Cruise

The Iconic Viking Experience

Article and photography by Michael Morcos.

Iconic would be the best word to describe this cruise and the destinations. After all, what could be more iconic in the Mediterranean than ports of call like Rome, Tuscany, Provence and Barcelona. These are just some of the destinations we would enjoy on this Viking’s ‘Iconic Mediterranean’ cruise.

Iconic would also be the word to describe the Viking experience itself. This being our seventh cruise with them, they know how to take care of their guests, making any and all journeys seamless, effortless, comforting and relaxing, while also taking all the guesswork out of the trip from the arrival airport, to the ship, to all the included excursions and every on board experience. Simply put, this is Viking perfection! Iconic Viking!

On all our Viking cruises around the world, whether on river ships, sea ships or expedition ships, Viking has never disappointed. Add to that everything promised was practiced and delivered. Kudos to Viking staff and management, they are doing all the right things to have such a faithful clientele that return time and again.
It has always been a pleasure sailing with Viking. The trips start long before the ships sail as the anticipation builds by studying the destinations and the planned excursions. Packing, leaving home, and navigating the chaotic airports is an experience in itself, but nothing could be better than seeing a Viking lollipop upon arrival, knowing right then and there that everything will be taken care of for the entire trip.

In this part two of a two-part article we will highlight the features of the Neptune as well as the magnificent Mediterranean ports of call.

The journey begins

Our cruise would start in Rome and end in Barcelona. To truly experience the eternal city, it is best to arrive a couple of days early and enjoy the magnificence of Rome while also relaxing and shaking off the nasty jetlag. Viking has pre and post cruise options that include hotel stays and guided excursions and are well worth it.

Having visited Rome several times, and less than four months ago, we opted to go directly to the ship. Located one hour away from the airport in the harbor city of Fiumicino, we find the handsome and newly built Neptune awaiting us with open arms and a red carpet.

Boarding was quick and easy, checked in and given a key within moments. We would then be welcomed with refreshments and led to the ship’s elevators. Arriving at our staterooms, we would find our luggage already there. That is service!

So new was the Neptune that it even had a new car smell. Being the sister ship of other similar class ships, it would be the eighth of nine planned Viking sea ships. Only the Saturn remains to be launched and it should be another beauty. Since we had already sailed on this ship class before, we would know where all the beautiful public spaces were and could easily find our way around. With so much thought going into public spaces, it is difficult to pick a favorite spot, but the Nordic Spa and the Explores’ Lounge are certainly on top of the list.

Two wonderful Tuscan days

After our first night of cruising, we would arrive early in the city of Livorno. This harbor would be our base to explore the wonderful Tuscan countryside and its beautiful historic cities. The cruise included two excursions, with a wide host of optional excursions available for an additional fee. Our selections would include Pisa and Florence on the first day, and a delightful countryside winery and the historic walled city of San Gimignano on the second day.

Pisa would not be much of a city to visit without the leaning tower, on this beautiful sunny day we would experience this Tuscan icon and marvel at the centuries old buildings and its less visited side streets and cafés.

In Florence, we would start with a fabulous lunch at a wonderful and colorful restaurant, the meal was typically Florentine: tasty, filling, and a wonderful introduction to this gem of Tuscany. Shortly after that, we would follow our guide on a walking tour that introduced us to the best of Florence before we were given free time to explore on our own. With a fresh chill in the air, we would discover that Florence is magical at night as we wandered care-free through the city’s cobblestone streets and lanes.

Delightful Provence

Onwards, we would sail to beautiful Provence. In Nice, we discovered the laid-back feeling of southern France, in charming Aix-en-Provence we would journey back in time to a wonderful and delightful small town feel. In Monaco, we discovered the rich and opulent playground of the French, and in Marseille, we experienced a cosmopolitan atmosphere in this grand city by the sea. For such a short visit, this region sure has lots to offer travelers of all ages and interests.

After a much needed rest, we would rejuvenate and recharge on a sea-day just in time for a visit to the amazing city of Barcelona. Yet another included guided tour would bring us to the best of the city. My favorite by far would be the church of La Sagrada Familia. Barcelona has much too much to see and do, and just like Rome, to do it justice, extra nights would bring out all the flavor of this unique and at the times breathtaking city.

One iconic destination after another brought to the end of our wonderful journey. This was truly a memorable cruise for the main reasons that we visited wonderful places, ate fabulous foods and experienced yet another Viking masterpiece on the high seas, all in comfort, safety and class.

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