The joys of a Viking River Cruise | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's note: Please join me in welcoming our newest contributor to BCN, Kathy Manos Penn, a native of the "Big Apple", by way of the "Peach City" - Atlanta. Kathy is a former English teacher, author of The Ink Penn blog, and a communications professional in corporate America.

    Our May river cruise was an amazing trip. Yes, the weather could have been a tad drier and warmer, but we didn't let the rain dampen our spirits. Though we'd heard Viking was the cream of the crop, we could never have imagined what that meant.

    From the moment we arrived at the dock in Nuremberg to board the Viking Egil, we were treated like royalty. We were whisked away to the Aquavit Lounge for a welcome cocktail, where we met a couple who took several cruises a year and assured us that Viking was the very best. They were oh-so-right.

    Our room was cozy yet comfortable. We'd chosen the French Balcony style with a sliding glass door but no balcony. Whenever I rested and read, I could open the curtains and the sliding door for a spectacular view. Had the weather been better, I would have been on the top deck beneath the awnings, but the room was an enjoyable alternative.

    Our dining experience was a delight not only because of the superb menu but also because of our server. Once we experienced his impeccable service and witty personality, we decided to sit in his section the entire trip. He was dubbed Frederick the Great when he picked up on my husband's fondness for pancakes. When my husband finished his eggs and bacon each morning, Frederick immediately brought him pancakes. He made a similar observation about desserts and began bringing a second dessert each evening when he saw my husband nod. There's a reason I nicknamed my husband the Pancake King and that he and the other male member of our traveling foursome were known as the Dessert Twins.

    Among the staff, our Program Director Anthony was the lone American. Everyone else hailed from other countries yet spoke very good English. They were all unfailingly polite and pleasant. Our steward Dragan always greeted us by name and when he realized we were regularly icing our achy joints, he ensured we always had a fresh supply of ice in our room.

    Everything ran like clockwork-the tours, the meals, the entertainment, the daily briefings. No matter whom you encountered among the crew, you received a prompt and courteous response, from details about the next port to a suggestion and directions for a walk. My husband bantered with the tall Hungarian who often manned the reception desk, nicknaming him KGB. He, like the entire crew, was always ready with a smile.

    So many little things combined to make the trip a remarkable experience. I was touched to see how well the crew accommodated guests with walkers and canes to enable them to participate in activities. As we disembarked to enjoy our tours, we were graciously offered bottled water and even umbrellas. When we returned, we were greeted with tiny hot chocolates, cool drinks or bite-size desserts. The icing on the cake was being ushered into our departure airport by a Viking employee who scanned our passports and ensured we were checked in without any hiccups.

    My husband says his only disappointment is that he didn't get to pillage and plunder and wear a Viking helmet. He's making do instead with a Viking fleece jacket.

    After this description of our floating palace, you may be wondering if we actually saw any sights on our Danube journey. Well, yes we did, but you'll have to wait to read about those in another installment of the river cruise saga.