Canadian World Traveller Spring 2023 Issue

Iconic would be the best word to
describe this cruise and the destinations.
After all, what could be more iconic in
the Mediterranean than ports of call like
Rome, Tuscany, Provence and Barcelona.
These are just some of the destinations we
would enjoy on this Viking’s ‘Iconic
Mediterranean’ cruise.
Iconic would also be the word to describe
the Viking experience itself. This being our
seventh cruise with them, they know how to
take care of their guests, making any and all
journeys seamless, effortless, comforting
and relaxing, while also taking all the guesswork
out of the trip from the arrival airport,
to the ship, to all the included excursions
and every on board experience. Simply put,
this is Viking perfection! Iconic Viking!
On all our Viking cruises around the world,
whether on river ships, sea ships or expedition
ships, Viking has never disappointed.
Add to that everything promised was practiced
and delivered. Kudos to Viking staff
and management, they are doing all the
right things to have such a faithful clientele
that return time and again.
It has always been a pleasure sailing with
Viking. The trips start long before the ships
sail as the anticipation builds by studying the
destinations and the planned excursions.
Packing, leaving home, and navigating the
chaotic airports is an experience in itself, but
nothing could be better than seeing a Viking
lollipop upon arrival, knowing right then
and there that everything will be taken care
of for the entire trip.
In this part two of a two-part article we will
highlight the features of the Neptune as well
as the magnificent Mediterranean ports of
call.
The journey begins
Our cruise would start in Rome and end in
Barcelona. To truly experience the eternal
city, it is best to arrive a couple of days early
and enjoy the magnificence of Rome while
also relaxing and shaking off the nasty jetlag.
Viking has pre and post cruise options
that include hotel stays and guided excursions
and are well worth it.
Having visited Rome several times, and less
than four months ago, we opted to go
directly to the ship. Located one hour away
from the airport in the harbor city of
Fiumicino, we find the handsome and newly
built Neptune awaiting us with open arms
and a red carpet.
Boarding was quick and easy, checked in
and given a key within moments. We would
then be welcomed with refreshments and
led to the ship’s elevators. Arriving at our
staterooms, we would find our luggage
already there. That is service!
So new was the Neptune that it even had a
new car smell. Being the sister ship of other
similar class ships, it would be the eighth of
nine planned Viking sea ships. Only the
Saturn remains to be launched and it should
be another beauty. Since we had already
sailed on this ship class before, we would
know where all the beautiful public spaces
were and could easily find our way around.
With so much thought going into public
spaces, it is difficult to pick a favorite spot,
but the Nordic Spa and the Explores’ Lounge
are certainly on top of the list.
Two wonderful Tuscan days
After our first night of cruising, we would
arrive early in the city of Livorno. This harbor
would be our base to explore the wonderful
Tuscan countryside and its beautiful historic
cities. The cruise included two excursions,
with a wide host of optional excursions
available for an additional fee. Our selections
would include Pisa and Florence on the
first day, and a delightful countryside winery
and the historic walled city of San
Gimignano on the second day.
Pisa would not be much of a city to visit without
the leaning tower, on this beautiful sunny
day we would experience this Tuscan icon
and marvel at the centuries old buildings
and its less visited side streets and cafés.
In Florence, we would start with a fabulous
lunch at a wonderful and colorful restaurant,
the meal was typically Florentine: tasty,
filling, and a wonderful introduction to this
gem of Tuscany. Shortly after that, we would
follow our guide on a walking tour that
introduced us to the best of Florence before
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we were given free time to explore on our
own. With a fresh chill in the air, we would
discover that Florence is magical at night as
we wandered care-free through the city’s
cobblestone streets and lanes.
Delightful Provence
Onwards, we would sail to beautiful
Provence. In Nice, we discovered the laidback
feeling of southern France, in charming
Aix-en-Provence we would journey back
in time to a wonderful and delightful small
town feel. In Monaco, we discovered the rich
and opulent playground of the French, and
in Marseille, we experienced a cosmopolitan
atmosphere in this grand city by the sea. For
such a short visit, this region sure has lots to
offer travelers of all ages and interests.
After a much needed rest, we would rejuvenate
and recharge on a sea-day just in time
for a visit to the amazing city of Barcelona.
Yet another included guided tour would
bring us to the best of the city. My favorite by
far would be the church of La Sagrada
Familia. Barcelona has much too much to
see and do, and just like Rome, to do it justice,
extra nights would bring out all the flavor
of this unique and at the times breathtaking
city.
One iconic destination after another
brought to the end of our wonderful journey.
This was truly a memorable cruise for the
main reasons that we visited wonderful
places, ate fabulous foods and experienced
yet another Viking masterpiece on the high
seas, all in comfort, safety and class.
www.viking.com
World Traveler Spring 2023