Viking Cruises Launches Viking Ocean Cruises

The launch of Viking Ocean Cruises and its first ship of the new ocean-going fleet, the Viking Star, scheduled to debut May 2015. All photos: © Viking Cruises. Unauthorized use is prohibited. 

Viking Cruises made a huge Nordic splash in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday with the launch of their brand new Viking Ocean Cruises product line! Sister company to the global leader of river cruising, Viking River Cruises, Viking Ocean will take the Viking brand to the next level with the launch of destination-focused European ocean cruises to sail in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, North and Baltic Seas. With the debut of its first ship, the Viking Star in May 2015, you can expect this new class of ocean liners to be infused with the finely appointed elegance that Viking is world renowned but on a grander scale. A sister ship, yet to be named, will sail on her maiden voyage in 2016 and right now, Viking has conditional orders and options for four additional ocean cruise liners—a mark of their aggressive plan to expand this new venture. But it's not all about ocean liners because after Viking River Cruises set world records with the debut of 10 Viking Longships at a mega Christening event last March, they plan to kick it up a notch and debut 12 more next year! Now that's growth!

Celebrating the Holidays with Viking River Cruises—My Upcoming 'Danube Waltz' Christmas Markets Cruise

Decked in all its festive finery, the atrium lobby onboard the Viking River Cruises Longships welcomes guests with Christmas cheer! Photo: Property of Viking River Cruises. Unauthorized use is prohibited.  

If you know me, then you know I love European Christmas markets and despite the fact that it is May, I am thrilled to announce once again, that I will be embarking with Viking River Cruises on the "Danube Waltz" Christmas markets cruise from Passau, Germany, through Austria and Slovakia, and finally to Budapest, Hungary—my first-ever Christmas market cruise and I am over-the-moon excited! Every holiday season, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland with its Christmas markets or Christkindlmarkts that enchant travelers in search of twinkling lights and Alpine chalets brimming with tantalizing aromas and handcrafted gifts. Undoubtedly for the last few years, I've imagined myself strolling down the lanes of festively decorated town squares and this year that dream becomes reality aboard Viking River Cruises' "Viking Skadi" longship! After all, who can resist the magic of Christmas in Europe? Surely not I! 

The Art of Édouard Manet, Pioneer of Modernism

Portrait of Édouard Manet at 34 years of age. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Welcome to the May installment of ArtSmart Roundtable! Each month, a company of travel blogger art aficionados highlight a particular focus in art and this month, we feature the "artist." While I was writing the March installment when we focused on art worth traveling for, two of my all-time favorite paintings by Manet were among those featured and so I thought I would explore the world of Manet in more depth and share some additional works that have established Manet as one of the pioneers of modernism.

Top 5 Hidden Gems of Europe

La cathédrale Notre Dame d'Amiens or Our Lady of Amiens is the largest and tallest cathedral in all of France. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Europe is a playground for travelers across the globe and those who visit these famous stomping grounds are more than likely to return. With a variety of fun-filled travel opportunities and experiences to enjoy, Europe is one of the most visited destinations in the world offering something for every type of traveler, whether you love to ski and hike or sunbathe and explore ancient ruins.

Travel essentials for your summer holiday in Europe

The allure of Positano, Italy, and the Mediterranean Sea beckons in the Summertime! Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Summer holidays in Europe are the best way to put some distance between you and the real world. The street cred of many European summer destinations, from France’s Provence to Andalucía in the South of Spain or even the picturesque Amalfi Coast in Italy, revolves around the relaxing vibes of a sandy strip and crystalline waters.

An Epic Adventure to Norway's Fjord Country!

An epic journey through Norway's fjord country. Fjærlandfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, is just one of the many spectacular places we'll explore! Photo: Wikimedia.org.

The land of the midnight sun … where northern lights dance with the stars ... where intrepid Vikings sailed a thousand years ago ... where majestic mountains carved by glaciers beckon for gentle sails upon their waters so serene … this is allure of Norge or Norway—a land steeped in mystery and natural splendor, and a place I have until now, only dreamed of visiting! It is with those images in mind that I announce that this summer, I will embark on this intrepid journey to discover the land that is Norway. Thanks to my friends at Visit Norway, I have been invited on a tour this summer that will introduce me to Norway's scenic wonder, captivating history, intriguing culture, regional cuisine and for the first time ever, the midnight sun! Euphoric doesn't begin to describe the excitement stirring within and the mounting anticipation that's growing exponentially by the day! At the end of June, I will join a small group of travelers and together we will embark on an epic voyage through the fjords of Norway.