Viking Cruises

viking.com | 45 S U M M E R I S S U E 2 5 chosen by culinary masters. For the first time, I experienced a Scandinavian amuse-bouche of reindeer consommé. It was delicate, delicious and perfectly paired with an aromatic French Riesling. The savoury Norwegian fårikål, a traditional lamb recipe with layered cabbage and boiled potatoes, was the highlight of the meal. Manfredi's Italian Restaurant was another favourite for an evening meal. This Italian, trattoria-style restaurant was popular thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, elegant decor and attentive service. A big part of the fun was starting your three courses with a basket of delicious, homemade breads. Mamsen's, the Norwegian deli, can be found in the Explorers' Lounge. Here, we sampled authentic home-cooked food inspired by the cuisine of Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen, mother of Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen. Breakfast pastries, signature heart-shaped waffles served with berries and sour cream, as well as open-faced deli-style sandwiches, are available daily. The coffee and cakes were served in the most beautiful decorative tableware—the same pattern as Mamsen's original home kitchen. Health and wellness are another highlight of the onboard experience. I highly recommend a visit to The Nordic Spa, and if you are daring enough, make sure you experience the authentic Nordic bathing ritual of alternating temperatures between the sauna and steam rooms, the cold pool and the Snow Grotto (complete with fluffy snow!). This will totally revitalize your senses. If you are not feeling as courageous, try indulging in the main saltwater, heated swimming pool or unwind with a spa treatment or two. I highly recommend the 80-minute Swedish deep tissue massage to release tension and the blissful Nordic facial. Our journey concluded in the ancient city of Bergen. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway after Oslo. Given its position between the two biggest fjords in Norway—Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord—Bergen is often referred to as the "Capital of the Fjords." The Viking Venus docked right next to Bryggen Wharf, the most vibrant part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wanting our last day to go on forever, we strolled through the city along the pier and through the bustling, outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Our itinerary included an excellent tour around the main sites of Bergen, which is a city full of rich colours and textures, with charming, picturesque wooden buildings. Our guide explained that Bryggen had been GETTING THERE: A 15-day Into the Midnight Sun voyage sails from Bergen to London, or in reverse. Nor th Sea Bergen Reykjavík A rc tic Circle Honningsvåg Tromsø Lofoten (Leknes) Geiranger Oslo Orkney Islands (Kirkwall) London Shetland Islands (Lerwick) Edinburgh Nor wegian Sea – C r ui s e •• O ve r night in Po r t ENGLAND SCOTLAND NORWAY Clockwise, from top left: A Viking ocean ship in Geiranger, Norway; Tromsø; Bryggen Wharf; Tromsø cable car; Arctic Cathedral VIEW VOYAGE ravaged by many fires, which reduced the city to ashes, and it was rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 12th-century. We were led through hidden, narrow alleyways with overhanging galleries, past quaint wooden shops and artist's studios. The atmosphere helped us gain a real sense of the history and life of the former city of Norway, where Norwegian kings had once lived. We finished our tour with a visit to shops selling traditional Norwegian-crafted gifts, including collections of mythical Scandinavian folklore troll figurines, the dwellers of Norwegian rock formations, mountains, cliffs and caves. "Berre den som vandrar, finn nye vegar" is a Norwegian proverb that means, "Only one who wanders finds new paths." On my first journey to Norway, I really did immerse myself in "The Viking Way." I made new friends, explored history and experienced different cultures, traditions and cuisines. I can't wait to return.

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