Viking Fjorgyn Seine / Normandy River Cruise, a Fabulous Journey – All Issues Cruise

January 5, 2023

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Paris, the Metropolis of Mild, entices with its energetic Joie de vie, exceptional structure, artwork, vogue, meals, and historical past. Think about strolling the banks of the Seine, exploring the world-class museums, or sipping espresso at a sidewalk café.

The Viking Seine/Normandy River Cruise begins and ends in Paris however makes noteworthy stops in picturesque Normandy. Guided excursions embody Rouen, the capital of Normandy, the port metropolis of Honfleur, immersion into Impressionist artwork, a day dedicated to WWII historical past and the D-Day touchdown websites, and picturesque small rural villages.

Arrival

Earlier than my departure, Viking despatched me a useful packet of journey paperwork that answered all my questions. They offered emergency contact numbers simply in case.

Like most People, I arrived in Paris through an in a single day flight. After clearing baggage declare, I noticed a lady holding a Viking Cruises signal. That was reassuring as a result of I knew she would handle my transportation wants. Nonetheless, I hoped to satisfy up with my daughter-in-law, Amy, arriving about the identical time however on a unique flight. No worries; the Viking workers and the van driver discovered Amy after which joined me together with two different passengers. Quickly afterward, we left the airport and headed towards the cruise ship.

Our cabins have been naturally not prepared once we arrived dockside (nonetheless earlier than 10 am). However we have been warmly welcomed onboard, and our baggage was stowed. Employees led us to the eating room, and we revived ourselves with tasty breakfast objects from the buffet.

Regardless of the shortage of sleep, Amy was prepared for her first Parisian journey, and I used to be excited to affix her. We postponed exploring the ship and set foot towards the Eiffel Tower. (The Viking dock is shut sufficient to make the stroll.)

The long-lasting 1083-foot metal tower, constructed for the 1898 World’s Honest, stands as a beloved landmark. Guests take the elevators up and gaze down upon the sprawling metropolis. They take many images and stroll across the adjoining subject known as the Champs du Mars and the encircling gardens. Amy and I did all that, however I used to be dragging on the stroll again to the Viking ship.

The Viking Fjorgyn

Luckily, the Viking crew welcomed us once more, and this time, they escorted us to our cabin on the higher stage. We discovered the room with two single beds, floor-to-ceiling home windows that slide open, and a small balcony with two chairs and a bistro desk. The closet was sufficiently big for us each, and we might stash our baggage underneath the beds.

Anticipate a small however purposeful lavatory. When not having a shower, the doorways open inward, offering extra space, or at the least it feels that method. Heated flooring provides an oh-so-nice contact when getting out of the bathe.

The ship’s higher stage contains the Aquavit Lounge with full-length home windows and a preferred, well-stocked bar. Exterior the lounge, an espresso and cappuccino-making machine stay open 24/7 for self-service. Elves appear to replenish the complimentary pastries often.

The Viking Fjorgyn appeared new because it was inbuilt 2020 particularly for the Seine River (and never used in the course of the pandemic). The Scandinavian inside design feels glossy. She carries a most of 168 passengers in 84 outdoors staterooms (22 Customary Staterooms, 18 French Balcony Staterooms, 35 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, and a couple of Explorer Suites). The ship measures 410 ft in size and maintains a crew of 46. River cruise boats carry far fewer passengers than mega ocean liners. The restricted variety of visitors rapidly develop into mates as they collect at meals and on excursions.

There is no such thing as a spa on this boat, as most Viking visitors are extra within the historic and cultural excursions. Viking gives pre-excursion info and glorious guides. Company go away the cruise having skilled and discovered a lot about France. But, they’re pampered and catered to by the workers. The mixture is good.

If you’re questioning, Viking names their longships (river cruisers) after Norse sagas. Fjorgyn is the Norse Goddess of the Earth. In Norse mythology, Mom Earth, Fjorgyn has been related to the beginning of the rising season. She was the mom of Thor, the mighty thunder god, and the son of Odin.

After nibbling on a late lunch, we took just a few moments to unpack and settle. One of many important benefits of cruising isn’t having to switch baggage and always pack and unpack.

Everybody was known as to their Muster Stations for a follow drill with life preservers. The Seine isn’t vast, and I believe one might swim to both aspect with out problem. Nonetheless, Viking is sensible to follow security measures.

Afterward, all aboard sipped a champagne cocktail to formally begin the cruise, adopted by a soothing, multi-course meal. The primary restaurant rests on the mid-deck, beneath our cabin. Image home windows line the eating room, giving visitors an virtually 360-degree view. The central space stays prepared for breakfast and lunch buffets.

Viking’s coverage is open seating, in order that they don’t assign tables. Every meal provides a alternative of each day picks and at all times contains the choice for fashionable favorites, like Eggs Benedict, hamburgers, and steak or salmon. Wine and beer are complimentary at meals, and people with the Silver Spirits bundle might select higher-priced drinks and wine anytime.

Itinerary and Shore Excursions

Paris- Day 2

A panoramic metropolis tour of Paris started after breakfast. We, cruisers, boarded a bus and listened to a information describe the well-known websites as we handed. We stopped close to Notre Dame to see the restoration work progressing on the cathedral. Our information gave us free time to discover, store, or seize a espresso in a close-by café.

The tour additionally included a cease for images on the Eiffel Tower earlier than returning to the ship for lunch. Within the afternoon, Amy selected an tour to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, and I went on a Flavors of Paris outing, a scrumptious foodie tour. Others opted for the full-day tour: Scenic Paris and Highlights of the Louvre.

That night the glittering Eiffel Tower within the distance took heart stage. It’s a pinch-me second to see the illuminated icon glowing like fireworks. Merely beautiful.

La Roche- Guyon and Vernon – Day 3

The Fjorgyn sailed in the course of the night time; we reached La Roche-Guyon the next morning. An historical fort and chateau hover on white chalk hills dominating a tiny village (inhabitants roughly 500).

Our cruise director, Mimi, led us on a strolling tour by means of the gardens towards Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. The fortified hold, which overlooks the valley, is linked to the château through a mysterious stairway dug into the rock. The Château was constructed within the twelfth century and featured a mixture of medieval, Renaissance, and classical kinds, together with a proper kitchen backyard. Varied homeowners added rooms to the chateau over tons of of years.

We climbed many stairs throughout the chateau, taking in panoramic autumnal views. Amy climbed the darkish, secret stairway to the highest of the hold.

Some journey lists embody La Roche-Guyon as one among France’s “Most Lovely Villages,” and I are inclined to agree. I appreciated the chance to discover it.

Vernon

The captain moved our boat to close by Vernon, and most visitors took a day tour that included a drive-by glimpse of Monet’s Home and Backyard named Giverny. His colourful residence was closed for the season, so we went to Auvers-Sur-Oise. Auvers is the place Vincent Van Gogh lived his previous couple of months in 1890. The situation gave him such a supply of inventive inspiration he accomplished 80 work in seventy days.

A information led us by means of the little city that appeared like a nineteenth-century time capsule. We strolled cobblestone pathways previous shuttered houses, flower containers, greenery, and retailers. We paused on the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the church painted by Van Gogh. I cherished evaluating the Gothic constructing to the well-known portray.

We continued up a hill to the cemetery with the graves of Vincent and his brother Theo. The graveyard lies throughout from the fields that impressed one other van Gogh masterpiece, The Wheatfield and Crows.

We ended the go to at Auberge Ravoux, the artist’s ultimate residence. Solely two or three at a time might enter his tiny rented attic bed room. It gave the impression to be stuffed with unhappiness. Afterward, the group watched a wonderful video/slideshow of his artwork from the world.

Again onboard, the day ended with a particular dinner: The Style of France, the one buffet dinner on the cruise. The huge number of scrumptious cheeses, entrees, and desserts overwhelmed me. I turned in with a full abdomen and fond reminiscences of two pretty small villages full of historical past and artwork, plus an excessive amount of advantageous meals.

Rouen and Environment – Day 4

Rouen, the most important metropolis in Normandy, provides some of the stunning Gothic cathedrals on the earth. The intricate designs on the outside seem like lace. Guided strolling excursions of the town communicate of the city’s lengthy historical past and Joan of Arc. Joan was burned on the stake in Rouen after her trial. A contemporary church stands on the positioning, the inside aglow with a good looking wall of stained glass home windows.

Amy took the afternoon tour to Honfleur, a medieval port village with slim cobblestone alleys and a central rectangular harbor within the center. Sadly, it was raining the whole time, so she didn’t get the images she had hoped.

I ventured previous the bucolic countryside to a country outdated farm. As soon as there, I watched a educated sheepherding canine corral and transfer the animals concerning the subject. This conduct was fascinating and enjoyable.

Normandy is understood for apples, apple cider, and the liqueur Calvados. My tour group strolled by means of the property’s apple orchard and cidery/distillery. We entered the tasting room to be taught all about cider. To the French, cider means an alcoholic drink, whereas a non-alcoholic alternative is apple juice. Calvados is stronger than cider.

D- Day- Day 5

The D-Day touchdown websites are a big draw to the area, and Viking provides two full-day excursions. The tour geared toward People visits the Caen Memorial Museum and features a documentary movie. Our information was a professor of historical past, so he gave us definitive info on the occasions throughout WWII.

We drove on to the 172-acre American Cemetery, with 9,387 American graves. The peaceable cemetery with white crosses stretches so far as the attention can see. It honors the People misplaced within the Normandy battles. It’s an emotionally tough place to go to, however one which retains alive the reminiscence of those that fought bravely to defend international freedom. We owe them a lot.

Viking arranges a particular ceremony at “The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” statue. The enjoying of the Star Spangled Banner, adopted by Faucets, introduced tears to virtually everybody’s eyes. It was a really shifting tribute and made me a proud American. We discovered that the common age of the troopers buried within the cemetery ranged from 19-22 years.

The tour moved on to Omaha Seaside, one other U.S. touchdown web site. The lengthy sandy expanse sat empty on this chilly and dreary November day. A shocking memorial stands on the seashore, honoring the vital occasions alongside this waterfront in 1944. One other monument memorializes the occasion within the open city sq..

A second Viking day tour started with a cease on the well-known Bayeux Tapestry, one thing I’d have cherished to see. It continues to Gold Seaside and Arromanches, British and Canadian battle websites, Juno Seaside, and the British cemetery in Ranville.

Les Andelys – Day 6

Whereas the ship sailed within the morning, many attended a lighthearted cooking class from the chef and his assistant. They ready a Tarte au Citron or Lemon Tart with ease. We obtained copies of the recipe; I’ll attempt replicating it at residence.

The day was heat sufficient to sit down outdoors on the Aquavit Terrace at lunchtime. Luckily, we completed our meal earlier than the rain began. Because the boat approached the village of Les Andelys, we noticed the fortress known as Chateau Galliard. The buildings are ruins of Richard the Lionhearted fort, constructed between 1196-1198.

The group tour started within the rain, however as we climbed up the hill, a considerably difficult stroll, a rainbow appeared. We explored the ruins with very good panoramic views. When prepared, we strolled downhill into the charming city with half-timbered buildings. There, a few of us lingered for buying.

After dinner, a lot of the visitors participated in a enjoyable sport within the lounge. Cruise Director Mimi defined that we’d know the solutions however needed to choose the almost definitely response. The energetic sport ended with a celebration, music, and dancing. FYI: Don’t anticipate a lot skilled leisure on this cruise; most visitors retire after dinner.

Paris Environment- Day 7

Our final full day started in La Pecq with a morning journey to Chateau de Malmaison, the magnificent residence of Josephine and Napoleon. The home sits on the outskirts of France, however most vacationers miss it (being too far for a taxi, and no direct bus route). Because of Viking, we have been dropped off on the gate.

The tour included an interesting dialogue on Josephine’s life, residence, and gardens. Huge shock – this residence was additionally the place the Louisiana Buy was laid out and signed. I’m so glad I might go to this fascinating web site. I now have the need to be taught extra about Josephine.

After lunch, many selected to go to the Palace of Versailles, the flamboyant, over-the-top property of Louis XIV, the Solar King. The extravagance in his property makes you perceive why the French Revolution occurred. Whereas Louis XIV dominated competently throughout his lengthy life, he spared no expense on himself, and later Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette took the acute way of life over the sting.

Tip: The Palace is price seeing, however at all times crowded. The King’s mattress chambers, the Chapel, and the Corridor of Mirrors don’t disappoint, apart from the hordes of vacationers. The gardens unfold over 2,000 acres (you’ll stroll miles), however sadly, this cruise was in November, and the greenery might have been higher (and we would have liked extra time). In case you plan to go to Versailles, organize to go when the fountains are working. You gained’t be upset. In any other case, anticipate crowds and extra gold leaf than you’ve ever seen!

Sadly, we neared the top of our time collectively. The boat moved whereas we have been at Versailles, so the bus returned us to the dock in Paris. Company, now mates, lingered over a beautiful final dinner and ready to journey residence.

Disembarkment- Day 8

Viking distributed color-coordinated baggage tags to get everybody’s baggage to the proper spot. In addition they assigned us to one of many frequent buses or vans leaving for the airport. The workers rechecked our baggage and loaded it into the automobile.

After all, some passengers selected to remain in Paris, and I wanted I’d made that alternative. However off to the airport I went, Viking workers staying with all till we have been within the appropriate airplane check-in line. Au revoir.

I cherish reminiscences of this fabulous cruise with my daughter-in-law and our adventures in France. If you’re contemplating the Viking Seine cruise, go!

Many because of Viking River Cruises for internet hosting this unbelievable voyage and AllThingsCruise.com for his or her help.

Images credit score Debi Lander