Recipe: Tomato-Feta-Basil Macarons
Surprise your friends with this savory macaron, a twist on the traditionally sweet cookie with its mild crust and tangy center of feta, fresh tomatoes and basil. When you assemble them, be sure to spread the filling gently or even use a piping bag to prevent damaging the delicate meringue cookies. We think this is a great summer time appetizer shared by our friends at Viking Cruises!
Ingredients
COOKIE:
¾ C (64 g) almond meal
¾ C (98 g) confectioners’ sugar
2 lg egg whites
¾ C (177 ml) water
¾ C (144 g) sugar
FILLING:
2 T (30 g) feta cheese
2 T (30 g) cream cheese
2 T (5 g) basil, finely chopped
Few drops lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 med ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely diced
Individual basil leaves (one per macaron)
Directions
Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a damp kitchen towel on counter. Place almond meal and confectioners’ sugar in medium bowl; stir to combine. Place 1 of the egg whites in another medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until firm shiny peaks form. Spoon into almond mixture, folding in gently to combine. Place remaining egg white in a medium bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Place water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium low heat, stirring frequently until sugar has dissolved. Continue to boil until mixture reaches a temperature of 245°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer. Very gradually pour sugar syrup into egg white, constantly beating with an electric mixer until shiny peaks form. Add almond mixture and gently fold in.
Spoon mixture into a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip and form 24 small disks about 2 inches across, leaving an inch of space in between. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and, leaving macarons on parchment paper, move paper to damp kitchen towel. Let cool to room temperature.
To make filling, place feta, cream cheese, basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl, mashing with a fork to combine. Stir in tomatoes. To assemble, spread mixture thinly between 2 macarons.
Prep time: 38 minutes.Cook time: 12 minutes.Makes 12 servings.
Recipe: Traditional English Summer Pudding
A seasonal dessert made with sliced bread and summer fruit, this English classic dates back to Victorian times. Summer pudding highlights the fresh flavors of plump, juicy berries, while crisp, delicate phyllo, crunchy pistachios and heavenly whipped cream complete this British favorite. Shared by our partners at Viking Cruises.
Ingredients
SUMMER PUDDING:
¼ loaf brioche, crust removed
⅓ C (75 ml) water
½ tsp (1½ g) pectin
2½ T (30 g) sugar
½ C (60 g) strawberries, diced
½ C (60 g) raspberries
½ C (60 g) blueberries
½ C (60 g) blackberries
½ C (80 g) figs, diced
1 sheet gelatin
PHYLLO CRISP:
¼ sheet phyllo dough
1 T (15 g) unsalted butter, melted
BERRY COMPOTE:
1 T (20 g) strawberry jam
2 strawberries, diced
2 T (25 g) blueberries
GARNISH:
½ C (50 g) whipped cream
1 fig, cut in 5 wedges
2 T (30 ml) raspberry sauce
2 T (15 g) dried cranberries
1 T (10 g) pistachios, coarsely chopped
2 T (15 g) confectioners’ sugar
5 sprigs fresh mint
Directions
Summer Pudding: Slice brioche and cut with a 3-inch circle cutter; place inside 3-inch ramekins. Combine water, pectin and sugar, add strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and figs; heat gently just until juice releases from berries. Remove from heat, strain over bowl. Dissolve gelatin in liquid, combine berry and gelatin mixture, spoon into ramekins and chill 1 hour. Reserve leftover berry mixture for compote.
Phyllo Crisp: Preheat oven to 350°F (170°C). Brush phyllo with butter, bake 12-15 minutes. Break into pieces.
Berry Compote: Combine reserved berry mixture, strawberry jam, strawberries and blueberries.
Serving Suggestion
Remove pudding from ramekins, place on plates. Add whipped cream rosettes, fig wedges, raspberry sauce, cranberries, pistachios and compote. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; garnish with mint.
Prep time: 15 minutes.Chill time: 1 hour.Cook time: 18 minutes.Makes 5 servings.
Exploring the rivers of Europe with Viking
Are you charmed by the idea of exploring Europe but do not want a traditional coach tour? You want to be right in the heart of the towns and villages but still want the comfort of having a guide? Then a river cruise sounds just about perfect for you! Immerse yourself in the Old World as you sail Europe’s most iconic rivers. Discover Danube gems like Vienna and Budapest. See storied Rhine castles. Trace French history along the Seine. From the Main to the Moselle, the Douro to the Dordogne, the Viking experience is unsurpassed.
Why Cruise the Rivers of Europe with Viking?
Viking takes you to the heart of Europe via its grand waterways, providing you with boundless insight into the continent’s cultural and historic treasures. Immerse yourself in the storybook villages, vibrant cultural centers and picturesque landscapes of The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Switzerland, and unlock a whole new world of discovery. Here is a sample of what you will see on one of their European river cruises:
- Culinary delights in Lyon, France
- Medieval Prague, “City of a Thousand Spires”
- The elegant boulevards and grand monuments of Paris
- Historic Wittenberg, home to Martin Luther
- Fairytale windmills of The Netherlands
- Wine tastings in the quintas of Portugal’s Douro Valley
- Budapest’s regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
- Vienna’s inspirational legacy of classical music
- France’s famed wineries in Beaujolais, Bordeaux and beyond
The Viking Difference
Award-Winning Viking Longships – Viking’s Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design with understated elegance, and provide you with unprecedented levels of comfort designed to connect you to your destination.
Unparallelled Staterooms & Suites – with their exclusive patented corridor configuration, Viking is able to offer a variety of stateroom choices that include spacious Veranda and French Balcony staterooms. As well as Veranda and Explorer Suites.
Destination Focused Dining – Menus include regional cuisine and always available classics enhanced with locally sourced ingredients, so you can explore new cultures through food.
Award-Winning Service – Viking has over 7,000 staff members worldwide devoted to making your stay on board as memorable as possible. And with 90% of their staff returning year after year, you can expect the same quality service, cruise after cruise.
Onboard Enrichment Programs – While sailing you’ll want to take advantage of Cultural enrichment programs to supplement your onshore experience such as Guest Lectures & Port Talks, Destination Performances, Craft and Cooking Demonstrations and Destination Insight films available right in your stateroom.
Onshore Experiences – You’ll enjoy an included guided excursion in every port, plus The Viking Way® of exploration.
THE RIVERS OF EUROPE
Danube River Cruises
Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries.
Rhine River Cruises
Raise a glass of Riesling to our acclaimed Rhine River cruises through Switzerland, Germany and The Netherlands. See how the Rhine, Main and Moselle river systems unfold to create a spellbinding display of storybook villages, Dutch windmills, German vineyards and Gothic cities.
Elbe River Cruises
Sail the Elbe to reaches seldom seen in Germany and the Czech Republic. Insights greet you at every bend as you explore majestic Berlin and Prague, delve into Wittenberg’s religious history and contrast the delicacy of Meissen porcelain with the rocky brawn of Saxon Switzerland.
Main River Cruises
Winding between Mainz and Bamberg, the Main passes through 34 locks—16 more connect it to the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal. While this engineering feat enables river travel across the entire length of Europe, it also unlocks a trove of unspoiled landscapes and historic towns.
Seine River Cruises
The Seine meanders on a serpentine path through the Norman countryside, an historic region of great pastoral beauty. Drift along dreamy apple orchards and medieval ruins. Explore elegant Paris. See Monet’s Giverny home. And honor World War II heroes on Normandy beaches.
Moselle River Cruises
The romantic Moselle winds through an enchanting landscape of castles, picture-book villages and terraced slate hillsides that form one of the world’s richest wine regions. With a settled history that predates the Romans, it is yours to discover on one of our Moselle river cruises.
Saône River Cruises
Cruise the Saône with Viking, as gentle countryside and historic cities unfold before you. Savor Lyon, France’s traditional gastronomic capital. Taste ruby-red wines in the lush vineyards of Beaujolais and Burgundy. Join us to experience this rewarding corner of France, up close.
Rhône River Cruises
Enjoy the diverse pleasures of life along the Rhône with Viking. Savor Lyon, France’s gastronomic heart; the Beaujolais wine region; quaint Provençal villages; and historic Avignon and Arles. For those who love fine food, beauty and riveting history, Rhône cruises are pure bliss.
Douro River Cruises
Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine.
And although not traditionally “Europe” river cruises through Russia and the Ukraine are not to be missed!
Russia River Cruises
The Viking fleet is the finest operating along Russia’s rivers today, delivering eye-opening experiences in historic Moscow and canal-laced St. Petersburg. Beyond, see the domed churches of Uglich and Yaroslavl, and witness the seldom seen rural tranquility of this enigmatic country.
Ukraine River Cruises
Uncover Europe’s best-kept secret as you sail Ukraine’s Dnieper River through a maze of whisper-thin tributaries and village-studded bays. Colorful folk traditions, hearty cuisine and rich culture lead the way from the Golden Gates of Kiev to the Odessa Steps of the Black Sea.
Destination focused. Culturally enriching. Carefully curated. Isn’t it time you discover what makes Viking the world’s leading small ship cruise line? Check out Vikings current offers here
Recipe: Viennese Beef Goulash
This Austrian beef stew with paprika and caraway seeds is a standard in Salzburg pubs and Viennese coffeehouses. Viennese Beef Goulash can be served over noodles or potatoes, it is hearty, warm and filling. While the ratio of onion and garlic to meat may surprise you, these cook down to form a savory sauce, and we are certain this dish will become one of your favorites.
Ingredients
½ C (118 ml) vegetable oil, divided
4 med onions, finely chopped
1 head garlic, cloves separated and minced
2 lbs (896 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1¼-in (32-mm) pieces
½ C (65 g) cornichons, minced
Peel from ½ lemon, minced
1 tsp (2 g) caraway seeds
4 T (28 g) paprika
2 T (32 g) tomato paste
2 T (30 ml) red wine vinegar
2½ C (591 ml) low sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Heat ¼ C (59 ml) of oil in a medium pot and sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until golden brown, stirring to ensure garlic does not burn. Place remaining oil in a large skillet and sauté meat in batches until well browned. Transfer meat to pot with onion and garlic. Add all remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours or until meat is tender. If needed, add a bit more beef stock. Before serving, discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, or over wide egg noodles, dumplings or potatoes.
Prep time: 22 minutes. Cook time: 3½ hours.Makes 6 servings.
Recipe shared by Viking Cruises
Guide to Cruise Line On board Gratuities
Figuring out how much to tip and who to tip while on a cruise can be confusing, even if you are a seasoned cruiser. Some lines automatically charge gratuities to your onboard account, others include them in your cruise fare, or have a special promotion where you get FREE gratuities. It seems that every cruise line has a different amount they charge and where those gratuities go.
Here is a break down of cruise line on board gratuity charges with some of the top cruise lines
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises includes gratuities in its fares.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line charges $13.99 per person per day for guests in standard rooms; and $15.99 per person per day for guests in suites.
All of the gratuities collected go to Carnival’s shipboard staff. According to its website, the amount is spread between its housekeeping team, dining team, and alternate staff.
Carnival recently announced that it would start charging 18 percent, up from 15 percent, on the automatic gratuity it charges for onboard beverages and a la carte dining outlets.
Celebrity Cruise Line
Celebrity charges $14.50 per person per day for those in standard accommodations; $15.00 per person per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass guests; and $18.00 per person per day for those in suites.
On its website, Celebrity says that collected gratuities are shared between stateroom attendants, dining services staff, and housekeeping staff.
The cruise line also adds an 18 percent gratuity to all beverages, spa, salon, and minibar purchases.
Cunard Line
Cunard automatically charges $11.50 per person, per day, to passenger shipboard accounts in Britannia accommodations. For passengers in Grill Class accommodations the charge is $13.50.
An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills. A 15 percent charge also applies to spa treatments and services.
Crystal Cruises
All of Crystal Cruises’ sailings are all-inclusive, so gratuities for its staff — housekeeping, restaurant, bar, and Penthouse butler staff — are already included in the cruise fare.
Holland America Line
Holland America increased the cost of its automatic gratuities in October, announcing that it would start charging $14.50 per day per person for all guests staying in standard rooms; and $16.00 per person per day for suite guests, starting in 2019.
Holland America states that 100 percent of gratuities go toward compensating onboard crew members.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is increasing its gratuities starting on April 1, 2019. For all sailings after that date (excluding guests booked before on sailings before April 1), Norwegian guests sailing in any stateroom category up to a mini-suite on most ships will be charged $15 per person per day. Those sailing in any suite, Concierge, or The Haven stateroom will be charged $18 per person per day.
Standard guests on Norwegian Sky and Sun, two ships that sail with an all-inclusive price, will be charged $20.50 per person per day. Suite guests will be charged $23.50 per person per day.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania automatically adds $16.00 per person per day for standard guests; and $23.00 per person per day for suite guests.
Oceania also adds an 18 percent charge to all beverage purchases, spa services, and specialty dinners.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
All onboard gratuities are included in Paul Gauguin’s all-inclusive fare.
Princess Cruises
A discretionary gratuity of $15.50 per guest for suites, $14.50 per guest for mini-suites and club class, and $13.50 per guest for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet.
A 18% gratuity is added to bar charges, dining room wine accounts, and Lotus Spa® services. This is shared amongst the beverage staff, their support staff and Lotus Spa® personnel.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all of Regent’s sailings. The line also offers another option for guests who want to go above-and-beyond for their crew: donations to the Crew Welfare Fund, which is used for crew events, are welcomed at the Purser Office onboard.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean’s automatic gratuity is $14.50 per person per day for standard guests; and $17.50 per person per day for suite guests.
Gratuities are shared among dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience.
Seabourn
According to Seabourn’s website, “Gratuities are neither required nor expected on Seabourn ships.”
Silversea
All gratuities onboard, including all service gratuities except spa, are included in Silversea’s all-inclusive fare.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
When it officially launches in 2020, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer a fare that includes onboard gratuities for all restaurant, bar and housekeeping services, along with multiple dining venues, 24-hour in-suite dining, beverages such as beer, select spirits and wines, soft drinks, coffee, tea and bottled water in-suite and throughout the yacht, onboard entertainment and enrichment, use of the marina-style platform with access to watersports, and Wi-Fi.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking adds a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per person per day to shipboard accounts. Those charges are shared among the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff, and others.
That fee does not include Viking’s 15 percent gratuity for bar and deck service.
Virgin Voyages
As part of the lead up to the 2020 launch of its first ship, Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages revealed that all of its onboard gratuities will be included in the cruise fare.
Windstar
Windstar raised its daily gratuities in January of this year — now, the luxury line charges $13.50 per person per day for gratuities for all guests.
Windstar also adds a 15 percent service charge for bar service.
While it’s important to recognize that gratuities are a primary way of rewarding on board crews that make the experience of sailing special, most cruise lines allow guests to adjust (either increase or decrease) the amount paid in gratuities by going to guest services during the cruise. So you can feel confident that you are paying what you feel is fair.
Gratuity and service fee amounts valid at time of publishing
Recipe: Chicken Trinidad with Orange Rum Sauce
The fresh, tropical flavors of Caribbean regional cuisine are a lively delight, and this delicious recipe is no exception. A splash of rum is often found in traditional Caribbean recipes, and this sweet, creamy orange rum sauce is the perfect complement to the lightly spiced, coconut-dipped rounds of chicken breast mixed with almonds and apple.
Ingredients
CHICKEN:
4 6-oz (170-g) chicken breasts, boneless
2 T (30 ml) Angostura bitters
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lg apple, peeled and finely diced
¾ C (129 g) almonds, chopped
Canola or vegetable oil for frying
1 C (125 g) flour
3 lg eggs, beaten
1 C (75 g) grated unsweetened coconut
SAUCE:
2 C (473 ml) orange juice
2 oz (57 ml) rum
⅔ C (173 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 T (59 ml) heavy cream
GARNISH:
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Chopped parsley, to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a mallet until very flat; remove plastic wrap. Using a pastry brush, brush breasts with bitters and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread apple and almonds over the breasts and roll up, securing ends with toothpicks.
Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat until oil reaches 350°F (177°C).
Meanwhile, place flour on a plate, eggs in a shallow bowl and coconut on a plate. Dip each breast in flour, shaking to remove excess. Dip in egg, then roll in coconut. Using tongs, lower chicken into oil and fry, 2 pieces at a time, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in the oven to finishing cooking, about 17 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
To make the sauce, place orange juice in a deep saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, adjusting so that orange juice doesn’t boil over. Let cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add rum and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter a little at a time. Stir in heavy cream.
To serve, pour a little sauce on plates. Slice the breasts diagonally and place on top of sauce. Garnish with red pepper flakes or parsley and serve immediately.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Makes 4 large or 8 small servings.
Nutritional info (amount per small serving):
621 calories
33 g carbs
128 mg cholesterol
45 g fat
19 g protein
409 mg sodium
Recipe compliments of Viking Cruises
Recipe: Glühwein
Around Christmastime, local holiday markets in the main squares and public houses in nearly every European town offer glühwein (hot mulled wine) as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. To warm up on a stormy evening or put yourself in a celebratory mood, make your own at home. It is an easy, delightful way to share the holiday with friends.
Ingredients
3 (750 ml) bottles dry red wine (zinfandel, pinot or Burgundy)
1 C (192 g) sugar
12 whole cloves
2 pinches allspice
2 pinches mace
1 pt (473 ml) brandy
1 qt (946 ml) dry white wine
1 med orange, cut into wedges
1 med lemon, cut into wedges
Garnish
2 med oranges, sliced
12 cinnamon sticks
Directions
Pour red wine into a 3-gal pot (or larger) and heat gently; add sugar and spices, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add remaining ingredients and steep for 1 hour over low heat. To serve, remove fruit wedges and strain out cloves, garnishing with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
Prep time: 2 minutes. Cook time: 1 hour. Makes 12 servings.
Recipe: Krumkaker – A Christmas Favourite
This is the Hagen family’s traditional recipe for krumkaker—these crispy and light wafers are a Christmas favorite, typically made in a cylinder or a cone shape. For an extra rich treat, fill them with whipped cream. If you do not have a krumkaker iron, a pizzelle or other wafer iron can also be used.
Ingredients
4 lg eggs
¾ C + 1½ T (160 g) sugar
¾ C + 2 T (200 g) butter, melted and cooled
1½ C + 1½ T (200 g) flour
1 tsp (2 g) ground cardamom
Directions
Cream together eggs and sugar. Add butter, flour and cardamom; mix well. Let batter rest 1 hour; drop a large spoonful into the center of a krumkaker iron. Cook for 1 minute, then quickly roll wafer around a stick (about as thick as a finger) or wooden cone form to hold curled shape; remove from stick and set aside to cool.
Prep time: 1 hour & 10 minutes Cook time: 1 minutes Rest time: 1 hour Makes about 3 dozen
Recipe: Viennese Hot Chocolate
Elevate humble hot cocoa to a decadent indulgence. This recipe is a bit more work than just opening a packet of instant cocoa, but so worthwhile. Melt high-quality chocolate into the milk and top it with real whipped cream, creating “slow food” that will bring a touch of the elegant old world into your home.
Ingredients
3 C (710 ml) low fat milk, divided
7 oz (198 g) premium dark chocolate, grated
1 T (12 g) sugar r
1 C (237 ml) heavy cream, chilled
½ tsp (2½ ml) vanilla extract
1 T (8 g) confectioners’ sugar
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings
Directions
Place 1 C (237 ml) of the milk and chocolate in a small saucepan over medium low; reduce to low and simmer until chocolate has melted, about 4 minutes. Place granulated sugar and remaining milk in another saucepan over medium low, whisking until sugar dissolves. Pour chocolate mixture into milk, whisking to combine, and simmer on low. Combine cream and vanilla together in a large bowl; add confectioners’ sugar and beat until peaks form. Pour chocolate into cups and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and pinch of cocoa or chocolate shavings.
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe provided by Viking Cruises
Viking River Cruises – a better way to explore
Nothing compares to a river. How else but on a river can you journey into the very heart of the world’s greatest cities and most charming towns, discovering the true nature of the land and its people?
Where else but on a river could you be gently carried along on an elegant, intimate ship, docking right in the heart of town, strolling off to begin your exploration?
How else but on a river would you travel with such ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks?
Comfortable and convenient, river cruising offers a greater variety of destinations than you can find any other way. Spend less time getting there, and more time being there. Small wonder so many people have fallen in love with this relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel.
Viking River Cruises—every detail matters
Inspiring destinations, hand-selected itineraries, expert tour guides, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value—our success is defined by all these things. But there’s something else, too: personal attention to every detail. It’s the way your bartender has your drink ready for you at just the right time. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China, or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the best coffeehouse in Vienna.
By owning and operating our ships, no detail escapes our attention. It sets us apart from our competitors. Every aspect of your cruise, from expertly designed menus to carefully crafted enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.
At Viking, we never forget that looking after you well is how we became the world’s leading river cruise line. It’s why our guests return again and again. And why we consistently have been the most awarded river cruise line worldwide.
Enriching encounters every place, every day
Why did baroque chamber music develop? How do you say ‘thank you’ in Chinese? What were the Russian Czars’ accomplishments? We understand that you travel to explore, to experience, to understand—to gain more insight than can be obtained from simply passing through. And, when it comes to showing you the world, Viking has an unrivaled depth of knowledge and expertise.
DISCOVERING YOUR DESTINATION
Our carefully crafted itineraries and daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people. We have hand-selected guides, born and raised locally to provide an in-depth+ understanding no other cruise line can match. We also choose entertainers to bring you closer too: from Shanghai Acrobats to Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre musicians Viennese orchastras.
GREATER INSIGHT & UNDERSTANDING
We have a comprehensive series of included shore excursions during every cruise, complemented by an enriching onboard program. Our Culture CurriculumSM brings history and culture to life. Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Artists, performers and professors from eminent institutions all all provide you with deep insight into your destination. We even stock our ship’s library with books relevant to your cruise.
A SIDE SERVING OF CULTURE
Accompany your chef on a shopping trip to the local market. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. With Viking, food is not just for sustenance, it’s a joy to be shared. Make apple strudel or whip up a fondant au chocolat — our tastings, cooking classes and hands-on demonstrations are the perfect way to expand your mind and satisfy your taste buds.