Viking Cruises

This page, clockwise, from top left: Mount Edgecumbe, near Sitka, in Alaska; Ed and Sheila Davies next to a British flag at Columbia Icefield Opposite, clockwise, from top left: Ed meeting the dog sledding puppies in Skagway; a dog sledding experience in the snow; Icy Strait Point in Hoonah; whale watching in Sitka; Viking Orion docked in Skagway; sailing the Inside Passage at night; a sea otter in Sitka; Hubbard Glacier Yakutat Bay; Ed and Sheila at Columbia Icefield T his was our 22nd Viking (river and ocean) cruise. We were just as excited about joining our ship Viking Orion as we were when we joined our first Viking cruise, and we were certainly not disappointed. Prior to embarking on our cruise we were fortunate enough to join the Rocky Mountaineer journey pre-cruise extension and what an experience that was. Before boarding the train we spent three days in the beautiful city of Banff and enjoyed the included tour of the area and the optional tour to the Columbia Icefield where we were taken to the Athabasca Glacier in a huge all-terrain Ice Explorer. On the way we visited the Peyto Lake – the turquoise water has to be seen to be believed. As we waited for the Rocky Mountaineer train to pull into the station and take us from Banff to Vancouver, I have never seen so many excited people eagerly waiting to get on board. e GoldLeaf service was excellent, as was the view from the glass-domed upper deck of our exclusive Viking carriage, giving us a perfect view of the outstanding scenery along our route. After two days on board, we left the train to spend two nights in the beautiful city of Vancouver where we enjoyed the included tour. We would highly recommend this pre-cruise extension. en it was time to join our ship. It was just like coming home and we were quickly settled in to the familiar surroundings of what was to be our comfortable home for the next eleven days. Cruising on day one allowed us to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Inside Passage. On arriving at Sitka we went on a whale watching trip with another couple. We were fortunate to see some marvellous scenery and a family of grey whales that circled the boat – at times they were so close we could almost touch them. At Skagway we joined the optional excursion to the Denver Glacier to experience the fun of dog sledding. What an experience! e helicopter ride up to the glacier was fabulous, as was the scenery. We all had a turn at standing on the back of the sled and the feeling was exhilarating. Finally, we met some puppies for a cuddle and would have run off with them if no-one was looking. On returning to Skagway, we enjoyed a walk around the beautiful town. e next day was spent scenic cruising in the Yakutat Bay to view the Hubbard Glacier and we were stunned by its vastness and colours against the water – it was truly magnificent. e Captain was able to cruise reasonably close to the glacier allowing everyone the opportunity to have a good view of it. It was amazing to see the glacier calving and the many small icebergs floating around the ship. It was also a great experience to visit all the other ports of call, to appreciate how the locals live and to understand the culture of the Alaskan people. All too soon our cruise came to an end and it was time to go home. But we have brought many happy memories home with us and are so pleased to have cruised with Viking again. Seasoned Viking guests Sheila and Ed Davies venture into the icescapes of Alaska and Canada Alaskan adventure GETTING THERE: The 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage voyage starts from $6,995pp in a Veranda stateroom. VIEW ITINERARY viking.com 45

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