Things I've Learned About "Christmas Market" River Cruising

Probably not a comprehensive list, but a couple of useful facts (I hope).

• Don't expect non-stop onboard entertainment, you have come here to visit different cultures, not to be amused by stage acts, ice skating shows, parades, etc. 
• Learn as much as you can about the countries you will be visiting in advance by following suggested reading guides, or even renting pertinent movies.  We visited the home where Oscar Shindler was born, "Shindler's List" - for example - would be an excellent movie to watch before coming over.
• Pack one or two "dressy" tops - although the formal evenings on board are not as sartorial as they are on the large, ocean-going vessels, it's nice to have a sparkly top (for the women) to go with a pair of dark slacks.  Other than that it's not about fashion, it's about warmth.
• Bring a long coat for Christmas Market Cruises - lot's of outdoor time, legs get cold. It can also be rainy or snowy, so a pair of shoes that are meant for those conditions is a good idea.  But maybe buy gloves, scarves, hats or mittens at the Christmas Markets - you'll need them and they make a good souvenir.
• Thank you Mom for insisting I take your travel umbrella.  As usual, you were right.
• The staff will bend over backwards to help you in any way they can - and they are very adaptive to changes in conditions.
• Leave more room in your suitcase (applies to almost everywhere I travel). 
• There's always more to see than you have time for.  But do everything you can.
• Unlike ocean cruises, you can book returning air flights that depart early in the morning; many passengers are on a 2:45 AM bus to the Budapest airport (ouch!).
• Buy travel insurance, it looks like mine will cover at least some of my losses from being pick-pocketed!
• Googling information isn't very helpful (to me) if the answer comes up in Hungarian.

I set foot in Slovakia today by walking over the bridge, but the 24 hour bug I had came back so I can't say more than that I have set foot in Slovakia.  I skipped the tour into Budapest and stayed in bed.  Have also been trying to keep away from other passengers as much as possible. Kind of a shame that I got sick on the way over to Europe, but nothing to do about it but soldier on.  I am looking forward to Budapest tomorrow, even though it won't be with Viking River Cruises.   I'll check at the concierge desk at the Radisson for a 1/2 or full day tour.