Cleared for action ...

As we leave the Danube and head for the Danube-Main canal, the main sun deck is off-limits, the awnings lowered, the deck-chairs stowed. Even the rails are flattened, and the wheelhouse is lowered on hydraulic supports. Even its roof can be lowered, when the captain has to open a hatch and look out like a tank- driver. All this is to accommodate the low bridges on this stretch of waterway - made even more threatening by the effect of meltwater in the river.

Fascinating stuff ....