Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1534783
Left to right: The ancient Terracotta Warrirors in Xian, China; historic Moscow Cathedral, Russia; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia; Belinda in France; Peter in Russia. BELINDA & PETER R. | NZ First travelled with Viking: 2012 First cruise: Romantic Danube Travelled on: River, and first ocean voyage booked for next year. Favourite memory: The staff have always made us feel like we are with family. Q: You have travelled to a range of destinations with Viking, what has been your favourite so far? A: I think I have a favourite from every cruise. I'll never forget cruising into Budapest at the end of our Danube cruise, it was morning time and the sun was just hitting the water. Witnessing the Terracotta Warriors in China, I saw one as a schoolchild when it travelled around NZ and had always wondered what the full army would look like – seeing it in person was something I won't ever forget. Avignon in France is such a beautiful place. Seeing all the wonderful art in the Hermitage – the Behind Closed Doors tour was incredible. In fact, the beautiful buildings of Russia was just so unexpected, the architecture was spectacular. Q: In your experience, what is the best part about travelling by river? A: There's no cyclones! You're on a smaller ship, it's more intimate and within a couple of days you begin to recognise everyone. Even when you're off the ship walking around town you can spot your fellow travellers. And of course, like all cruising, there's no packing and unpacking plus the quality of the accommodation on a Viking ship is superb. Q: Next year you are doing your first ocean cruise with Viking, what motivated you to book an ocean cruise and what are you most looking forward to? A: Many years ago we did pacific cruise, which turned into the trip from hell with two cyclones and so many things going wrong. I decided we would never cruise again after this! But after some persuading from my husband (a 80 VIKING