My passion for cruising has always been strong; however, the notion of embarking on a lengthy ocean voyage—lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 days—had never truly occurred to me. That was until a group of friends returned from an awe-inspiring journey through the South Pacific, where they couldn’t stop raving about their extraordinary experiences at sea.
Suddenly, the allure of visiting several European countries in one seamless trip—free from the inconveniences of dragging luggage or navigating the complexities of planes, trains, and automobiles—captivated my imagination. All that remained was to choose an enticing itinerary and decide how long our cruise adventure should last.
After considerable deliberation amidst an array of tempting choices, we settled on a remarkable 14-night sailing in mid-to-late September. Our hopes for pleasantly warm days by the pool were realized, enhancing our onboard relaxation. We opted for Viking’s “Trade Routes of the Middle Ages” itinerary, which ingeniously traces the historic medieval trade paths, offering a diverse palette of experiences that ranged from the enchanting Norse territories to the sun-kissed shores of southern Spain.
Our journey was perfectly framed by delightful overnight stays in two remarkably different cities—Bergen and Barcelona—while the route led us to some of Europe’s most breathtaking destinations, including picturesque Amsterdam and charming Bruges in Belgium. Although traversing Europe by cruise might lack the immersive depth of a traditional land tour, it compensates magnificently with the luxury of a grand floating hotel, complete with exquisite dining options and a plethora of onboard amenities and entertainment. We relished the convenience of unpacking just once and watching our travel days unfold like a gourmet tasting menu, sampling the magic of each destination along the way. Each stop allowed us to savor just enough of the local culture to gauge whether we would be inclined to visit again in the future—Bruges, we’re definitely coming back for you!
Between its breathtaking beauty and countless chocolate shops, Bruges, Belgium is a traveler’s delight. Photo by Nicole Pensiero
Traveling alongside a college friend from New Jersey, who now resides in Atlanta, we shared a delightful surprise—we unexpectedly crossed paths with yet another college mate aboard the ship, a serendipitous reunion that added an enchanting layer of joy to our journey.
Any lingering doubts I may have harbored about spending more than the customary week on a cruise vanished instantaneously as we stepped onto our magnificent vessel, the Viking Venus. From that moment on, the experience transformed into a seamless escapade as we journeyed through stunning landscapes in Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, diverse English cities, Portugal, and multiple enchanting Spanish ports.
The Viking Venus, like all of Viking’s modern ocean liners, accommodates 930 passengers, categorized as a “small” ocean liner; nevertheless, it felt incredibly spacious. Even as the ship neared full capacity, we relished each area without feeling cramped. My travel companion fondly claimed exclusive ownership of the sports deck, a serene haven where she could often be found immersed in a captivating book during lazy late afternoons.
The Viking Venus approaches the historical English maritime city of Portsmouth, home to a famed battleship of Henry VIII’s. Photo courtesy Viking
The ship’s design exuded modern Scandinavian elegance, featuring light wood, soothing neutral tones, and chic aesthetics throughout. Onboard, guests can marvel at a fascinating exhibit dedicated to Viking culture and artifacts. During our sea days, we luxuriated by one of the two pools, including a breathtaking infinity pool, reveled in the jacuzzi, or enjoyed refreshments in the stunning two-level Explorers’ Lounge, the ship’s centerpiece. An abundance of books, thoughtfully placed throughout the vessel, allowed passengers to borrow from this informal “library” during its sailing. The exemplary customer service—from reception staff to waiters—made us feel truly pampered every day, with occasional charming instances like being greeted as “My lady” while being seated for dinner.
We frequently attended the spacious Star Theatre for enriching port talks, captivating nature-focused lectures, and evening entertainment. Our Cruise Director, the delightful Andre Gaffney, had the audience on their feet and thoroughly engaged during his phenomenal solo performance on our final days aboard.
Sailing across the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean over a two-week span provided ample opportunity to indulge in all seven dining options available onboard, including two specially themed restaurants. The World Café, serving an enticing buffet, became our favorite breakfast spot, where we delighted in freshly made omelets and scrumptious sticky buns. The ship’s main dining area, simply referred to as The Restaurant, often featured regional culinary highlights. Our two specialty restaurants, the Italian-inspired Manfredi’s and the exclusive Chef’s Table, operated on a reservation-only basis.
Moreover, round-the-clock room service was a delightful inclusion, especially on mornings we ventured out for early shore excursions. Afternoon tea became a charming daily ritual, enhanced by unique dining experiences such as a lively barbecue with captivating live music and a stellar Surf ‘n Turf dinner on the Aquavit Terrace just as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Our cabin, like every Viking cruise ship cabin, presented spectacular water views and boasted a private veranda; there are no inside cabins on the ship. Throughout our adventure, I noted that Viking’s distinct approach fosters a dedicated clientele, evidenced by the numerous unique attributes that set it apart. This cruise line is focused on cultural enrichment—an ethos emphasized on their website—including an absence of passengers under the age of 18, a prohibition on casino gambling, no sales of photography or art shows, and complimentary wine or beer offered with both lunch and dinner. Additionally, the luxurious spa facilities highlight amenities like a sprawling jacuzzi, a therapeutic steam room, a sauna, and even a snow grotto, reflecting the company’s Norwegian heritage, all available without an extra charge. Practical launderette services added convenience during our extended trip, and Viking sweetened the deal by offering included optional excursions at every port.
This memorable, once-in-a-lifetime journey exceeded every expectation, and our adventures are marked by distinct highlights.
We started our trip with a panoramic view of Bergen, Norway, at the top of Mount Floyen, reachable by the affordable funicular. Photo by Nicole Pensiero
- Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, is adored for its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and Bryggen, the city’s oldest section which showcases a beautifully preserved merchant quarter from centuries past. Our highly recommended optional excursion in Bergen allowed us to admire the picturesque landscape from above via the iconic Funicular Railway.
- Our free day in Bruges, Belgium unfolded before us like a page from a medieval fairytale, often dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its enchanting canals. A true haven for chocolate lovers, this delightful city boasts chocolate shops on nearly every corner, many producing fresh delights daily. The historic city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, framed by colorful buildings serving as perfect photo backdrops.
- We were also captivated by the waterfront charm of Honfleur in Normandy, France. This exquisite harbor town is renowned for its picturesque Vieux Bassin, where narrow, timber-framed houses grace the waterside. Despite the planned excursion to Paris, about 2.5 hours away, the allure of Honfleur’s beauty drew us in, leaving us utterly enchanted.
- Portsmouth pulsates with maritime heritage, offering attractions ranging from tours of the iconic battleship Mary Rose to sweeping views of the Isle of Wight, which was immortalized in the famous Beatles song, “When I’m Sixty-Four.” A visit to the 560-foot tall Spinnaker Tower, which opened in 2005, provides visitors with stunning perspectives of the scenery.
- Our adventure into the Iberian Peninsula commenced in the renowned city of Porto, Portugal. Porto, even in rainy weather, captivates with its beauty—from the sweeping views of the Douro River from the majestic Cathedral to the dazzling tilework at the bustling São Bento railway station. A must-try is the local favorite, Pastel de nata, a warm, flaky custard tart that perfectly complements the delightful atmosphere.
- During our exploration of Granada, Spain, a visit to the magnificent Alhambra palace and fortress became essential. Renowned as one of the best-preserved palaces from the historic Islamic world, we marveled at the intricate 13th-century carvings, stunning gardens, and tranquil water features. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands alongside the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as one of Spain’s premier attractions.
- The allure of Cartagena in southern Spain draws visitors with its impressive Roman Theatre, constructed between 5 and 1 BC. This magnificent amphitheater was rediscovered during excavation work in 1988 and opened to the public in 2008, giving a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman culture.
- Ending our journey, we returned to the vibrant northern city of Barcelona. We strolled through the stunning Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, architect Antoni Gaudi’s evolving masterpiece initiated in 1882, explored the historic Gothic Quarter, and sweetened our farewell with churros y chocolate—essentially a delightful funnel cake served with warm chocolate dipping sauce—before reboarding our ship.
By the conclusion of our journey, we came to the realization that it may prove challenging to return to a brief weeklong cruise following such a lavish escape. The extended duration of our voyage allowed us ample opportunity to explore and soak in the world around us. We would eagerly undertake another similar voyage without hesitation!
Nicole Pensiero is a proud resident of New Jersey and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
De the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop to its architectural splendor, making our trip unforgettable.
The combination of Viking Ocean Cruises’ exceptional service, stunning itineraries, and cultural offerings ensured that every moment aboard Viking Venus was extraordinary. Whether lounging by the pool, savoring gourmet meals, or exploring historic cities, the experience was rich in both relaxation and discovery. Our journey reminded us of the beauty of travel and the importance of immersing ourselves in diverse cultures, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the world we inhabit.
