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Explore More Magazine - Spring 2019

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First impressions Sarah

First impressions Sarah Williams, a first-time river cruiser, reports back from her travels on the Rhône, and finds a home-from-home aboard Viking Heimdal 44 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | SPRING 2019 044-047_EM15_FirstTimeCruiser.indd 44 21/01/2019 14:34

TRAVEL First impressions matter. So when two Viking representatives greeted my partner and me by name at the airport, we knew our Viking journey would be even more special than anticipated. Our excitement grew as we were personally escorted to our transport and whisked through beautiful Lyon to the elegant Viking Heimdal. Awaiting crew welcomed us on the quay, took our luggage and led us into the graceful, cleanlined atrium where we checked in easily. As we entered our impressive stateroom, the calming design and efficient layout made us instantly feel at home. This was our first cruise of any kind, and our escort, whom we happily got to know during the week, explained the finer details of our stateroom and life on board our Viking Longship. Our gracious steward, Maxim, also introduced himself, and helped to provide whatever we needed. After unpacking into ample storage space, we opened the door to the warmth of our veranda. Already feeling cosy and pampered, we enjoyed a relaxing drink as we eased into the gentle rhythm of life on board with Viking. It was then time to explore our temporary home. On the Sun Deck we admired the very comfortable lounge chairs, and played a terrifically inexpert game of shuffleboard. In the airy restaurant below we indulged in the sumptuous Embarkation Buffet, where we piled our plates high with fresh salads, charcuterie and cheeses. Seating ourselves next to the floor-to-ceiling windows by the expansive Rhône river, we were soon joined by people whose company we continued to enjoy throughout the week. My partner and I have always been active travellers, and on our first full day we eagerly set out with our knowledgeable local guide to explore vibrant Lyon. The imposing Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands proudly above the city, offering stunning views. By the Saône river, outdoor murals covering entire building walls This page: Lyon stands proud on the banks of the Saône River The imposing Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands proudly above the city, offering stunning views SPRING 2019 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 45 044-047_EM15_FirstTimeCruiser.indd 45 21/01/2019 14:34

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