Viking Cruises

Left to right: Florence, Italy; The Wintergarden Nordic heritage. To guide you through this remarkable onboard gallery, download the Viking art smartphone app or obtain a printed catalogue from the guest services team. For adventurous tastes of another kind, Viking's cuisine scene across all its restaurants is exceptional and dish ingredients could fill a culinary encyclopedia. I revel in the daily specialties that are themed around our locations, sampling the likes of gnocchi alla Romana con coda all vaccinara (semolina gnocchi with braised oxtail; Rome) and escargots à la Bourguignon (garlic snails; France). ese are satiating in every sense. As the week draws to an end, I ponder the question of how well Viking has brought out my "thinking person". In short, they've nailed it. Each day, whether I'm viewing a Picasso painting in a museum or munching on a local delicacy on board, my brain lights up like an electrical substation. My blossoming knowledge is entirely due to this journey. e experiences – whether on or off the ship – are enriching: the sights, sounds and flavours arouse my attention, while the cultural exploits spark my imagination. And all of this is achieved without pressure, zero exams and not a red pen in sight. Better still, Viking inspires you to be curious about the world and your surroundings; it triggers you to ask "I wonder why?" at every turn. On the final morning, as I disembark the ship, I peer across the Barcelona skyline and speculate on the height of the Torre Glòries, the equivalent of London's "Gherkin". I'm on my own again, without a Viking "brains trust" to ask. But it doesn't matter – I'll find out. For, like most other passengers, I'm leaving the cruise – in the words of Alice in Wonderland – even "curiouser". SPR ING 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 35 MUNCH MOMENTS ACROSS THE WEEK Monday – dedicated to showing Munch's many self-portraits Tuesday – the day for Munch's most famous works Wednesday and Thursday – the lighter side of Munch's work, featuring gardens, flowers, animals and architecture Friday – Munch's more dramatic artworks Saturday – themes related to oceans and travel Sunday – calmer scenes, such as landscapes comprises a collection of images illuminating the magic of this master expressionist on board, with a daily, interactive event that showcases several pieces of his great art, curated by theme, each afternoon on a large screen in the Atrium. As a result, guests have the chance to gain a comprehensive overview of Munch's work during their journey. Showcasing the whole spectrum of Munch's art, the collection includes self-portraits, famous works of art, as well as landscapes, seascapes, flower motifs and travel-related works. As a companion piece, the complimentary Munch Moments booklet with curatorial information on the artist and his legacy is available on board each ship. Curiosity in e Wintergarden Of all the special spaces aboard the Viking ocean liners, few symbolise the company's wish to deliver "the thinking person's cruise" like the Wintergarden. Although it serves up a smashing afternoon tea, it delivers a lot more besides. Spread over the walls and ceiling of this sunny space are stenciled "branches" that denote the Tree of Life. Look carefully and you'll spot two raven sculptures along with decorative panels. Together, these elements represent a Nordic myth in which two ravens of Odin, the God of under, fly around the world each day and return in the evening to report their findings to their god. It's a beautiful artistic representation of Viking's commitment to ensuring that you are culturally enriched. And forever curious. 8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean voyage from $3,595pp in Veranda stateroom. viking.com 37

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