Our guide lead us to the Cologne Cathedral at which time we were allowed to explore at our leisure. We had to be back on board the ship for lunch by 12:30 PM The ship sailed shortly after that.

Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page

 

Cologne Walking Tour

Cologne Cathedral (Interior)

Cologne Cathedral (exterior)

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Cologne Cathedral

click images  to enlarge

Complimentary City Tour

Cologne

Avalon Artistry II arrived  in Cologne, Germany around 7 AM, while we were having breakfast.  Two complimentary walking tours were offered - one of them focused on Jewish heritage and the other was a city tour.   We opted for the latter.

Cathedral

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, took place in several stages starting in 1248 and concluding in 1880.

This Roman Catholic cathedral dominates the skyline of Cologne. It is one of Germany's most famous landmarks. It was the highlight of our morning tour of the city. Dedicated to the saints Peter and Mary, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne.

Shrine of Three Kings

The cathedral's main treasure is a golden reliquary containing the remains of the Three Magi of Christmas story fame. These relics and other treasures have made Cologne Cathedral a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.

The reliquary is said to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. The shrine is a large gilded and decorated triple sarcophagus placed above and behind the high altar of Cologne Cathedral. It is considered the high point of Mosan art and the largest reliquary in the western world.

Interior of Cathedral

In 1996, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites. In 2004 it was placed on the "World Heritage in Danger" list, as the only Western site in danger, due to plans to construct a high-rise building nearby, which would have visually impacted the site. The cathedral was removed from the List of In Danger Sites in 2006, following the authorities' decision to limit the heights of buildings constructed near and around the cathedral.

The interior of Cologne Cathedral is even more impressive than the exterior. Since the official part of our tour concluded at the cathedral, we were free to roam at our own pace. We could have spent hours there. We highly recommend an extended visit to the cathedral should your plans bring you to Cologne.

Near the sacristy is the Gero-Kreuz, a large crucifix carved in oak and with traces of paint and gilding. Believed to have been commissioned around 960 for Archbishop Gero, it is the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps and the earliest-known large free-standing Northern sculpture of the medieval period.

In the Sacrament Chapel is the Mailänder Madonna ("Milan Madonna"), dating from around 1290, a wooden sculpture depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. The altar of the patron saints of Cologne with an altar piece by the International Gothic painter, Stefan Lochner is in the Marienkapelle ("St. Mary's Chapel"). Other works of art are in the Cathedral Treasury. The altar also houses the relics of Saint Irmgardis.

Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page

Cologne Cathedral (Interior)

Cologne Cathedral (exterior)

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Navigating 5 Types of Signs Onboard Cruise Ship

Signs Signs Everywhere a Sign

For Cruise Rookies:

If you've never been on a cruise, the following information about signs you'll see onboard your ship may come in handy.

For Cruise Veterans:

You may not have even noticed some of these signs the last time you were on a ship.  Perhaps you should pay more attention to the signs  the next time you are on a cruise.

For Every Cruiser:

Please pay attention to the Safety signs - they are there to protect you and make sure everyone enjoys their cruise.

In this article we'll feature signs that we photographed on Carnival Conquest.  You'll find similar signs on the other cruise lines as well.  Knowing about the types of signs onboard will help you make the most of your cruise vacation.

Safety Signs

The sign above is posted on your stateroom door.  It contains the layout of your deck, marks your location, and emergency exits.  It also contains information about what to do in an emergency including how to put on your life jacket.   This is important reading, especially for first-time cruisers.

This next group of signs have important safety and conservation information.  It is everyone's responsibility to help prevent illness by washing their hands.  Everyone on board the ship needs to work together for the comfort and safety of others and to preserve the environment for the future.

Click for Larger Images

  
Directional Signs 

Here are just a few examples of signs that help you find your way on the ship.  In this modern age there are now electronic signs that provide current information and directions.  Public rooms have a sign on the door similar to this one (note it even has braille lettering).  Lastly, you'll see signs like the one in the middle that direct you to popular locations on the ship.



Food & Beverage Signs 

These signs come in several types.  The first one lists the hours of operation of a very popular bar on Carnival cruise ships.  The second sign instructs you on how to order your custom-made burrito.  Finally there are signs describing drink packages which can be purchased on your first day on the ship, which could possibly save you money over the length of the cruise (depending on how much you'd normally order).  For more information on drink packages, see our previous article Bottomless Bubbles & Cheers.



Activity Signs 

There is a lot happening on the ship each day.   Cruise lines may also use signage to advertise popular events so that you don't miss them.   Here we learn about some casino special events and shore excursions.



Informational Signs 

The remaining signs we'll put in this category.   Typically they tell about special offers, which may be time limited.  Pictured are a sign explaining discounts in the shops, another one suggesting you capture a special image as a souvenir, and lastly how to earn bonus points on the money spent on your cruise.



This Friday on Twitter 

#FriFotos is a weekly photo forum run by @alexpublicity et al. We helped co-host a few times but have turned the reins back over to Alex and team. 

Theme suggestions are solicited for each week.   If you can't guess, this week's theme is #SIGNS so we thought we'd get a head start with this selection.   Be sure to join us on Friday.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

Koblenz Lunch Menu

Last July we sailed on Avalon Artistry II along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers.  The 12 days went by pretty fast as most vacations do.  However, providing you with all the details is taking quite some time.   We had thousands of pictures to go through and organize. Here is yet another example of the fabulous menus the chef and staff presented to us in the main dining room.  We hope you are enjoying our trip.

What's Lunch Like on Avalon Artistry II

Following our included Morning Excursion to Koblenz it was time to get back onboard Avalon Artistry II for lunch. Shortly after that, we set sail for our afternoon stop in Königswinter.  

click on images to enlarge

^{Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page}

Konigswinter

Cogwheel to Dragons Castle
Rhine Moselle Confluence
 

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Cogwheel to Dragons Castle

Technical Stop

We stopped in Königswinter which is between Koblenz and Cologne around 4 PM.   The ship is unable to dock in Cologne overnight, so it must make a technical stop somewhere else.  This is a pre-arranged stop and one that we were glad was added to the itinerary.
Königswinter is situated on the right bank of the Rhine, at the foot of the Siebengebirge (Seven Hills).


Drachenfels

• Ride on the oldest cog railway of Germany
• See the splendid Drachenburg at the middle station of the Drachenfelsbahn 
• Visit the summit for a magnificent view
  

 

A short walk from our ship we would arrive at The Drachenfels ("Dragon's Rock"). Our Cruise Director (CD), Mark, had told us about Drachenfels and the Cog Railway.

Several passengers wanted to go there but didn't think we'd find it on our own.  Mark agreed to lead our group on the short walkand even arranged discount tickets to ride the cog railway.

After he got us situated he hoped on his bike and road off to explore the town on his own. This was the first time Artistry II had stopped here.  Be sure to ride the oldest cog railway in Germany to the summit for an amazing view.   We didn't have enough time to explore the Dragon Castle, because the grounds close at 7 PM and we had to return to the ship for dinner anyway.  You can purchase a combination ticket online to explore everything Königswinter has to offer.

click images to enlarge

^{Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page}

Konigswinter

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Rhine Moselle Confluence

Birds Eye View

Rhine & Moselle Rivers

The Koblenz Cable Car, also known as the BUGA cable car, hovers over the Rhine River in Koblenz. Here you can discover the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Experience the unique views over a city with a tradition stretching back over 2000 years where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.

 
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

The cable car has connected the Rhine area at the height of the Basilica of St. Kastor with the plateau in front of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress since 2010. It is Germany's first three-wire cable car and with 18 cabins has a transport capacity of 7,600 people per hour, giving it the highest performance in the world. Following an agreement with Unesco in 2013, the cable car can be operated until 2026.

Deutsches Eck

Deutsches Eck is the name of a headland in Koblenz where the Moselle joins the Rhine.  In 1897, nine years after the death of the German Emperor William I, the former emperor was honoured with a giant equestrian statue bearing an inscription quoting a German poem: "Nimmer wird das Reich zerstöret, wenn ihr einig seid und treu" (Never will the Empire be destroyed, so long as you are united and loyal).


Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page: 

Koblenz - Confluence

 

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Jonas Delays Cruises

Anthem of the Seas 

Grandeur of the Seas 

Under Snow Dome 

According to the National Weather Service...
 
Major to Historic Winter Storm Jonas Will Impact the Middle Atlantic to Southern New England into Sunday

Snow fall so far has amounted to more than two feet in some areas.  Heavy winds will accompany the snow, making for very dangerous conditions.  Many states have activated the National Guard to help combat the snow and rescue people who were trapped by the storm.

Royal Caribbean International has announced two delays caused by Jonas (click link for current statement):


Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas will be delayed a day, arriving back into Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, on Tuesday, January 26 instead of Monday, January 25. Passengers on the current voyage will get an extra day, while passengers on the January 25th voyage will have an altered itinerary, yet to be announced. 

Your local forecast office is

New York, NY

News Headlines

•  Snow Accumulation Forecast
•  Major Winter Storm Expected to Impact the Region into Sunday Morning
•  Significant Coastal Impacts Expected for Portions of the Region Saturday into Sunday
•  Latest Snowfall Amounts

Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur of the Seas will now return to Baltimore a day late. Grandeur will now depart Baltimore on Monday, January 25th. Passengers on the current voyage will get an extra day, while passengers on the January 24th voyage will have an altered itinerary, yet to be announced.

Your local forecast office is

Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.

News Headlines

•  BLIZZARD / WINTER STORM - More info HERE
•  Latest Snowfall Map/Listing
•  Top snowfall statistics for DCA, BWI, and IAD
•  NOW AVAILABLE - Experimental Days 4-7 Winter Storm Threat graphics!

Travel Insurance 

Winter Storm Jonas is the perfect example of why you need to purchase travel insurance.

You had every intention of traveling to New York or Baltimore for your cruise, but Mother Nature had other plans. Your flight was probably cancelled. With a little luck, the airline will be able to reschedule you for a flight that will arrive in time for the revised cruise departure. But what if they can't?

Perhaps you already departed when the storm grounded you at a connection. Now you had an unexpected hotel stay. These are just a few of the possible situations the Travel Insurance Companies' Assistance Desks will be dealing with this weekend.

The intangible benefit of travel insurance is just having someone to turn to when things go wrong during your vacation. The assistance you are given is a bonus benefit. If you've ever experienced a problem during a vacation, you know what I mean. You just can't think on your own - what do I do next - you start to panic.

Make sure you have your Travel Insurance Policy Number & Phone Contact with you. Contact your Cruise Specialist for assistance in obtaining this information (another reason for using a professional for your booking as well).

Stay Safe

For those that are traveling to / from their cruise vacation this weekend - stay safe. To everyone else in the effected areas - stay inside warm & safe.

St Castor Basilica Koblenz

Self-Guided Tour Koblenz

At the conclusion of the Sayn Palace tour,  we had about an hour before all aboard time at which time the ship would sail for our next port.   This gave us time to walk around Koblenz before returning to the ship for lunch.

We had walked part way to the church after dinner the previous night and decided we'd return the next day if we had the time.

The Basilica of St. Castor is the oldest church in Koblenz.It is located near Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle.  Pope John Paul II raised St. Castor to a basilica minor on 30 July 1991.

Since 2002, the Basilica of St. Castor has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. In addition, it is a cultural property protected under the Hague Convention.

The church honors St. Castor, who is said to have worked as a missionary on the Moselle in the 4th century.  Click on the images to enlarge and be sure to check out our albums for more pictures.

Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page: 

Koblenz - St Castor Basilica

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Sayn Palace

Koblenz - Complementary Tours

There were two tours offered in the morning.  The Koblenz City Tour was a walking tour which comprised the quay side and the old town center.  There was no need to sign up for this tour.

The other tour was Sayn Castle & Butterfly Garden.  Due to the limited seating, it was necessary to sign up for this tour in advance or at the Cruise Director's desk.  We had pre-registered for the excursion before we left home.

Upon arrival at Sayn Palace, we were greeted by Prince Alexander, the 7th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn.   He was out for a walk with his dog.   He greeted us warmly inviting us to tour the palace and asking us to spread the word about this excursion when we got back home.

click on images to enlarge

Inside the Palace

The palace had been destroyed during World War II but was restored in 2000.  The Sayn Palace with its elegant Neo-Gothic facade is a wonderful example of the 19th century architecture of romanticism.

Click Here for a print-out-guide of Sayn Palace!

One of the highlights of the visit was the Palace Chapel which was built in 1860. It is modeled on Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Its purpose was to house the precious arm reliquary of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. It is a wonderful piece of medieval art preserving the saint's arm bone.  Stained glass windows by Moritz von Schwind show Russian Saint Leonilla and Saint Louis of France.

Other highlights include the Ornamental Cast Iron Exhibition, 19th century works of art and the Princesses Room & Wedding Exhibition.


Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page: 

Sayn Palace

Sayn Butterfly Garden

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Sayn Butterfly Garden

click images to enlarge

Butterfly Garden

After a short coach ride from our ship's dock in Koblenz, we arrived at Sayn Palace & Butterfly Garden.   Our group was taken inside where we had a short briefing about what we were about to see.

Click on the image above for a closer look at the colorful collection of exotic butterflies from South America, Africa and Asia, which were part of the tropical paradise of palm and banana trees with trickling waterfalls and bridges.

Click Here to print out a guide for the Butterfly Garden!

Highlights were the Chinese Atlas-moth, whose wing span measures about 25 cm., which was very majestic, and the Blue Morpho of Brazil, which was very allusive.   You could also explore the second pavilion “caterpillar house” to learn more about the process from egg to butterfly.



^{Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page:} 

Sayn Butterfly Garden

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Thanksgiving Dinner in Koblenz

click images to enlarge

Thanksgiving in July

No, Thanksgiving didn't come early this year, although we were thankful to be onboard Avalon Waterways Artistry II enjoying some excellent food and scenery in the Rhine & Moselle River  territory.

The Chef's special for our evening in Koblenz, Germany was Turkey Breast Stuffed with Bread on Cranberry Sauce, Served with Vegetables and Potato Lasagna.

 Dinner Menu

As always, there were several choices for main entree, but the turkey sounded like the best choice to us so that was what we both selected.   I've never had turkey prepared this way.  It was quite wonderful.










The starters we selected were a Mixed Greens Salad along with Cream of Potato Soup with Bacon and Herbs. 

We tried two different desserts:  Walnut Parfait with Mixed Berries Sauce and Pistachio Ice Cream with Raspberry Sauce.

More pictures, including menus, can be found in our album:

Koblenz Dinner

^{Additional photos can be found on our Rhine & Moselle Shutterfly page:} 

Evening in Koblenz

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