I finally settled on a cruise with the Bingen-Rudesheimer line. The times worked with our schedule and the price was affordable.  (Kristen Thoennes)

As I approached Bingen, Google Maps informed me that the next part of our route to Rüdesheim involved driving onto a ferry to take us across the river. I had a mini meltdown. Why? I’ve never driven onto a ferry. How much did it cost? How do you buy your ticket?? How long would it take to cross the river??? Because I didn’t realize a ferry was involved with the route, I did zero prior research.

My mom said, “Your dad can drive this part.”

“OK, Dad. Are you ready to switch?” We did a quick switch-a-roo right before the bar went up allowing cars onto the ferry.

After the ride across the river to Rüdesheim, I realized my fear was ridiculous. It was about 10 Euros for the three of us in the car. It could be paid for by cash or card. And the ride probably took less than 10 minutes.

When my parents planned their trip to visit me in Kaiserslautern, the only thing my mom mentioned wanting to do was a Rhine River cruise. One of her passions is ancestry, both building our family tree and learning about the people that came before us. We have many ancestors that immigrated to America from Rheinland-Pfalz and the towns off the Rhine River. After all her research, she was excited to see these places in real life.

After lots of Googling, I finally settled on a cruise with the Bingen-Rudesheimer line. The times worked with our schedule and the price was affordable.

We purchased our tickets online, so all we had to do was show the QR code from my phone to board. We embarked in Rüdesheim and quickly found a bench on the upper deck with panoramic views of both Rüdesheim and Bingen.

Pro tip: If traveling with 60+ year olds, choose the senior ticket for a small discount!

Onboard, drinks and some snacks are available for purchase, but make sure to bring euros. The boat made a few stops, including in Bingen, Assmannhausen and Burg Rheinstein. We had opted for the Castle Tour, so we disembarked at Rheinstein Castle.

We had opted for the Castle Tour, so we disembarked at Rheinstein Castle.  (Kristen Thoennes)

As we approached the castle, I realized the walk up might be a little unpleasant for my parents. But they were both troopers as we slowly ascended to the entrance at the top. There were several benches along the switchback path which gave us the chance to admire views of the river and the wildflowers growing along the way.

At the top, we paid the entrance fee of 11 euros per person in the small ticket office/gift shop and headed directly to the café where we ordered flammkuchen with black forest ham, honey and roasted walnuts along with potato pancakes with an herb sauce and salad. My parents enjoyed some Apfel Schorle, and I had a lovely Riesling Wein Schorle. The Flammkuchen was one of the best I’ve had, and the views from the cafe only added to the enjoyment of our lunch.

We toured the castle where my mom found a family tree that she took a snapshot of in case it could be helpful for her ancestry research. My dad admired the suit of armor; he has always wanted one to go with his small sword collection.

We grabbed some eis (ice cream) and stopped into a shop before heading back home. (Kristen Thoennes)

On the boat ride back to Rüdesheim, we sheltered inside as it had started to rain. The views from the giant glass windows of the hillsides with vineyards were still enjoyable. How did I get so lucky to live in Germany?

The rain stopped before we returned to Rüdesheim. We grabbed some eis (ice cream) and stopped into a shop before heading back home. I think it was my parents’ favorite outing of their trip; so, it was worth my mini meltdown. And now I won’t be afraid of driving onto a ferry!