Charlotte got me hooked on Downton Abbey a few years ago.
Love it or hate it (I've been on both sides of this argument) one thing has always been the same. Viking River Cruises has been a sponsor of the series from the beginning.
You've seen the commercials. A ship serenely sails down some idyllic European waterway towards fun and adventure while its guests enjoy unparalleled luxury. You know, stuff the uppity Downton folks would like. Around here, we're more like Cowtown Abbey, but we decided to go anyway.
About 18 months ago we booked a Viking cruise with our friends David and Catherine. The itinerary took us from Paris down the Seine all the way to Normandy. We'd cruise. We'd dine. We'd party like it was 1899. You know, Downton style.
If you're interested in cruising with Viking, there are some things you can do to make the most of your vacation. So, I'm offering the following tips as a public service.
1. Be Brief
Viking runs a tight ship (and I mean that in a good way). Each evening, they have a briefing on what you can expect the next day. There might be schedule changes due to weather conditions, or just more info on the next port. They make attendance sound like an option, but it really isn't - at least if you want to know what's going on. Here's the one-word tip: GO.
2. Designate a Runner
Each briefing wraps up with an invitation to dinner, which is held promptly at 7 p.m. All meals are held in the main dining room which can serve the entire ship population at the same time. If you want a table with a river view, choose someone to slip out just before the briefing wraps up. Unless you're traveling with a group of six or more, you're going to be dining with people you've never met. So get a good table and enjoy the conversation. Here's the two-word tip: GO FAST.
3. Dinner's at 7
You may think you can casually enter the dining room, say 7:30ish or later, but it doesn't really work with Viking's schedule. The ship is hardwired for a leisurely two-hour dinner for all of its guests - appetizers all come out at the same time...as do main courses...desserts...you get the picture. Eat at 7 p.m. with the rest of your cruise companions or you'll be sitting at a less desirable table with people who had the same bad idea. Here's the three-word tip: EAT AT 7.
We chose the suites at the back of the ship for our cruise. It's the one the people wave from during the Downton Abbey commercial (did I mention that I'm a sucker for a slick ad?). Don't get me wrong - it's a very nice room, but (sorry to blow the ad illusion) it isn't worth it. Why? You're sleeping at the BACK OF THE SHIP near the ENGINES. Viking ships do a lot of traveling at night, so the noise level can keep you awake. The vibration can also make you feel like you dropped $5 in quarters into a Magic Fingers coin-op machine (which some people like). Here's the four-word tip: CHOOSE THE BASIC ROOM.
5. Avoid the Loud Guy from Halifax
There's one on every cruise - some guy who wants to be teacher's pet. The guy who asks all the stupid and unnecessary questions of the tour guide. He's the guy in your math class who reminded the teacher to give out the homework assignment on Friday. THAT GUY. Our guy was from Halifax. No offense to our Canadian friends (we're still friends, right?). But, you gotta start screening these people before you let them board a cruise ship. Here's the five-word tip: AVOID THE GUY FROM HALIFAX.
If you'd like great service. Great food. While seeing some amazing destinations, do yourself a solid Downton Abbey and book a Viking River Cruise. You're gonna thank me for it (just steer clear of the guy from Halifax).
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