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“destination hop.”

“destination hop.” And this was definitely the case. Each day, you wake up in another place to explore. I love this concept, and while the ships are beautiful, to me, river cruising is all about embracing the destinations you are visiting. And the ships themselves make the possibilities endless. Due to their design, the river ships can dock right in the middle of a city—something I had not truly appreciated before getting on board. Budapest is a great example of this—you literally dock next to the famous Chain Bridge in the middle of all the sights and sounds of the city. It is the perfect chance to get off the ship after dinner for a walk along the Danube, a drink in a local bar or a taste of the vibrant nightlife on offer in the city. Days typically consist of a morning or afternoon of cruising, excursions in a port for a half or whole day, and overnights in places such as Passau and Budapest. This definitely keeps you busy—more so than when on an ocean cruise. Viking includes an excursion in every port of call. From the art and music of Vienna to the culture of Bratislava and the history of Budapest, I learned something new every day. It all provides a truly inspirational experience, and you come away feeling richer for it. This is no mean feat to achieve, and our very talented Program Director, Terry, did an amazing job of ensuring guests got as much as they could from each experience while having fun along the way. A highlight had to be spending the day visiting Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a fairy-tale feel to it and is famed for its 14th- to 17th-century architecture in Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. I have always loved the food on board Viking ocean ships, and this also translates well to the river fleet. Expect breakfasts with a wide variety of freshly made choices and (at least) three-course lunches served in the Restaurant. If you fancy something a little more casual, head to the Aquavit Terrace to enjoy an al fresco meal (or even a barbecue). At dinner, expect fare inspired by regional specialties, featuring local ingredients wherever possible. This is another way Viking connects guests to the destinations they are sailing through. Above: Waterfront of Passau, Germany 20 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

TRAVEL Being a longtime ocean traveler, I was expecting river cruising to be very similar, but coming away from my first experience, I am happy to say I was wrong. There are clear similarities between the two, in terms of how days are typically structured and, well, that you are sailing from destination to destination, but that is where the similarities end. I often say that cruising has something for everyone. In my view, there is a ship and an itinerary to suit you, no matter who you are, and river cruising opens up a whole new world of destinations. I am restless and like to explore multiple places, so, actually, river cruising, for me, is the perfect way to see the cities of the world. It is also a great way to immerse yourself in a culture and elevate your experience of many different destinations without ever having to pack or unpack between each new place, or face the uncertainty of what your hotel will be like when you arrive. While I can see how this principle has been translated to Viking ocean cruises, it is a hugely effective part of river cruising and a real selling point. If you are considering your first river cruise, the Danube is a great place to start. It honestly has something for everyone, whether it is the dramatic sights of Budapest, the culture of Vienna or perhaps wine tasting in the famous Wachau Valley. I loved and appreciated the history of this part of the world, and it was incredible to learn how the countries and cities I visited have changed and been influenced so dramatically over the years. I knew I would enjoy river cruising, but it has exceeded my expectations and opened up a new world of destinations I would like to visit. I do not know what my next adventure will be, but the fact it could be sailing through Vietnam along the Mekong or embracing ancient Egypt on the Nile or perhaps even enjoying the local cuisine and wine in Portugal’s stunning Douro region has me filled with excitement. It all sounds so alluring, does it not? GETTING THERE: The 8-day Danube Waltz® itinerary departs from Passau to Budapest, or in reverse. Above: Atrium, the light-filled onboard lobby EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 21