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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.

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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 March 17, 2014

10 Fun Ways Boomers Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Flowers

Here are 10 fun ways boomers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Why? Because everyone knows you don’t have to be Irish to have fun on St. Patrick’s Day (though it helps). On March 17th, everyone with a spirit of play are honorary Irish folk whatever your family name.

#1 – Form Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Round up your usual neighborhood suspects, pick up a flute, a fiddle and some pipes, and off you go!

#2 – Play a Few Irish Tunes.

Plug into Pandora or iTunes to listen to soothing Irish lullabies and happy melodies.

#3 – Stage a Reading of Your Favorite Irish Authors and Poets.

100 Years of Irish Poetry

Invite your Irish-loving friends over to share their favorite poems or writings from the Land of Leprechauns. Revel in the lyrical beauty of such Irish poets as William Butler Yeats, Seamus Heaney and the writings of James Joyce.

#4 – Prepare Your Favorite Irish Dishes.

You can’t go wrong with corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, colcannon (cabbage and mashed potatoes) and soda bread. And let’s not forget dessert. My new favorite? Chocolate Stout Cupcakes. They had me at chocolate and Guinness.

#5 – Raise the Irish Flag.

Irish Flag

In honor of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, hoist the tri-colored Irish flag. The flag symbolizes the hope for peace (white) between the native people of Ireland in the South, most of whom are Roman Catholic (green) and the British supporters of William of Orange in the North, most of whom are Protestant (orange).

#6 – Stop By Your Favorite Pub for a Pint or Two.

Order a Guinness, a Black & Tan or a shot of Irish whiskey before settling in to listen to a few yarns from the locals.

#7 – Take a Heritage Tour to Ireland.

A visit to Ireland is still on my bucket list. And one of these St. Patrick’s Days, I’m going to hop on a plane to visit the home of my great-grandmother who immigrated to the United States.

#8 – Look for Leprechauns.

Leprechaun

Leprechauns are out and about if you just know where to look for them. Typically found in Ireland, of course, I have it on the best authority (my own) that these wee creatures make special appearances all over the world on St. Patrick’s Day. Just follow the leprechaun’s footprints to his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

#9 – Go Step-Dancing.

For inspiration, look no further than River Dance. Before you know, you’ll be on your feet trying to do the same. Good luck with that!

#10 – Whatever Else You Do, Wear Green!

And whatever you do, avoid wearing orange unless you want a mild pinch. St. Patrick is a Catholic saint, so wearin’ of the green symbolizes your support of his special day.

May the road rise up to meet you . . .

Wander on!

Nancy

What’s your favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition, wanderboomers? Please share with us here.

Filed Under: Activities, Culture, Food & Dining, Holidays, Ireland Tagged With: black & tan, boomers, green, Guinness, Ireland, Irish, Irish dishes, leprechaun, St. Patrick's Day, whiskey

BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON April 25, 2013

V is for Vatican City

VaticanMuseummalouetteflickr (450 x 338)
Photo courtesy of malouette – flickr

Vatican City, a separate self-governed territory within Rome, claims fame as the world’s smallest autonomous state and is ruled by the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Art lovers will cherish the beautiful museums within the enclave, as well as St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and the crowning jewel, the Sistine Chapel whose ceiling is renown as Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Rome, Travel Experiences Tagged With: Michelangelo, Pope Francis, Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square, the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican, Vatican City

BY Nancy Mueller 5 Comments ON April 20, 2013

R is for Rome

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s award-winning role in Roman Holiday and her love affair with “The Eternal City,” I can think of 5 great reasons to add Rome to my travel bucket list:

1) Visit Castel Sant’ Angelo to pay my respects to Puccini’s heroine,Tosca, who threw herself off the parapet after discovering her lover Cavaradossi has been killed.

Rome'sCastelSantAngeloedwin.11flickr (450 x 338)

Photo courtesy of  edwin.11 – flickr

2) Throw a coin over my left shoulder with my back to the Trevi Fountain to ensure good fortune and a return visit.

Rome'sTreviFountainDarkRomeToursandWalksflickr (450 x 300)

Photo courtesy of Dark Rome Tours and Walks – flickr

3) Enjoy the Rome cafe scene.

RomeCafeScenepeuplierflickr (338 x 450)

Photo courtesy of peuplier – flickr

4) Consume Italian cuisine from pasta to gelato.

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Photo courtesy of avlxyz – flickr

gelatoRollerCoasterPhilosophyflickr (450 x 338)

Photo courtesy of Roller Coaster Philosophy – flickr

5) Hear Italian spoken by the locals.

How would you like to spend your time in Rome, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Europe, Rome, Travel Experiences Tagged With: Audrey Hepburn, gelato, Michelangelo, opera, opera house, pasta, Pieta, Roman Holiday, Rome, The Eternal City, Trevi Fountain

BY Nancy Mueller 8 Comments ON April 13, 2013

L is for London

LondonTJMorrisFlickr (450 x 338)

Photo courtesy of TJ Morris – flickr

“What? You’ve never been to London?” my world traveler friend Margaret exclaimed. “That’s not right. We have to change that.”

I like how she thinks.

ChangingoftheGuardsGabrielVillenaflickr (450 x 300)

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Villena – flickr

So how would I do London on a future visit? Apart from planning to visit the typical tourist sights, like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s  Cathedral and the Tate Gallery, I’d definitely take time out for afternoon tea.

For the epitome of elegance, could anything beat high tea at the Ritz?

Queen Mary Tea Shop (450 x 449)
I imagine sipping my tea of choice – black, green, white, or oolong – from an exquisite fine china teacup while enjoying small bites of delectable sandwich selections like cucumber with cream cheese, dill, and chives on caraway seed bread or Scottish smoked salmon with lemon butter on rye bread. Of course, I’d insist on an assortment of tea parties and cakes, and a glass of champagne to celebrate the day.

How would you like to celebrate afternoon tea in London, wanderboomers? Do you have a special place to recommend?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Entertainment, London, Travel Experiences Tagged With: afternoon tea, black tea, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guards, green tea, high tea, London, oolong tea, the Tate Gallery, the Tower of London, white tea

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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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