As you may know (if you saw this post), my husband and I flew to Venice this past week, embarking on a two-week “Mediterranean Odyssey” aboard the Viking Sea, courtesy of Norwegian cruise line, Viking Cruises. Here’s a quick overview of the place we’re visiting:
After another great night’s sleep in our super plush-and-comfy bed, I’m now writing to you halfway through the cruise (ie. a week in), flipping through the Viking Daily. Each evening we’re given a new Viking Daily: a booklet explaining everything that’s going on the following day, the time we disembark, some history about the town we’ll be visiting, that day’s available activities, suggestions for in-town shopping and food, and other essentials like the weather, ship location, shuttle times, etc. It’s basically the day’s guidebook.
Needless to say, I’m super excited to visit all these towns, most of which I’ve never been to before.
As you can imagine, I was really excited when I learned about Viking Cruises and realized that a big part of the reason people go on cruises is not only to (comfortably) visit a lot of destinations in a short timeframe, but to also learn about their history while there. So while I could’ve just done my own thing and aimlessly wandered around the towns we’ll be visiting, I made sure to sign up for the included tours at each destination.
Last year, I went on a trip to Brussels and got a few guided tours while there. At first, I was worried that I’d hate going on a guided tour… After all, I’ve never been a big fan of history or forced itineraries. They remind me of high school, when all I wanted to do was show up, leave, and do what I wanted, when I wanted. And to this day, I still need help remembering the time and place of all my appointments. But I swallowed my doubts and met up with the tour guide at the appointed time. To my surprise, I really (like, really really) enjoyed learning the history and secrets of the places we visited. In fact, the tours ended up being the most memorable part of the trip, and provided me with loads of cocktail-conversation fodder.
One of the aspects that worried me was the whether Viking could accommodate our vegan diet. But, shortly after we arrived, the executive chef, Martin Kitzing, came to our suite to discuss our custom vegan menu options. We were also appointed our own “head waiter” who will help make sure everything goes to plan, and whom we have been consulting daily to customize our menu.
Viking puts a lot of effort into making sure that the food we enjoy on board is hyper fresh. About half of the ingredients are picked up that day in port, making our vegan meals farm-to-table fresh. And we can taste the difference.
The restaurants (there are five on this Viking Sea ship), the food and the service have all been outstanding. Much better than I ever expected to find on a cruise ship. The lounges and restaurants are super comfortable, and remind me of a 5-star hotel experience — but with the most incredible view.
As someone who loves interior decor, I’m absolutely obsessed with the furniture on this ship. It’s Nordic-modern style and they used lots of soft fabrics with the emphasis not only on clean and simple design, but on comfort. The colors are blues and natural tones like creams and browns, and the result is a very relaxing atmosphere.
There are lots of both indoor and outdoor lounges to have a drink, listen to live music or read a book in, all while looking out at the water or scenery. This is shaping up to be the most relaxing, stress-free, and comfortable trip I’ve been on — ever.
Want more? Check out My Viking Cruise: Hanging in the Mediterranean
Have you ever gone on a cruise? Would you?
What a faboulous piece! Those pics are lush!! I’ve never been on a cruise, but would love to. I am a bit nervous about going on one though, but feel like I will be better equipped after reading all this. Sounds like a lot of fun. 🙂
I’ve never gone on a cruise, but I think I would like it if it were to the right destination. (Those European river cruises I see during Downton Abbey? Yes PLEASE!)
Great post! My man is dying to go on a cruise one day, I on the other hand am terribly afraid but you make it look like so much fun!
Whenever I go on regular vacations, we always end up having to find a store to grab odds and ends of things that we left at home so being stuck on a boat without a store would be a little intimidating in itself. I’ve never been on a cruise before so all the little details of how it would work is a mystery to me – Hoping to see an article from you on cruising tips and advice for first timers. 🙂
They have odds and ends on the ship that you may have forgotten. No worries about that! It is generally found in the gift shop. I have been on four and just booked my fifth today!
I am pinning this because I have yet to go on my first cruise. I hoping one day I can convince hubby, or I am just going to have to go with friends.
What a splendid ship! Looks like y’all having fun! I love to cruise and am heading that way in 2 weeks with my hubby and my sister and brother in law. ?
I have never been on a cruise and I’m so glad you shared these. I would like to book one soon. Thank you for the great photos you shared.
I definitely need to try cruising, but here’s a question now you’ve had a go – is it baby friendly? Part of me wonders whether we’d get a bit of “eye roll” from other passengers on a ship with a wee one, but I also think all the facilities on board would be a plus. Family travel seems to be a whole new ball game!
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, either a Mediterranean one or an Alaskan one. Looks like you made the most of it ?
Very nice post. I work at sea so I always feel a cruise might feel too much like work. But I guess there’s a time and a place. I’m really looking forward to hearing more about your experience.