Budapest to Dusseldorf to Newark to Pittsburgh

Mon., Nov. 16 (Day 15) - Even though our day today consisted of traveling home, Viking still considers it Day 15 (of a 15 day cruise) - just as Day 1 consisted of leaving port at 11:30 p.m. So Day 15 was not too exciting. We had to meet in the lobby of the hotel to take a 6:30 a.m. shuttle to the airport. The shuttles began running at 3:30 for people who had 6:00 flights, and they ran almost every hour. The Viking people met in the lobby with each departing group, and were there to make sure we all had our luggage, and to say goodbye. They really are wonderful people and were with us to the end. Even when we arrived at the Budapest airport, there was another Viking representative to take us to where we needed to go in the airport. The flight from Budapest to Dusseldorf was about 2 hours, and then we had a 4 hour layover in Dusseldorf. We were traveling with another couple from the cruise from Budapest to Newark, who were then heading to Cleveland from there. So we had an enjoyable time with them, and passed the four hour layover by having some lunch and visiting with them. We then boarded the flight from Dusseldorf to Newark. The flight took 8 1/2 hours and was very comfortable. Joe and I both had aisle seats, and the two seats next to me were empty, so I had room to spread out. Lufthansa was a very good airline for a long flight, and seemed to serve quite a bit of food, snacks, drinks, etc. When we arrived in Newark, we went through the grueling process of customs, and having to go through security again, and on to our gate. Our flight from Newark to Pittsburgh seemed very quick after the 8 1/2 hour trip. We were glad to arrive home safely around 11:00 p.m. - a long day of travel, and with the time difference, having been awake for about 24 hours. Thank you for sharing our journey with us, and we hope that one day you may be able to enjoy a Viking River Cruise, if you haven't already. We highly recommend it!