The trip provided the perfect antidote to a busy year, says Thompson Travel’s Sharon Thompson.
Christmas is approaching too fast; I’m not ready. After being on 16 flights over the past few months, and our office busier than normal, the festive season had faded into the background.
And waiting for my new granddaughter had also put Christmas to the back of my mind. But Lillie was born perfectly on November 23, giving me more joy than I could imagine.
After being on 16 flights over the past few months, and our office busier than normal, the festive season had faded into the background
On November 25, I embarked on a Christmas markets river cruise with 106 of my customers enthusiastically waiting to get into the festive spirit with entertainment we provided on A-Rosa Bella.
After all the organising, I was glad they (all but one) were in Austria. As the ship left Engelhartszell for Vienna, I relaxed. It was the most peaceful, scenic experience. After that five-day trip, I’m now in Christmas mode.
River relaxation
A short Christmas markets cruise is just as cost-effective as a three or four-night festive break in most cities.
I can highly recommend a Juliet balcony. Sailing past castles and illuminated houses, with little windows glowing under snow-covered roofs, was beautiful. The ample food was buffet-style and most tables had a spectacular view.
Our group took the entertainment to a different level: toes tapped, jives started and the conga could probably be seen from nearby villages as live music filled our nights.
We had a special Sunday morning of Christmas hymns and carols. The lead singer of our group has played several times in the Grand Ole Opry and his version of Silent Night was amazing.
Sailing past castles and illuminated houses, with little windows glowing under snow-covered roofs, was beautiful
We organised coaches for a tour in Vienna, followed by Christmas markets. Vienna is stunning and, as the sun set, we sampled mulled wine, hot chocolate and plenty of cheese.
Next was Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where we’d booked a surprise for our group on our short walking tour. They sampled local wine and dumplings, serenaded by a trio of local musicians playing and singing Christmas songs. Most said it was the highlight of Bratislava.
On our last stop in Linz, Austria, a short walk took us to visit the cathedral and Christmas markets.
[We] sampled local wine and dumplings, serenaded by a trio of local musicians playing and singing Christmas songs
A big shout-out to Lucia Rowe [UK and Ireland managing director] and Stephen Joyner [head of sales] at A-Rosa who helped make this trip a success.
Back to the ‘all but one’ on the trip. Checking in at Dublin airport after travelling from 70 miles away, this lady discovered she had dropped her passport in the car.
We managed to get her another flight to Vienna and, after an overnight there, she met us the next day. Needless to say, I’m glad this was my last group tour of 2023.
Seasonal cheer
As the year ends, I thank my team for their hard work and our suppliers who have supported us.
We look forward to 2024 with fewer flight cancellations, airport improvements and another successful year.
Remember the reason for the season. Our gifts to each other represent the gift that was given to us and it gives us a few days to appreciate those around us. God bless you and yours.
There’s care in our community
After a walk with a friend who works as an auxiliary nurse in a local hospital, I was saddened to find that on her previous night shift she had had to trawl other wards to find a pair of pyjamas for a patient who had been admitted by ambulance with no relatives. I had never thought of that scenario before. After chatting to others, I heard it is a major problem. Some hospital staff even buy pyjamas for patients from their own pockets. We have launched a little appeal for 14 days for new pyjamas to be dropped into our office. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response and look forward to distributing the clothing to our local hospital very soon.