September 1, 2005

Imagine 2 weeks of pristine countryside, castles in the air, many walks over a cobblestone path, 3 sumptuous meals a day and seeing 5 countries with 150 of your new friends. A crew of 36 is standing by waiting to cater to your needs. Sound impossible? Imagine again…'tis true!

Viking River Cruises offers the Grand European Cruise aboard the “Viking Spirit”. Beginning in Amsterdam, Netherlands and cruising almost 1300 miles to Budapest, Hungary, we were there to experience the trip. There are lots of cruises but this is like no other.

The ship has 75 rooms so there is an intimacy that can’t be found on an ocean liner. (We did that 2 years ago and my husband said, "Never Again - I hate being so lost in a crowd with nothing to do but gamble!") Meals are served in the dining room but with an open seating so each meal offers a perfect opportunity to meet new folks. It was wonderful to cruise past magnificent views or through one of 68 locks while enjoying a perfect meal reminiscent of the area we were visiting.

Each day offers a new port of call with a tour; some by tour bus, some on foot and always with an English speaking guide. There were three members of the crew devoted entirely to showing us the landscape, headed by cruise director, Jochen Kargl. During "waking hours" and during our journey we were provided with commentary of the many points of interest.

The crew truly was an important part of our pleasure and in the time aboard they became a part of our fun. Everyone was truly dedicated to their responsibility but always took time to say hello or ask how we were enjoying our day. Our crew even put on a show for us one night that was so much fun; everyone was involved from the hotel manager to all cabin stewards, the chef and every hand available. It was easy to see that the folks on the Viking Spirit love what they do.

Our Captain, Lothar Liedke was available to us while in port or during his relieved time to respond to the questions and curiosities. We were able to observe his concentration as he guided his vessel through locks, low bridges and narrow spans from the sundeck.

This is indeed an experience of the grandest proportions. Seeing Europe is something many dream of. There are always options to consider but this offers the best of all possibilities. We had such a great time that before we arrived at our final port, we were already talking of a Russian cruise next year on another from the Viking fleet.

If you’d like more information on the Grand European Cruise or others offered by the Viking Line, click here to request information.

Please stay tuned because a detailed travelogue of this adventure will soon be available!

Louise