Name: Lucy Bellamy
Agency: Luxe by itravel
Voyage Undertaken: ‘Paris & The Heart of Normandy’
Q: What were the highlights of your time onboard?
A: I have cruised several times with Viking on their ocean ships, but this was my first river experience. I felt instantly ‘at home’ when I stepped onboard.
Many of the features and fittings that I love about the ocean ships are in evidence on the river, albeit on a smaller scale! I loved all of the staff that I encountered and it was so lovely to step back on board after a busy day to be greeted like old friends.
And the food? Fantastic! I can’t say that I had one meal that wasn’t excellent. My sister in law, who was travelling with me, is a chef and she was delighted by the standard on board.
Q: What was your favourite experience of all the destinations you visited?
A: I hadn’t visited Paris for many years and it was so special to embark the Viking Skaga right in the heart of Paris. We were a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower.
In terms of what I experienced on my shore excursions, my two stand outs were my visit to Giverny and Monet’s Garden. It was magnificent.
I was also moved to tears, as was the rest of my group, to be able to spend time in Normandy and pay our respects to those who gave their lives for our freedom. It was a very emotional experience and one I will never forget. In these troubled times, it was a poignant reminder around the senselessness of war.
Q: Was there anything about the trip that surprised you?
A: That the whole week was just a fantastic ‘vibe’. All of the guests who I met from different parts of the world, different ages etc, all got on so well. The atmosphere onboard was brilliant. I didn’t expect to have quite so much fun!
Q: Is there anything you would change?
A: I would have liked another couple of days, as it was the fastest week in history and I wasn’t ready to get off! I didn’t have enough time to enjoy the sun deck!
Q: How would you describe the experience of a Viking cruise to your clients?
A: The best way, in my opinion, to explore northern France is by the river. We did have time to soak in the beautiful countryside while we traversed the Seine and the quality of the excursions and the guides we encountered was first class.
Name: Hollie McCann
Agency: Bicton Travel
Voyage Undertaken: ‘Paris & The Heart of Normandy’
Q: What were the highlights of your time onboard?
A: Enjoying breakfast, lunch, or even just an afternoon cocktail on the Aquavit terrace under the warm sunshine, pampered by the exceptional staff as we gazed at the Eiffel Tower or watched the world go by, left an unforgettable feeling of relaxation and joy.
Also, waking up in the morning, opening the balcony door and lounging in the comfortable bed as we sailed, provided a refreshing start to each day.
I even skipped breakfast one morning as I was so relaxed and didn’t want to waste a moment of that feeling!
Q: What was your favourite experience of all the destinations you visited?
A: One standout was my visit to The Palace of Versailles. Its sprawling 800-hectare gardens were a surreal marvel, meticulously designed and maintained – like something from a dream! I could have happily spent days wandering through every corner.
Additionally, sailing along the river, marvelling at the array of chateaux, mansions and cottages, sparked dreams of potential purchases should I ever strike it rich in the lotto!
Q: How would you describe the experience of a Viking cruise to your clients?
A: Nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step aboard, you’re welcomed by attentive staff who cater to your every need, creating a sense of indulgence and relaxation.
From the locally inspired cuisines onboard, clean and comfortable accommodation, tastefully decorated guest areas and amazing off shore experiences. Everything was taken care of from start to finish. Viking really know what they are doing to create a memorable and relaxing river cruise experience
Q: Was there anything about the trip that surprised you?
A: To be honest, it was the small things! We arrived at Paris airport for our departure to find a Viking representative (Bilal) waiting for us with a big smile. He then escorted us through the confusing and busy airport, bypassed long queues, got us checked in and to the customs area within 15 minutes.
I was unaware this was something offered in Paris, however it really stood out to us as a little extra that you wouldn’t think of and took away any unnecessary stress at the end of a beautiful trip.
Q: Is there anything you would change?
A: I just wanted to spend more time at Palace of Versailles!
Name: Tammy Houston
Agency: Houston and Turner Travel Associates
Voyage Undertaken: ‘Venice, the Adriatic & Greece’
Q: What were the highlights of your time onboard?
A: The staff were incredible and so much fun. Loved all of the different dining experiences, the entertainment and the spa was sensational.
Q: What was your favourite experience of all the destinations you visited?
A: Absolutely loved doing the walk up to the Kotor Fortress with its incredible views. Also had an incredibly fun final tour to Olympia including lunch and a cooking class at a local family restaurant with lots of crazy Greek dancing and plate smashing. Lots of laughs.
Q: Was there anything about the trip that surprised you?
A: Everything was so well organised and easy. The ship itself was so spacious and quiet, still felt intimate even with 900 guests
Q: Is there anything you would change?
A: The walking tours do start to get a little ‘same same’ so definitely recommend doing some paid shore excursions. It would have been great to have a sea day to enjoy the ship and completely relax as it’s a very busy itinerary.
Q: How would you describe the experience of a Viking cruise to your clients?
A: Relaxed cruising vibe on a stylish ship which is big enough to provide a perfect balance of entertainment, atmosphere and great food.
Name: Adam Crane
Agency: Travel Associates Belconnen
Voyage Undertaken: ‘Venice, the Adriatic & Greece’
Q: What were the highlights of your time onboard?
A: The staff onboard the ship were amazing. Their attention to detail. remembering your name and preferences and generally just a pleasure to talk to.
Q: What was your favourite experience of all the destinations you visited?
A: Sailing into and out of Kotor, the scenery was spectacular. Also, the tour to Olympia was amazing. Our guide was so knowledgeable and was genuinely excited to share such a special place with us.
Q: Was there anything about the trip that surprised you?
A: How uncrowded the ship felt, you really couldn’t tell there were nearly 1,000 guests onboard.
Q: Is there anything you would change?
A: Only thing that would make it better would be longer overnight stops in certain ports to allow more time to explore.
Q: How would you describe the experience of a Viking cruise to your clients?
A: High end luxury cruising experience with a casual, easy going vibe onboard.
