Having disembarked and been ushered by one of Viking’s ever-attentive “red-coats” through Rome’s busy Fiumicino Airport, by-passing the chaotic crowds, direct to the British Airways check-in desk, I am now left in what I assume to be the real world. Here I suddenly feel disconnected from the Viking “hive mind”. Without my personal “Quiet Vox” or the hypnotic on-board voice of Heather, our immaculate and all-knowing Cruise Director to reassure me, I am no longer protected, shielded and guided by Viking Central Control and I feel adrift. I am still in a slightly drugged state (although maybe that’s just the alcohol wearing off), but I am numb and lost.

Of course I don’t mean it literally; I say “drugged” because, in a strange way, the atmosphere aboard a Viking ship does make you feel a bit like that – maybe they put something in the water or the air-conditioning, so as to make everyone more compliant – which Viking passengers do seem to be; even down to only disembarking when they are told to and in an orderly manner – and never blocking the stairs or the gangways!

I don’t know what I expected of Viking but it is certainly exclusive. The ship is wonderfully spacious and hardly ever feels crowded; there is always a quiet corner, a place to sit, with people if you want, or without them if you prefer to be left alone, although the bar-staff in the lounges could sometimes do with making themselves a little more visible, in my opinion. The décor throughout is a Scandinavian Rhapsody in Blue and Beige which flows through the ship and this combined with soothing background music in the public areas and on the “View from the Bridge” channel on your TV, creates a tranquillity that feels a little like the waiting-room of an expensive Swiss clinic or a private Nordic Health Spa – and indeed there is one on board, complete with hydro-therapy pool, heated beds, sauna and “Snow Room” – although why I should want one of those, I don’t know. Every ship these days must have its gimmick but it’s all complimentary, so I don’t mind. Read more