My husband surprised me with an anniversary gift of a Viking River Cruise! We sailed down the Rhine River through four countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. This was a wonderful trip that surpassed my expectations. Gourmet meals and excellent service on a vessel that is remarkable for its comfort and elegance!
The dining atmosphere was elegant. I was delighted the ships dinnerware was beautiful Villeroy and Boch patterns. I was equally pleased since I love all shades of blue.
Notice the lovely napkin rings!
And that spectacular view! These pics are from the main dining room.
Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style or you could order from the menu. They had every shape possible in all the serving dishes in this Villeroy and Boch white pattern. The food and service was superb! I wish I had taken a picture of the buffet offerings but I was too busy meeting people and enjoying myself! The pics in the collage were snapped with my cell phone that were ordered from the menu.
The lamb shanks were the best I've ever eaten!
The Viking Idi was our luxurious transport and floating hotel for eight amazing days!
Veranda staterooms allowed a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sites in your own private space.
The top deck is a pleasant getaway for viewing and relaxing as well as activities.
The ship even has it's own private herb garden.
Elegant fresh flower arrangements are seen in seating areas tucked in cozy corners around the ship for reading and relaxing.
Expresso machine provided a number of coffee drinks and a variety of teas were available anytime at the two coffee bars accompanied by delicious cookies and muffins.
I especially enjoyed sitting down with a cup of cappuccino and a cookie perusing their travel books at the library on board.
Our GPS position shown on a moving map, one of the technological offerings that delighted my husband.
Itinerary and weather information was very helpful each day.
Our program director Ryan, was extremely knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm which was contagious. It was impressive that with 190 passengers he called us by name.
On the first night, the ship's captain introduced the primary crew members and staff.
Our room was comfortable with a king size bed and was larger than it looks with more storage than you would expect. Luggage fit nicely under the bed.
A little whimsy with the towels one day! The veranda was pleasant and Viking thinks of everything. Pillows and throws are there for your comfort on the veranda tucked under the vanity. The greatest convenience was the dual voltage plugs. No adaptors were needed for charging phones etc. on board!
This post was mostly about our ship. Stay tuned to see highlights of the beautiful Black Forest, Alsace Lorraine, historic Heidelberg, the largest cathedral in Europe in Cologne, the Loreley, castles along the Rhine, windmills of Holland and more. We also visited Lucerne, Switzerland, before the cruise and London afterward.
Traveling in the last few years has been such a blessing and bonding for my husband and I. Younger bloggers take time and plan outings with your husband. The years pass quickly with raising children and careers but planning time together is important and special. I am so blessed for 45 years of marriage!
Blessings to you today.
