Wandering the World (1886): Viking Danube Cruise Part One: Dalian via Beijing via Dubai to Budapest

In early to mid-April 2025, I joined Viking's 11-day Danube River cruise through Europe. On April 2, I departed from Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport on Air China flight CA954 to Beijing Capital Airport. Pictured is my boarding pass.

Since our flight was departing late at night, we had dinner at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital Airport. Photo taken at Terminal 3.

Late on April 2, I used wheelchair assistance (the travel agency arranged it in advance for seniors over 70) at Beijing Capital Airport to proceed to the departure lounge. Security and immigration checks were very convenient and quick.

At 00:40 on April 3, I boarded Emirates flight EK307 from Beijing to Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Emirates operates the world's most advanced and largest fleet of aircraft, and its service is world-class. Photo taken on EK307.

There was a layover of several hours in Dubai. Due to the large passenger flow, the wheelchair for seniors was replaced by an electric cart.

At 10:30 local time, I boarded Emirates flight EK111 from Dubai to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Photo taken at Dubai International Airport.

At 14:20 local time, we arrived in Budapest, Hungary. Airport staff used a wheelchair to escort me out of the airport.

Viking River Cruises provides thoughtful airport transfer services. When our flight arrived in Budapest, the Viking pick-up专员 were already waiting outside.

Viking's 'Little Red Man' (guides wearing red uniforms) were very responsible, carefully checking in every arriving guest.

The 'Little Red Man' told us that Budapest had been rainy for days, and our arrival had turned the sky blue! Photo taken at Budapest International Airport.

The Danube River, Europe's most poetic river, has witnessed the civilization and development of Europe, nurturing precious cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The winding Danube flows like a soft ribbon, stringing together classic countries and cities scattered along its banks like pearls. Photo taken on the Danube in Budapest.

There are many famous iron bridges on the Danube; this is one of them.

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and the one that flows through the most countries in the world. Pictured is a cruise ship on the Danube.

We will follow the Danube, departing from Budapest, passing through Bratislava, the Wachau Valley, Linz, Český Krumlov, Spitz and Dürnstein, and finally arriving in Vienna, crossing five countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Over the course of an 11-day journey, we will enjoy picturesque landscapes, explore ancient castles and palaces that still radiate their former glory, and delve into fairy-tale medieval towns, rediscovering the beauty of the Danube. Pictured is our cruise route map.

This is our Viking longship, the Njord.

The staff of Njord offered each guest a hot towel and hot tea.

Home! In the early spring when the grass is just turning green, we board a Viking cruise ship, travel deep into the heart of Europe, cross five countries, and search for the beauty left along the banks of the Danube. Pictured is the Njord berthed under the Chain Bridge on the Danube in Budapest.