Guest writer Monte Mathews shares his report from France, where he cruised the Seine courtesy of Viking River Cruises.
The 168 passengers aboard Viking Radgrid assembled in the lounge to hear the daily Port Talk. Today’s port, Rouen, was the starting off point for one of the highlights of this Viking River Cruise.
When the ship’s Cruise Director, Mia Andrews Drihem, asked for a show of hands of those of us who had fathers who served in World War II, at least 70 percent of our hands shot up. Today we were to visit the beaches of Normandy.
In 1944 Normandy’s beaches were the scene of the epic battle fought on June 6. Americans, Canadians and Brits stormed those beaches that day. Fully 4,414 Allied troops did not survive to see another day, including 2,499 Americans.
For many of us, this wasn’t simply another Viking adventure; it was a pilgrimage to honor our parents’ service and their sacrifices. And if art and architecture, gardens and history, French food and wines were also included, so much for the better. To say nothing of our visit to Paris.
Viking’s Longships
The captivating “Longships” showcased on PBS’ Masterpiece Theater garnered the attention of countless travelers. Once aboard these luminous vessels, a plethora of sights – from Rhine castles to Danube’s vineyards and bustling capitals – Viking opened up “the Heart of Europe”. And thousands of voyages later, passengers have elevated Viking to the premier spot as the world’s largest river cruise company.
Viking’s Homage To Scandinavia
The Longship we boarded for our “Paris and the Heart of Normandy” cruise, was one of four ships that ply the Seine. Viking Radgrid, like all Viking River Longships, bears the name of a legendary Norse figure. Radgrid, a handmaiden of Odin, the father of the Gods, was renowned for her beauty and decisive role in battle. This name, translating to “truce of counsel,” underscores her influence in determining the fate of mortals. In this case, the fate of passengers on this itinerary was to enjoy every minute aboard this splendid Longship.
Step Aboard & See For Yourself
The abundance of natural light immediately captivates. Scandinavian-inspired design with light wood finishes and neutral tones characterizes these vessels. The ship’s public spaces provide ideal settings for gatherings. The Lounge and Dining Room, adorned with comfortable furnishings and expansive windows, offer perfect spots for meals, drinks, and socializing. Viking’s signature Aquavit Terrace, though weather-dependent in late March, provides an enchanting outdoor dining experience when conditions permit.
The top deck not only offers panoramic views but also doubles as a recreational hub with a putting green and walking track. Staterooms range from standard rooms with nearly water-level windows to expansive Explorer Suites, Viking boasts as the largest suites among river cruise lines. Every stateroom has great amenities, from hotel-quality beds to heated bathroom floors. Complimentary WiFi, notably reliable along the Seine, ensures connectivity throughout the journey.
How Was The Dining?
Culinary delights abound onboard with meals crafted to perfection. Quality takes precedence over quantity with a menu designed to appeal to American tastes while showcasing French cuisine daily. From buffet-style breakfasts and lunches accented with French flavors, every meal is a treat. A dinner dedicated to the cuisine of Normandy itself stands out. It featured local specialties paired with regional wines and capped off with indulgent desserts and Normandy’s renowned Apple Brandy, Calvados
What You’ll See Along The Way
One of the great draws of this itinerary is of course Paris itself. No matter how many times we visit, Paris never disappoints. In the throes of preparation for this summer’s Olympics, the city is a bit torn up. But out of the way of the construction zones, it’s still Paris.
Viking Radgrid is your ship as a hotel for a day at the beginning of the trip and a day at the end. Viking’s offers “Panoramic Paris” to all passengers. Like virtually all Viking excursions, these use luxury buses to ferry passengers on their tours. We hopped aboard “Panoramic Paris” and left the group halfway through for some personal exploration. Optional excursions take guests to The Palace of Versailles, to Montmartre and the one we chose, “Flavors of Paris”. A food tour, this was a wonderful way for foodies, like us, to enjoy a dive into French food, wine and culture. Limited to groups of 10, we immediately found ourselves in delightful company.
Heading upstream on the Seine, we visit both iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Rouen, painted some 30 times by Claude Monet and quaint towns like La Roche-Guyon presided over by a 12th century fortress. Every stop gives us insights into French culture and history.
Every day’s “Viking Daily” is filled with information that Viking’s loyal “thinking-person’s” cruisers relish. Please don’t think that this itinerary isn’t filled with fun as well. Nightly entertainment brings French talent aboard to sing, play music and dance. The Cruise Program Director is sensational. Mia Andrews Drihem is adept at introductions and fast friendships form. She even adds humor to the dreaded Disembarkation talk by showing off the ship’s Lost and Found items … someone missing a cane?
As the voyage draws to a close, we find ourselves just outside Paris. With a visit to Chateau Malmaison, once home to Empress Josephine Bonaparte and her Emperor, Napoleon, we take one last look at France’s rich heritage. Our journey ends with a night cruise along the Seine, offering a final, enchanting view of Paris illuminated under the night sky.
