Experience the Rhine River with Viking River Cruises:

A Feast for the Senses

Imagine drifting along the Rhine River, basking in the elegance of Europe's most storied waterways. With Viking River Cruises, this serene journey transforms into a living mosaic of sumptuous regional wines, picturesque vineyards, and delectable cuisines, all accompanied by the impeccable service that Viking is famous for. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, the Rhine River offers a rich, engaging, and distinctly European adventure.

The Allure of the Rhine River

The Rhine River, often referred to as the "romantic Rhine," twists and turns from Switzerland through Germany and finally to the Netherlands. It's a tapestry of medieval castles, charming towns, and legendary vineyards that have inspired poets, painters, and romantics for centuries. As you cruise with Viking, you'll experience a landscape where history and nature blend seamlessly.

Sipping Your Way Through Regional Wines

Wine is more than just a drink on the Rhine; it's a way of life. The river's temperate climate and fertile valleys have cultivated some of the world's most celebrated vineyards. Here's why wine aficionados find the Rhine irresistible:

1. Riesling:

The king of Rhine wines, Riesling, is beloved for its aromatic qualities and balance of sweetness and acidity. Don’t miss a visit to the Moselle Valley, renowned for its Riesling with delicate florals and hints of apple and peach.

2. Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir):

In the regions of Baden and the Pfalz, you'll experience Germany's version of Pinot Noir. Spätburgunder is cultivated with great care to produce a wine that is delightfully complex with notes of cherry and spice.

3. Gewürztraminer:

This fragrant, aromatic wine, with its rose petal and lychee flavors, adds a unique splash to your Rhine cruise. Visit the Alsace region where these grapes flourish, offering an almost spicy, full-bodied taste.

Unpacking the Culinary Treasures along the Rhine

A voyage on the Rhine River with Viking is as much a culinary journey as it is a scenic one. Each port of call introduces a new flavor, with local delicacies that reflect the region's culture and history.

1. Alsace Region:

Known for its Franco-German fusion, Alsace offers a delightful mix of flavors. Savor the famous Tarte Flambée, a thin-crust pizza-like delicacy topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Enjoy it with a glass of Alsatian wine for the perfect blend.

2. Rüdesheim:

This charming town is famous for Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a spirited concoction made with locally distilled Asbach brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. It's a must-try for every visitor strolling along its cobbled streets.

3. Black Forest:

Indulge in Schwartzwälder Kirschtorte, the iconic Black Forest cake layered with cherries, cream, and Kirsch (cherry brandy). A delightful treat after exploring the dense, fairytale-like forests of the region.

4. Cologne:

Known for its hearty Rhineland cuisine, dishes like Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth), a plate of black pudding, potato and apple sauce, reflect the city’s rustic roots.

The Viking Difference: Service Beyond Compare

Viking River Cruises has crafted an unparalleled reputation for its refined service and attention to detail. From the moment you step onboard, you'll find everything is designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

- Personalized Service: The staff-to-guest ratio is high, ensuring personalized service. Whether it's a special dietary requirement or a customized shore excursion, your needs are met with warmth and efficiency.

- All-Inclusive Experience: Viking's all-inclusive packages mean you can enjoy meals, excursions, Wi-Fi, and more without constantly watching your wallet.

- Luxurious Accommodations: Staterooms are designed with Scandinavian flair, offering comfort and luxury. Many rooms feature balconies, perfect for sipping morning coffee as you watch the river's landscape unfurl.

- Enriching Excursions: Local guides bring the regions to life with stories, history, and insights, ensuring your shore visits are informative and memorable.

Tips for First-Time Viking River Cruisers

Embarking on your first Viking river cruise can be an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey:

1. Pack Light: Space in river cruise staterooms can be limited, so consider bringing versatile clothing that can be layered. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing.

2. Be Prepared for Varied Weather: The Rhine's weather can be unpredictable. Packing a light raincoat and layers to adjust to changes in temperature will keep you comfortable.

3. Participate in Onboard Activities: Viking offers many onboard activities, from wine tastings to informative lectures. These are great opportunities to enrich your journey and meet fellow travelers.

4. Plan Your Excursions: Popular excursions can fill up quickly. Take advantage of Viking's pre-cruise booking options to secure your desired tour slots.

5. Embrace the Local Culture: Don't hesitate to interact with locals during your excursions. Engaging with the culture and people of each region can provide some of the most rewarding travel experiences.

Cruising down the Rhine River with Viking River Cruises is more than just a journey—it's an immersion into the heart of European culture, cuisine, and tradition. From relishing the exquisite regional wines and dishes to appreciating the unparalleled service Viking offers, each moment is curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. So, raise your glass, savor the flavors, and let the Rhine River stories unfold before your eyes.

---

For more personalized travel plans or to book your Viking River Cruise, contact Stephanie at stephanie@seadaytravel.com or call 904-494-8463. You can also visit our website at Viking.com/Seadaytravel for more details.

My Review: Virgin's Scarlet Lady

So many have asked my thoughts on this new cruise line & ship, so here it goes! My Scarlet Lady cruise was my first cruise back since January 2020, sailing November 3rd-November 7th, 2021, and were celebrating our 14 year wedding anniversary. We had to be vaccinated, and Virgin has decided to test people at the port/terminal. I must admit, it was nice not having to prearrange testing. We were able to go into the terminal before our boarding time, to start the process of checking in and testing. This entire process took us 35 minutes max. That includes waiting for the test results. When those results came back negative, it was very exciting! Time to board the ship! 😊

All of you who follow me on FB, or have known me awhile, know how much of a passion I have for the cruise industry. I was very excited to be back on a ship!

The crew were excited, with a DJ playing as we walked onboard, it was a party vibe for sure. This whole ship has a “hip and cool” vibe, can you tell I’m old? Haha. The ship itself has a lot of great features, felt very sleek, modern, but comfortable. The changing lights to match the vibe of the ship was amazing.

You MUST get a balcony with a hammock….oh how much time we spent swinging in that hammock! It may have been my favorite feature. Note: Not EVERY balcony onboard has a hammock!

We also really enjoyed The Social. This was a place with great snack food, late night sweets and treats that were delicious, and an 80s-90s arcade plus shuffleboard tables, foosball, air hockey, all FREE! Very cool. Super Mario Brothers & Space Invaders we’re are game

of choI’ve! Lol Another great spot was the dock is on deck 7, aft, with great views of sunsets and the wake. This seemed to be where people were most evenings when not at dinner. Scarlet Night took over the entire ship, and the theming all over was on point amazing. Their late-night parties were over the top in a good way, and very fun! Scarlet Night was my favorite night on board!

The entertainment is definitely different. They have regular shows in their theater and pop up shows around the ship. Some are bizarre, some are plain fun, but it creates this atmosphere of, anything goes here….I really like it!

The shows at night are not typical cruise shows. One was good cirque style, one was funny, but I don’t ever feel the need to do again, and the other we decided to skip on the last night, singing clown?! This was not a ship I would sail, looking for multiple amazing shows like on Royal Caribbean.

Let’s talk about food options. Overall, they have great quality, upscale dining. This is a foodie ship!

They seem to have really good options for those who have dietary restrictions as well, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten free etc. But, if you are a picky eater, you may have trouble finding a variety of food to eat on a longer cruise. This is me. Hi, nice to meet you! Haha

While I found a good amount of delicious food, I would have had more trouble if I was on a 7 night. But remember, this part is all subjective. If you enjoy trying new food, with some twists and variety, then this is perfect. If you are a foodie, this is for you. If you want to feel like you are at a high end specialty dining, every single night, and not pay extra, this is for you! We didn’t feel like we were on a cruise ship, we just felt like we were dining in an upscale restaurant. They were also great at making your meal to your liking, leaving certain ingredients out whenever they could for me. The 4 night cruise, is what I would suggest to more picky eaters, who still want to experience this fabulous cruise line!

The Galley replaces the buffet concept. While there was some really delicious food here, there is a lack of variety you would normally get from a buffet. This is the theme for the food options specifically for me. They have great pastries though! When you order your food, it comes out at random times, so you don’t have your full meal in front of you to eat. The brunch options are amazing, so don’t miss them!

Seating. There are tons of seating, and there are plenty of comfortable spots, if you are a bigger person. So many beds to lounge/lay on, that were actually comfortable as well. No hesitation with finding a place to relax. Our favorite was outside deck 7 bed, looking up at the ship and start at night.

The Beach Club at Bimini was absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, it was a rainy day for us, but we found a clam shell bed to get out of the rain, while watching the ocean. Better than working! 😊

The 4 night itinerary is perfect if you are wanting to get the Virgin experience.

Most of the time we relaxed in a lounge, or balcony. The casino was small, but nonsmoking, and we were able to play for hours. This ship is great for groups of friends, or even couple friends who want to hang out, drink, and have some fun late-night parties to go to!

Also, No Announcements, at all! Even disembarkation day, could be stressful if it’s your first cruise, but we heard no mention of us getting off the ship the next day. In fact, they make it so you can leave, when you are ready! No times to get off by (within reason), no standing in long lines because people are leaving at different times. Amazing debarkation process, so smooth and fast! It took the stress of thinking about getting off the ship tomorrow. We didn’t even pack up until the morning of! That was fantastic!

Something I really love, is the all-inclusiveness! The only thing not included is alcohol. The value is definitely there. I would’ve had to pay extra for WIFI, we always do at least 1 specialty dining, so saved money there and got the same quality, and sodas whenever we wanted at no extra cost. This was the smallest bill I have ever had at the end of a cruise! It really didn’t feel like a normal cruise, it felt like a boutique hotel, floating on the ocean, with magnificent views!

This ship really felt like a judgement free, be who you are vibe. They embrace different. Their crew doesn’t all look the same. They are allowed to be who they are. They are also allowed to use the ships facilities when not working, but they would wear name tags, so you could tell who they were. This all created a really nice atmosphere onboard. It’s hard to explain the atmosphere onboard, but I really liked it.

Now, A few things I didn’t love.

1. BATHROOM SIZE! How they sized their bathrooms the way they did is beyond me. You step into the bathroom, and that’s it. You don’t have any floor space to move around. This makes for getting into the shower a bit difficult if you’re a little bigger. Once in the shower, it was very roomy! They could have easily taken a bit more space from the cabin, for the bathroom. I have heard its similar to Carnival Mardi Gras.

2. The APP- If cruising Virgin anytime soon, you’ll need lots of patience with the APP. Half the time it doesn’t work, you have to re download, it’s slow etc. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling. Most nights we went to dinner without reservations because the APP was so annoying, and we were still seated just fine. But, our ship was less than half full, and we were only a party of 2. You must have patience! We definitely missed out on things because the daily activities weren’t loading in the APP. But, it just didn’t bother me, I was just happy to be on a cruise! I don’t need to be entertained all day to be on a cruise. I just need to be on the cruise!

3. The bed/couch- Our bed was very firm, and always a bed! You have to ask your stateroom attendant to change it into a couch. We don’t like to give people extra work, so we never had it turned into a couch. Luckily, there was still a comfortable chair, plus the balcony seating, and hammock!

4. This is being picky to my cruising style but, they stay in ports late night, so without the sea day at the end, we would have been sitting at port more than sailing. I love Sea Days, obviously, so I could’ve used more time at sea. I also love the casino, which was closed until late at night, as were the shops. That last sea day was great to have! This would be the good part of cruising longer than 4 nights!

5. Food: This is completely subjective. And while it’s not something I disliked overall, because I had a lot of really great upscale meals for dinner/brunch, I thought variety of food was a bit lacking for picky eaters specifically. A lot of their food sounds weird, but when you get it, it’s not as weird as it sounds. I feel like they should stop trying to be fancy, and name the dish what it is…..That would’ve helped me! But, Get the Gnocchi, filet mignon, & 24 hour pizza is fabulous!

Overall thoughts:

This ship is for people who want to relax, chill, love all food, and can go with the flow. If you are a foodie, this cruise is for you! Sailing with Virgin is a state of mind. What experience are you looking for? This is not a cookie cutter, mainstream cruise line. It has a niche, but a large one. If you are open to new ideas, experiences onboard, and don’t easily get offended, you will enjoy this cruise line. You must be looking for a cruise experience that’s different from traditional cruising. If you pay attention to Virgin’s marketing, you will understand the type of experience you can find onboard. If their ads don’t appeal to you, you won’t enjoy it. It’s unique, but well done overall. The average age is 48, not 21! This is not a gender/age specific cruise line, it’s a state of mind!

I know the right cruisers will enjoy this cruise line, and I hope my review above has helped given you insight to whether this cruise line could be for you. If you want to experience a new type of cruising, are a foodie, wanting adults only & an all-inclusive feel, value, then give it a try! Anytime you cruise with an open mind, you’ll enjoy yourself! 😊

Now, the ultimate question, would I cruise Scarlet Lady again? Yes!! I really like their overall product, and think they have something very special. These are great getaways from Miami, to escape and try something new!

Did I mention….adults only, no dress code, so much included, & no kids 😉

Contact me if you'd like to learn more, or book your first Virgin Voyages cruise!

Cruising restarts from the US!

What a great day for cruising! From the early press conference in Port Everglades, to Captain Kate's TikTok videos of the first guests on board, it was an exciting day! Cruising is really back!

Below you can check out the Sail Away!

Another exciting aspect was the YouTube creators onboard, going LIVE, sharing the sail away with those who cant quite sail yet, or will be sailing soon! I have heard July 3rd sailings are sold out (at limited capacity), but there is still summer space available, but it's limited. Curious about the EDGE? Check out this ship tour!

I think they key to cruising right now is to be flexible. Have patience, and lets just be grateful we have the opportunity to cruise again from the US. The cruise lines are in a transition time, where they are working on protocols, and at the same time trying to deliver our cruises, we have dearly missed. Many of my clients have already booked for 2022, and now with cruising restarting, they are looking towards fall/winter 2021. They are ready to be flexible, and take the chance on cruising again. We've all missed it!

Predictions say there will be a high demand for cruising, with a limited supply in the short term.

That being said, If you enjoyed watching the sail away, and are wondering how you can experience this Modern Luxury ship, feel free to reach out to me! Stephanie@seadaytravel.com or visit my website for more information, www.seadaytravel.com

I have been honored to start an exclusive Facebook Group for people who LOVE this EDGE Class of ship! The Edge has 2 sister ships, APEX, currently sailing out of Greece, and Beyond debuting fall 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/APEX.EDGE.BEYOND/

Check out the new Celebrity Beyond below: If you're interested in sailing Beyond in the future, I have exclusive rates for November, 27th, 2022, just after Thanksgiving. My prices, at this time of writing, is currently $400 less than booking direct, plus $50 On Board Credit. I also have a Special Offer if you deposit to save your cabin by July 1st. View the special offer here: www.seadaytravel.com/celebrity-beyond

Contact me at my website, or stephanie@seadaytravel.com for any questions!

#CelebrityBeyond #CelebrityApex #CelebrityEdge #SeaDayTravel #cruise #cruiseblog #blogger #blog #cruisingrestart #weareback #somedayishere