Explore More - 2017

Clockwise, from top

Clockwise, from top left: 16th-century Merchants’ Hall in Freiburg, Germany; colorful houses in Cologne, Germany; pink flowers decorate a window; the flying buttresses of Strasbourg Cathedral; Marksburg Castle in Koblenz, Germany; the world’s largest cuckoo clock in the Black Forest; enjoy wine tasting as part of Viking shore excursions; vineyards make up part of the beautiful French landscape Facing page: Half-timbered houses by the Ill River in Strasbourg, France

RHINE RIVER CRUISE Look, there’s an ancient castle, high up on the riverbank … Did you see that huge flock of swans? That cathedral looks magnificent from here on the water. I wonder what those windmills were used for? Those must be Riesling grapes in that vineyard. Wow, what an impressive bridge we’re sailing under. There’s an interesting medieval village ahead; I hope we’re stopping there … yes, we are!” This, perhaps, is what you imagine a river cruise to be like—a gentle journey along a beautiful waterway with enchanting, ever-changing views. And indeed it is. Above are just a few examples of what we heard on our meander on the Rhine with Viking River Cruises®. You will find a similarly delightful tapestry unfolding on the other great rivers of Europe—and a healthy dash of the exotic too if you choose to cruise in Russia or Asia. But I’m going to give you another list—one I did not expect to encounter. In the comfortable Lounge of my Viking Longship, there was a music quiz going on. Up on the top deck, it was 10:30 PM and two couples were still playing shuffleboard in the long midsummer twilight. They laughed when I pointed out that those with the bright yellow discs had a distinct advantage. One evening, a guest joined the ship’s resident pianist-singer for a duet, then both were persuaded to move aside by another guest so he could knock out a few of his own favorites. A river cruise with Viking does not just present a variety of scenic and cultural encounters, it is also enormous fun. If you’ll permit, here is a third list, which again may be unexpected. Shore excursions. Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner every day. Flights. Transfers. Wi-Fi. Tea and coffee 24 hours a day. The significance? They are all included in the price of your cruise. At the end of our trip, my wallet was diminished only by a few cocktails on board, a couple of enlightening optional excursions and the odd souvenir picked up when exploring the lovely towns and cities along the Rhine. These really are comprehensive, cohesive cruises. Just as the design of the ship brings the outside in, the onboard experience does, too. When traveling through The Netherlands, we were treated to Dutch coffee with whipped cream and a splash of eggnog. That evening, I chose a Dutch cheese soufflé. After a day in Strasbourg, local musicians joined us on board the Longship to play French tunes; an hour earlier, I had accepted a third glass of Gallic wine with dinner. Over the course of a week and hundreds of miles of river, I came EXPLORE MORE 2017 | VIKINGCRUISES.COM 95