Explore More - 2018

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exploringmore.com ON LOCATION WITH KARINE Karine Hagen, Sr. Vice President of Viking, shares her latest adventures from her travels around the world The past year has been particularly special as we celebrated 20 years of Viking and launched more new ships on the seas and the rivers. My personal highlights are both cultural, natural and historic in nature—many experiences you can enjoy yourselves while traveling with us. CLASSIC FM LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL In April, Viking was delighted to once again be headline sponsor of Classic FM Live, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall. This event was extra special as it also marked the world premiere of composer Debbie Wiseman’s “The Traveler” (Den Reisende), which was specially written for Viking and performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this we enjoyed privileged access to the legendary Abbey Road Studios, attending the recording of “The Traveler,” which you can hear on our website. SHETLAND PONIES Our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary provides an array of wildlife encounters, including one of the Shetland Islands’ most famous residents—the Shetland pony. Not only can you see these beautiful animals in the wild, you can also visit a breeder and learn more about how these miniature ponies are bred and used today. With my father and Finse on the iconic Abbey Road in London “The Traveler” performed live at the Royal Albert Hall Da d with French chanteuse Mrielle Mathiew HISTORY HELD IN STONE Koblenz is a special location for Viking, as it was where we welcomed two new Viking Longships, Viking Longship Hild and Viking Longship Herja. The heart of Koblenz is also home to a Jewish cemetery. Dating back hundreds of years, it offers a window into the history of a

ON LOCATION WITH KARINE Viking Sky in Tromsø, Norway, where she launched Playing with Shetland ponies on the Shetland Islands Da d with French chanteuse Mrielle Mathiew Princess Stephanie shows me around her family vineyard The godmother of Viking Sky, Marit Barstad, sister of Torstein Hagen, at the christening of Viking Sky community that was once nearly lost during the dark days of the Holocaust. I found the Jewish cemetery to be a deeply moving experience, and it is a short walk from your ship should you wish to visit it yourself. LEGENDARY LÖWENSTEIN WINE I was recently at Schloss Löwenstein (one of Germany’s cultural treasures) and met with the Löwenstein family, including Princess Stephanie, godmother of Viking Longship Hild, and a good friend. The area, a gem of Franconia, is home to the legendary dry Fürst Löwenstein wines. We have a special selection of them on board our ships, giving you a taste of Franconian heritage. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXPLORING THE WORLD 2017 was especially exciting for Viking as it marked our 20th Anniversary. We have had an exciting two decades of creating innovative and inspiring journeys around the globe. It all began with river cruises in Russia, and in 2015 we launched our first ocean ship and some exciting new itineraries beyond Europe, including Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, with more fascinating destinations to follow over the next few years. VIKING SKY CHRISTENING IN TROMSØ, NORWAY One of the highlights of 2017 was the launch of our third ocean ship, Viking Sky. It was an especially proud day to officially welcome our new vessel in Tromsø, considered the arctic capital of the world. During the christening ceremony my aunt, Marit Barstad, served as ceremonial godmother and offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Sky. Go online: You can watch videos of Karine’s latest travels at exploringmore.com EXPLORE MORE 2018 131