VICTORIOUS VIKING

We all know that after a transatlantic flight to Europe, your body and brain are a bit bedeviled, as your mind plays Double Dutch with revolving time zones. However, when I entered the World Café on deck seven of Viking’s handsome, ocean-going vessel Sky, I was particularly confused: It appeared that food was framed in pictures on the wall! I should add that I was not punch-drunk tired, as I had been able to sleep a bit that afternoon, since I and many of my soon-to-be besties (at capacity, we were a little over 900 guests on this cruise, dubbed Mediterranean Odyssey, from Barcelona to Venice), had been allowed to board in a very timely fashion. This is not always the case with cruises, as the crew needs turn-around time after the last “tenants” have departed. But Viking’s crackerjack staff was swift with these chores.

I was, therefore, after viewing the textile tunas on the wall, prepared for literal and virtual smooth sailing. And it was just that. Even off the ship on excursions, Viking turns each destination into a learning experience, with something new to be seen or experienced.

Barcelona was no exception. Having been there before, but not having devoted enough time to Spanish native son Antoni Gaudi, I chose an excursion that steeped us into the spellbinding architecture of this magician. You could easily devote a whole day to exploring the legendary Sagrada Família church alone, but you must also take in Park Güell and the Ciaxa Catalunya Cultural Center, at the very least. You will be overwhelmed by Gaudi’s creativity—not to mention all the curlicues! 

Equally awesome was the Musée Renoir, at our next port of call, Marseille. Located in nearby Cagnes-sur-Mer, it is a stone’s throw from the city proper. If you felt a glut of glorious architecture in Barcelona, then you’ll be breathless from the inspired Impressionism at this museum (a mere 12 rooms), Renoir’s home and studio for the last 12 years of his life. I always find that I learn so much from these excursions and was surprised to learn that Renoir suffered miserably from acute rheumatoid arthritis, using different types of wheelchairs to move around; despite his crippled, misshapen hands, he continued to paint until his last day. 

Marseille, France’s oldest city and second-most populous, is steeped in diverse culture, the result of being a port city for over 2,500 years, a mecca to sailors and wanderers. It is also the birthplace of my great-grandmother, so I was eager to uncover as much history here as possible.

Our next ports of call were places I knew well—Monte Carlo, Florence (Livorno, technically), Pisa, Rome, Naples. Despite that, none disappointed, as I had the opportunity to visit old haunts, discover new treasures, soak up history, and meander on my own after fascinating group excursions. These are cities that simply leave you slavering for more.  

Swoon, indeed, is what you’ll do after a treatment in the Nordic Spa, which I took advantage of on the one at-sea day on this journey. The spa offers saunas, a cold plunge, a thermal pool, and a snow grotto! Try out thermal therapy, with a soak in something hot, followed by a plunge in something cold, and then a little rest. 

One other note is worth mentioning, regarding Viking’s care and attention to guests’ needs: I was on board during the Jewish High Holy Days and the ship set a room aside for guest-led services; Viking provided prayer books, delicious challah, pomegranates, kosher wines, and just about anything else the worshippers might want. I was very impressed…and made a few new friends that night. 

You will make many new cruise friends, too, as cruising brings people together, and there is no better way to do that than with Viking. 

For more information, or to book your own journey, please visit viking.com