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BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON August 17, 2015

Vacation on the Romantic Danube with Viking River Cruises

Cathedral in Esztergom

If you’re like many wanderboomer fans of the PBS hit series, Downton Abbey, you’ve seen the sponsored commercials for Viking River Cruises, enticing you to explore exotic destinations from the deck of one of their deluxe ships. No doubt you have imagined yourself cruising down the Danube, Rhine or Seine Rivers, perhaps a glass of wine in hand, wistfully watching the world go by.

MAP_2016_RomanticDanube_956x690_tcm21-24396

Earlier this summer I had the chance to live the dream aboard a Viking River Cruises’ longship on an 8-Day Romantic Danube Tour from Budapest to Nuremberg. So did the experience live up to my dreamy-eyed vision of a European river cruise? Here’s what I discovered . . .

Exceptional Service

Viking River Cruises

My first clue of Viking River Cruises’ extraordinary customer care began with email correspondence from my Customized Travel Coordinator who arranged my flights and airport transfers. Days later I received a package containing a leather luggage tag and stickers, my personalized “Itinerary & Departure Information” booklet and a “Danube River Destination Guide” of site descriptions and fascinating facts about the art, history and culture of the sites on our itinerary.

Cap't. Oskar & Crew

And that was just for starters. Upon arrival, I was greeted at the airport by a Viking River Cruises’ host who cheerfully whisked me off to the ship without delay.

On board, the entire ship staff, from the Captain to Operations Manager and Reception, Cruise and Concierge Directors, Cabin Attendant, dining and culinary crew, deckhands and maintenance personnel ensured that we would indeed get to “Explore the World in Comfort,” as the company’s tagline promises.

Comfortable Surroundings with Panoramic Views

Viking River Cruises Veranda Stateroom

Wandercruisers have a range of cabin options available on Viking River Cruises. My veranda stateroom included a French balcony which I highly recommend for those moments when you want to enjoy river meanderings from the privacy of your own deck. Or for ultimate luxury, spring for the Explorer Suite with a private wrap-around veranda for 270° views.

The cabins come with ample storage for belongings, a comfortable bed, flat screen TV and premium entertainment package, plus plenty of personal touches, like fresh fruit and bottled water refreshed each day, a heated floor in the bathroom (with a superb hot shower and plush towels) and robe and slippers upon request.

For dining, we had the option of having a casual meal on the Aquavit Terrace with both indoor and outdoor viewing at the bow of the ship or the ship restaurant with more elaborate meal options and expansive river views.

The ship’s sundeck with shaded lounging area, walking track and putting green, proved to be a popular place with the 184 guests on board for river viewing, reading and sunbathing, while the bar and lounge area provided a relaxing, entertaining venue after daily excursions.

Sylvie - Viking River Cruises

The small library was a lovely spot to sit and browse through books that covered the regions along our cruise or to pick up a copy of the daily news: Britain Today, The Canadian or USA Times.

With so many places to explore on board, it didn’t take long for me to feel right at home.

Entertaining Programs

Before enjoying the many included and optional excursions on the cruise, we were treated to a variety of presentations designed to enhance our cultural experience. Captain Oskar answered questions about our ship, the Viking Longship Tor, while the culinary crew showed us how to make apple strudel.

We learned how to order coffee in Vienna as well as how to speak a few essential words and phrases in German. “Ein bier!” “Danke.” “Wo ist die toilette?”

Evening programs included local musicians playing tunes of the region and opera singers singing a medley of songs from well-known operas, creating a fun, festive atmosphere aboard the ship.

Delicious Cuisine

Kitchen Crew Viking River Cruises

Having delectable meals that reflected the regions we visited, combined with exceptional service from our kitchen and dining staff, made for memorable dining on our cruise.

Kitchen Staff Viking River Cruises

From first courses like a Hungarian Farmer’s Plate (salami, ham, mixed pickles and körözött, a spiced cheese dip)

Viking River Cruises

or Seared Quail with Asparagus Risotto with glazed cherry tomatoes, to main courses such as Zwiebelrostbraten (say that three times! Viennese roast beef) & Crisp Onions with mashed potatoes, onion sauce and pickled cucumber, or Grilled Marinated Perch with couscous, raisins and balsamic brown butter, accompanied by recommended regional wines, to desserts liked Crisp Dark Valrhona Chocolate Tart with mango salad or Esterhazy Cake, Linzer Torte or Warm Apple Hazelnut Crumble with malted whiskey ice cream,

Dessert on Viking River Cruises

the food was deliciously prepared and beautifully presented.

Fayth - Viking River Cruises

And for special requests and dietary needs, vegetarian options, cheese plates, Caesar Salad, Sauteed Salmon Fillet, Roast Chicken Breast and Seared Prime Rib Eye Steak were always available.

Niki - Viking River Cruises

Delightful Comaraderie

Comraderie with Viking River Cruises

When asking other guests what they liked most about the Viking River Cruises’ experience, I discovered that for many passengers having the chance to mix and mingle with the others on board was a definite highlight.

Larry & Gail on Viking River Cruises

The open-seating arrangement meant guests could sit anywhere we chose for each meal. I met couples and families from California, Arizona, South Dakota and Florida among other U.S. states, as well as from the U.K.

Excursions to Beautiful Destinations

Krems on the Danube - Viking River Cruises

Each evening we received a briefing about the next day’s coming attractions with suggestions for things to see and do in every location. Whether exploring ports of call independently or on guided tours, we enjoyed city overviews on foot and by bus, excursions to architectural treasures and historic sites, plus stops at popular eateries and outdoor markets.

For more on the wonders we witnessed on our 8-day cruise, visit Viking River Cruises.

Many thanks to Viking River Cruises for hosting my Romantic Danube experience.

Wander on!

Nancy

What about you, wanderboomers? Which Viking River Cruise would you like to take?

 

Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, Cruising, Europe Tagged With: Downton Abbey, PBS, river cruises, river cruising, Travel & Leisure

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON August 5, 2015

How to Pack Light for Your Luxury Cruise Adventure

Pack Light

Pack Light

Over the last two years my mantra has been “Pack light. Pack light. Pack light.” I ditched my DSLR camera in favor of a small point-and-shoot, then scaled down further with an iPhone 6. I swapped out my paperbacks (because I could never just take one) for a Kindle. I gave up my clunky laptop in favor of a MacBook Air. And I replaced my trusty Travel Pro with a Traveler’s Choice Sedona 21″ Spinner.

Even so, I’m still often asked how I manage to trot around the globe with only one TSA-approved carry-on bag and a personal item, e.g. handbag. Admittedly, some destinations are easier to pack for than others. Hawaii anyone? Just tuck in a couple of T-shirts, a few wrinkle-free dresses, flip flops and a bathing suit and you’re good to go for at least two weeks.

Pack Light Summer

Viking Cruise

When it came to packing for my 8-day European Viking Cruise earlier this summer, I toyed with the idea of checking a bag for the trip. But in the end, I stuck with my original resolve – to pack light and only take a carry-on bag and personal item, which as it turned out, worked just fine.

Pack Light Viking Cruise

Warm-weather Destinations

To pack light for a value luxury cruise to a warm destination (Let’s skip Antarctica for now), here’s how I make the most of my carry-on bag and personal item – and how you can do it, too:

Travel outfit

  • Long jeans
  • Tank top
  • Long sweater
  • Scarf
  • Closed-toe shoes (also recommended for travel safety), i.e. tennis shoes which doubles as my walking and workout shoes (Travel tip: Wear your heaviest shoes rather than carry the weight in your luggage where they also take up too much room)

REI First Aid Kit

Packing List for 21″ Carry-On Bag

Clothing     

  • Underwear
  • Nightie & robe
  • 4 Dresses
  • 2 pairs of pants
  • Yoga pants & top
  • 3 long-sleeved shirts
  • Light sweater
  • 2 tank tops
  • 8 pairs of sneaker socks
  • Rain jacket
  • 2 pairs of sandals
  • Flipflops
  • Bathing suit

Toiletries 

  • Make-up/remover wipes
  • Flat-iron
  • Contact lenses
  • Hand, body & facial lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Razor
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
  • Deodorant
  • Comb & hairbrush
  • Hair ties
  • Q tips
  • Earplugs
  • Small sewing kit
  • Small manicure kit

Accessories

  • Sunhat
  • 3 Scarves
  • Costume jewelry
  • Small handbag
  • Small fold-up umbrella

First-aid Kit

  • Band-aids
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Neosporin ointment
  • Lip balm
  • Eye drops
  • Antiseptic towelettes
  • Moleskin
  • Tiger balm

Personal Item (Baggallini Bag)

  • Kindle
  • MacBook Air
  • iPhone 6
  • iPod
  • Canon G-16 point-and-shoot
  • Hard drive back up for downloading images
  • 2 – 3 extra memory cards
  • Chargers/cords/extra batteries for first five items on list
  • International plug adapters
  • Notebook/journal and pens
  • Host/destination information
  • Travel documents/passport/driver’s license (Travel Tip: Carry copies of important documents and passport in a separate place, like your carry-on bag)
  • Small amount of cash and credit cards
  • Emergency contact information
  • Snacks: Power bars, dried fruit & nuts, dark chocolate 🙂
  • Vitamins/medications
  • Sunglasses
  • Prescription glasses
  • Business cards

What I Wish I Had Packed

  • Light jacket
  • Small daypack

Q & A

Q: What about shampoo and conditioner? Facial cleanser?
A: Since TSA applies the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, i.e. each passenger is allowed 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-lock bag limited to 3.4 ounces or less of liquids, creams, gels, aerosols and pastes per container, and most travel carriers and/or destinations provide small toiletries, only carry the liquids you can’t live without.

Q: What if I want to bring home some souvenirs?
A: Remember: think light! Save the heavier souvenirs for shipping home or purchase on-line when you get home. Jewelry made by local artists, small packs of savory spices (like paprika from Hungary), scarves, CDs (Yes, some people still buy these) and sweets from the region all make lovely gifts.

Q: But how can I stay a fashionista with only two pairs of sandals, flipflops and tennis shoes?
A: Whatever you wear, wear with confidence!

Thanks to my host Viking Cruises for the chance to practice packing for a luxury cruise adventure!

In case you missed these previous posts on packing tips, check out:

Favorite Travel Items to Lighten Your Luggage – Part I
Pack Light with Favorite Travel Items – Part II

For more information, visit:
TSA Travel Information

Wander on!

Nancy

What about you, wanderboomers? What else should I add to my list?

Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, Cruising, Travel Tips Tagged With: baggage, carry-on bag, checked bag, Cruising, DSLR, first aid kit, Luggage, Souvenirs, TSA, value luxury

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON December 31, 2014

2014: Oh, the Places I’ve Been!

How to capture an entire year of phenomenal travel experiences in one post? Impossible. Instead, here’s a photo montage of a few favorites, reminding me what a lucky gal I am . . .

Quebec

February and August . . . I fell in love with Quebec . . .

San Francisco

March . . . Stopped by San Francisco, the City by the Bay . . .

Okanagan B.C. Wine Country

May . . . Wandered through Okanagan, B.C. wine country  . . .

Kenmore Air Over Seattle and Spokane

May . . . Flew high with Kenmore Air over Seattle . . . and Spokane . . .

Ohai California

May . . . Took a mini-retreat in Ohai . . .

Whales watching in the San Juans and Glacier Bay

Spring and summer . . . Went whale watching in the San Juans and Glacier Bay . . . Imagining what I could have captured with the right camera lens!

Carson Kressley and Kym Johnson

July . . . Danced with the Stars, Carson Kressley and Kym Johnson, on a Holland America cruise to Alaska . . .

Blue Angels

August . . . Got buzzed by the Blue Angels at the top of the Space Needle, prompting the guy standing next to me to say, “Time for a change of underwear.”

Evelyn Hannon

Played Seattle tour guide and made friends with the pioneer Journeywoman herself, Evelyn Hannon, and her friend Marilyn . . .

Mount Rainier

September . . . I reacquainted myself with our favorite mountain, Mount Rainier . . .

Jetty Island

Summer . . . Discovered two new treasures close to home – Jetty Island and . . .

Birch Bay

June . . . Birch Bay . . .

State Cross Country Championships

November . . . Witnessed these phenomenal young women bring home the State Cross Country Championship – Woo hoo!!

Pacific Northwest

Happy New Year from the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Wander on!

Nancy

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Holland America
Kenmore Air
The Oaks at Ojai
Quebec Tourism
Snohomish County Tourism
Thompson Okanagan / Destination BC
Visit Rainier

Thanks to my hosts for covering part, though not all, of my travel expenses.

Where have your travels taken you in 2014, Wanderboomers? I’d love to hear.

Filed Under: Activities, British Columbia, California, Cruising, Destinations, Pacific Northwest, Québec, San Juan Island, Seattle, Travel Experiences, Washington State Tagged With: 2014, Blue Angels, Carson Kressley, Dancing with the Stars, Happy New Year, Holland America, Kenmore Air, Kym Johnson, State Cross Country Championships

BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON November 30, 2014

5 Fun Boomer Women Winter Travels

Women Winter Travels

We boomer women love to travel whatever the season, don’t we? And when we do, experiential travel ranks high on our list. Adventure travel has its place. But you don’t need to heli-ski down mountain slopes or sign up for the Iditarod to engage with the local culture – unless you want to, of course.

Here are 5 fun boomer women winter travel experiences to help you make the most of the season, whether traveling solo or with loved ones:

1) Stay cool at Quebec City’s Ice Hotel.

Ice Hotel Quebec City

Enjoy magnificent snow sculpture displays set within the incandescent beauty of a winter wonderland. Sure, you can simply stop by the hotel bar or take a guided tour of the site. But for an unforgettable experience, stretch your comfort zone with an overnight stay. Soak in the outdoor hot tub under a canopy of stars, then spring for a themed suite of myths and legends from around the world. While your bedding rests on a block of ice, you’ll keep plenty warm inside the sleeping bag and liner provided by the hotel.

2) Get out and play at Quebec City’s Winter Carnival.

Quebec Winter Carnival

After your stay at the Ice Hotel, head into Quebec City where you can celebrate winter with sleigh or dog-sled rides, snow tubing, snow shoeing or ice-skating among the Quebecois. For the real party hardy, try the ice slides or a snow bath in your bathing suit. Three dips in the snow does it for bragging rights to friends. Naturally you’ll want to check out the local food scene while strolling through Old Quebec. Add a guided walking tour to take in the city’s architecture, history and culture, including stops at the Citadel and newly renovated Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

3) Follow the Okanagan, BC Wine Trail.

Sumac Ridge Okanagan, BC

Why not plan a winter wine festival getaway where you can wander through an alpine village for a progressive wine tasting after a day of skiing? Or settle in with a glass of mulled wine after your moonlight snowshoe tour? Discover which wines pair best with the season’s ultimate comfort food, like grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate. British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley hosts three seasonal wine festivals – Winter, Spring and Fall – each with its own signature events.

4) Go chase the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights

Photo courtesy of Beverly & Pack, flickr

For one of nature’s most magical aerial displays, the Aurora Borealis (commonly known as the Northern Lights) paints a spellbinding scene. Imagine shimmering skies brushed in palettes of pale yellows and florescent greens with shades of blue, red and violet. For best viewing, head to remote regions away from city lights, like Fairbanks, Alaska, Northern Canada, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. There’s no guarantee you’ll catch the ephemeral lights show, but you increase the odds when you book a visit December through March.

5) Cruise the Galapagos Islands.

Blue-footed Booby Galapagos

If your idea of winter fun doesn’t include snow, cold or ice, consider a cruise to the Galapagos, one of the few remaining sites on planet Earth where it’s possible to not only observe, but to walk among wildlife in their natural habitats, both on land and sea. Remote. Pristine. Other-worldly. While there’s no better or worse time to visit the island chain off the coast of mainland Ecuador, water visibility is at its peak December – March. Snorkel with hammerhead sharks and sea lions, go whale watching for humpbacks, or marvel at the wonder of blue-footed boobies and marine iguana on shore.

For more information:

Quebec Winter Carnival

Ice Hotel

Okanagan Winter Wine Festival

Northern Lights Packages

Galapagos Tours

Wander on!

Nancy

Thanks to Tourisme Quebec, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Quaser Expeditions for hosting.

What’s your favorite winter getaway, wanderboomers? Where are you head this winter?

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Cruising, Culture, Destinations, Galapagos Islands Tagged With: boomer women, Galapagos, Ice Hotel, Okanagan Valley, Quebec City, Quebec Winter Carnival

BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON June 28, 2013

Tightwads on the Loose – A Spirited Sailing Adventure

Covershot of Tightwads on the Loose by Wendy Hinman

Tightwads on the Loose, Wendy Hinman’s engaging, fast-paced memoir, shares an important lesson: “The weather trumps all plans.”

Breaking Away

Tightwads on the Loose Garth and Wendy Hinman

To quell their restless spirits, Hinman and her husband Garth embark on a seven year Pacific odyssey aboard their 31-foot sailboat, Velella, named for tiny jellyfish-like creatures propelled by prevailing winds. The author traces their route from Seattle to Japan via Mexico, French Polynesia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, with layover (planned and otherwise) destinations in between.

Life at Sea

Tightwads on the Loose Cave Swimming

Hinman paints enticing descriptions of days “filled with snorkels, hikes and books instead of meetings, deadlines and email” and shipwreck dives in the Philippines. Images like: “Under a starry sky, the tropical air thick with the scent of plumeria and papaya . . .” had me packing my bags to join in her vagabond lifestyle.

But experienced open-water sailors will identify with the ebb and flow of Hinman’s seagoing tale. Her adventures fluctuate from daydreaming days bobbing on calm, cerulean waters to terrifying moments of close-call catastrophes. Yet the yin yang rhythm of Hinman’s journey is exactly what she loves about cruising, accepting that she couldn’t “just choose the good parts.” She reminds readers that life’s great adventures lie just outside our comfort zone.

Tightwads on the Loose Mexico Wendy Hinman at Honeymoon Cove

By settling for an easy life, we risk boredom. We also lose the chance to grow from facing unexpected challenges. After her miscalculation nearly results in a mid-ocean collision, Garth empathizes: “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.”

Learning by Living

At its heart, Tightwads on the Loose reveals a journey of self-discovery. Hinman learns to rock climb, rappel and “run zip lines across deep canyons” in a temporary position as a tour guide. But her inner discoveries run even deeper.

She adapts to a 24/7 relationship with Garth, her opposite in social needs. And time becomes her most precious gift: time to ponder life choices made consciously or by default; time to appreciate people’s interconnectedness despite language and cultural differences; time to affirm what brings her alive. Priceless lessons by any measure.

Coming Home

Tightwads on the Loose Wendy Hinman in Japan

Having had such soul-enriching experiences after a life at sea for seven years, how did wander woman Hinman feel about rebuilding her life back on land? Apprehensive. With Garth’s transition into a new job, Hinman felt the loss both of his daily companionship and a clear goal for herself.

Thankfully for us, Hinman’s on-board journals set the stage for her next great adventure: published author of her compelling memoir, Tightwads on the Loose, with a sequel in the works.

Wander on!

Nancy

What’s your favorite sailing adventure, wanderboomers?

Postscript

The deeper my roots grow in the Pacific Northwest, the more I discover how many intrepid, awe-inspiring women live here. In occasional future Friday posts, I’ll share their stories with you. On “Fearless Women Fridays,” I hope their stories will inspire you to chart a path of your own remarkable adventures.

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Cruising, Destinations, Travel Experiences Tagged With: adventure, memoir, sailing, self-discovery, Tightwads on the Loose, tropics, weather, Wendy Hinman

Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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