Today I want to take this chance to discuss the staff working for and with Viking Cruises. We have, of course, had an excellent time, but it is almost all due to the absolutely wonderful people that have made this trip possible.
The staff on board have been so organized, here for all of our questions and keep us up to date on all the happenings. We have become quite close to some of the staff that is our age. They have given such great inside tips about local places to visit, their favorite cities and what excursions not to be missed. The Maitre d’ Davor set up our entire honeymoon celebration one night at dinner and orchestrated the set up in our room, that I shared with you all on the first night.
Other people who have been excellent, are our city guides. These are local people who work for Viking in their home cities and share their knowledge with travelers on walking and bus tours. They, like the staff on board, have great insight into the best coffee shops, shopping locations and really anything you’re looking for. There is a concierge on board the ship that is there to help with all of this as well, but I always enjoy talking to the local guides. River cruises are a very comfortable way of travel, but they don’t always leave you a lot of time in each city. So getting a lot of information from the local guides is a great way to get the best parts of a city in a smaller amount of time.
Per usual, we are having a great time and although the days are winding down we are looking forward to a New Year’s celebration tonight and I will have more about that tomorrow. For any questions about Viking Cruising please call Ambassador Travel 920.236.7777.
There are included excursions everyday as well as added excursions that you can purchase. These adventures can be added before you board or once you’re on the ship. This time there are 6 different excursions that you can add on, but outside excursions vary per cruise. The six provided on my cruise include; the Wachau Valley Winery Visit & Wine Tasting, Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna, a Mozart and Strauss Concert in Vienna, a Home Hosted Visit in Bratislava, the Budapest Spa Experience, and the Godollo Palace and Gardens visit. 
Each of these different experience spans a wide variety of tastes. They are especially great because each traveler can find something they like and add it on to enhance their trip. Many itineraries also included free extra excursions. Today I was able to go to a Market in Vienna with the head chef of my ship. He brought us to his favorite shops and had a cheese and wine hour set up for us while he shopped for various menu items for tonight’s dinner.
Another great add on for the Viking traveler is the silver package. This is the optional drink add on that allows you to pay for your drinks as a whole rather than individually. Through Viking cruises you are given soft drinks, tea, bear, wine and coffee during meals. Outside of meals you have to pay for all drinks aside from water, coffee and some teas. When buying the silver package, you are able to get premium coffees, teas, soft drinks, premium alcohol, along with regional beer and wine throughout your stay without worrying about paying per drink. After the first night Danny and myself realized that the silver package was definitely worth it. To make up for the price you have to drink about 5 drinks per day per person. This does not mean only alcoholic beverages, but also all the other drinks that you consume outside of meal time. If you enjoy a pre dinner cocktail or a couple Irish coffees after dinner, then it is definitely worth it.
Our first city we visited was Passau, Germany. Located about an hour and a half from Munich this Bavarian gem was both beautiful and rich in culture. We were able to take a walking tour with local guides who provided insight into the city that they live in and experience everyday. And that is one of the great things about Viking, they really give you a great mix of tourist locations as well as local experiences.
Day two was a bus trip into Salzburg, Austria. The bus ride was just short of 2 hours, but there was also an optional walking tour of Linz, Austria, for those who did not want to travel so far. Half way through the bus ride we made a stop at Moon lake, which was one of the most picturesque locations. The Austrian Alps have provided a scenic backdrop for all of my most instagramable moments. Once in Salzburg we did about a 1 hour walking tour with a local guide and then were given 2 hours to explore the city ourselves. My husband Danny and I decided to grab lunch at a local restaurant and then hit up some of the shops. We visited Mozart’s birthplace, St. Peter’s Church as well as some of the gorgeous squares throughout the city. Once back on the boat later that evening we were able to watch the Sound of Music in our rooms, which was a fun treat to be able to see all the locations we had just toured.
Lets start with the most important–the food. Although I can admit that I was a little hesitant about eating almost all my meals on our boat, I have been wowed by the selection and overall deliciousness. I am someone who loves to go out to dinner so I wasn’t sure how I felt about eating in the dining room every day, but it has been amazing. The set up at dinner was also something I worried about. In the main dining room there are no need for reservations and each table has somewhere between 6-10 place settings. Each night we dine with new people and we have honestly loved it. The idea of eating with strangers each night was a little daunting, but I have come to meet some amazing people who have only added to our experience. Plus for lunch there are lighter options that don’t make you feel like you are eating every meal out because I know that can take a toll on you. The aquavit terrace offers sandwiches, salads, soups and a variety of smaller options for when you just aren’t feeling a big meal. Overall I am loving all these delicious meals that are centered around each new city’s specialty and I can’t wait to share more with you as the week goes on.
The trip overall has been a dream. Viking has been so accommodating it has been the perfect way to spend our honeymoon. Before arriving we were told by several friends and family members that the average age for Viking cruisers is somewhere around 70 years old. We figured we would be the youngest ones on board by a long shot, but that is definitely not the case. In fact, there are at least 2 other couples on board who are also celebrating there honeymoons as well. And speaking of that, once the crew found out we were here for our honeymoon they have gone above and beyond to make this a memorable experience. Last night at dinner we were treated to a delicious custard cake and champagne toast as well as the entire kitchen staff singing to our well wishes. Once back in the room the scene was definitely set–champagne, towels folded into kissing swans, candies as well as jazz playing in the background. Overall we are loving our adventures and I can’t wait to share more with you. Make sure to check back each day this week to find out more on our exciting Danube experience.
Just in time for the holidays, here are a few festive drinks from around the world. In the U.S. we enjoy eggnog, but it seems every Christian culture has their own specialty drink for this time of the year. Add some of these traditions to this year’s Christmas tradition by trying one, or maybe all, of these holiday spirits.
With New Year’s right around the corner, you may be scrambling for plans to ring in 2016. If you would like to get away for a weekend without having to worry about the craziness of places like NYC, then I have a great location for you. Did you know that Philadelphia hosts the oldest folk festival in the United States every New Year’s Day?
On top of its relevance in the literary world, it is also a cultural hub in many other aspects. It is a main tourist attraction in Italy, which houses operas, amphitheaters, festivals and much more. Verona actually gives Rome’s Colosseum a run for it’s money. The amphitheater in Verona, built in the 1st century AD was constructed 50 years before the world famous one in Rome. History and architecture lovers rejoice in this town. Visit locations like Castelvecchio a 14th century castle that is now a gorgeous art museum. Travelers looking to purchase gifts and souvenirs make sure to stop by the Piazza delle Erbe, which is a market containing hundreds of permanent vendors.
“Uniworld, well they are simply amazing!!! Although we visited many Christmas Markets, Nuremberg was my absolute favorite! In fact, Nuremberg was definitely my favorite city. It was amazing! Another excursion provided by Uniworld was going to visit a glass victory, Theresienthal, in the Bavarian Forest, that made various glassware for royals from King Ludwig I to William and Kate. The staff I met onboard the river cruise ended up being great guides. One of the many convenient things about Uniworld is that tours, tips and all drinks are included which isn’t necessarily common for a river cruise. All of our meals on the ship were included on the trip, and we also got to eat some great food while we were out touring. They do have a few optional excursions that if you choose to go on you have to pay, but otherwise this is an all-inclusive vacation!” –Connie Ruedinger
One of the best parts about vacation is getting to taste absolutely delicious food that you may have never tried before. I know from my experience traveling and living in Germany that I crave it all the time. Luckily in Wisconsin we have many options for getting delicious German food here at home. Stopping by Ski’s Meat Market in Downtown Oshkosh you can pick up a variety of sausage and bratwursts that will bring you right back to sampling the delicious flavors of Germany and Austria. Check out all the great finds at Ski’s in between booking your vacations with us, Ambassador Travel.
Although we stick pretty regularly to our blog schedule, I am shaking things up in the next few weeks by doing a day by day journal of my European river cruise. As some of you already know I will be taking my honeymoon over Christmas on a Viking river cruise through along the Danube. Here I will be chronicling my day by day experience as well as my favorite foods, drinks and excursions. I will make sure to include pictures, videos and whatever else I find exciting. With the average age of river cruise passengers being around their mid 50s I will be providing all of our followers with a new twist on traveling in Europe. My husband and I are 25 so this is a great way for everyone to learn a little more about river cruising as well as for people our age to see what a great way it is to travel.
Sorbet Fizzy Cocktail
Orange-Cherry Champagne Cocktail
Champagne punch Bellini
ambassadortravelltd 