Embark on a river cruise that promises a voyage across the serene waters of the Danube on a journey through the rich tapestry of European culture. I recount experiences on the Viking Vilhjalm, where cities like Budapest and Passau unfolded before us in a blend of history, culinary exploration, and the warmth of festive Christmas markets. I bring you stories of thermal baths that wash away the weariness of travel, countryside tours that whisper the secrets of the land, and the art of bread baking that connects us to age-old traditions. With the Viking Vilhjalm's crew setting the stage for a personalized adventure, we share the intimate moments that make river cruising an art form.
As the Vilhjalm gracefully passes by the luminous Parliament building in Budapest, we discuss the rhythm that defines life on board. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the Viking touch from George Siderov, the program director— the meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to responsible travel that makes each journey not just a retreat but a responsible embrace of the world's beauty. So, join us for a captivating voyage that sails beyond the ordinary and into the heart of Europe's enchanting allure.
RESOURCES
Learn more: Viking Cruises
Itinerary: Celebrate the Holidays on the Danube: Viking Vilhjalm’s Festive River Cruise Itinerary from Budapest to Passau with Enchanting Christmas Markets (globaljourneyswithjilldutton.com)
The foods along the Danube: Savoring the Danube on the Viking Vilhjalm: A Personal Culinary Odyssey from Budapest to Passau (globaljourneyswithjilldutton.com)
Previous podcast: Harmonizing the Holidays: Bratislava's Captivating Christmas Organ Concert Special
Accolades: The Global Journeys with Jill Dutton podcast ranks 24th in FeedSpot’s “Best Travel Podcasts on the Planet” list
Want more? Follow Jill's travels, view itineraries, read travel articles, and listen to podcast episodes at Global Journeys with Jill Dutton.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the
captivating travel podcast thattakes you on an extraordinary
adventure around the world.
I'm your host, jill Dutton, andI am thrilled to be your guide
through the mesmerizing tapestryof cultures, landscapes and
experiences that await us.
Global Journeys with JillDutton is more than just a
(00:24):
travel podcast.
It's an exploration of humanityitself.
Through the power ofstorytelling, we illuminate the
lives of the remarkableindividuals we encounter along
the way, whether it's throughthe eyes of a fishing guide, a
distillery owner, a mixologist,a historian, chef or even a
farmer.
Each person we meet adds a richlayer to the narrative of
(00:47):
culture and place.
Join me as we venture off thebeaten path, seeking
authenticity, connection and adeeper understanding of the
world we inhabit.
Although my writing careerbegan in the late 90s, when I
created and launched a wellnesspublication called Evolving
Magazine, since 2015 I've workedas a travel writer on a mission
(01:09):
to seek out the locallycelebrated foods, liquor, trends
, outdoor activities and storiesof those I meet along the way.
My work has been published inWine Enthusiast, a FAR Woman's
World, first for Women, insider,road Trippers, modern Farmer,
chilled Magazine and many moredigital and print publications.
(01:30):
I'm also the creator of GlobalPlates, the people we meet, the
food they eat a syndicatedcolumn.
So pack your curiosity, leaveyour preconceived notions behind
and let's embark on globaljourneys with Jill Dutton, where
each episode promises toinspire, educate and awaken the
wanderlust within us all.
(01:50):
Before we begin today's episode, I'd like to announce a great
honor our podcast received thisweek.
Feedspot released its besttravel podcasts on the planet,
and Global Journeys with JillDutton placed 27th in the Top
100 Travel Podcasts.
When I began this podcast thisyear with the intention of
(02:12):
providing an insider's glimpseat the people and the places I
travel to, I didn't aspire tobeing on any lists.
My goal was to share theexperiences I've had with other
travelers so we might all relishin our differences while seeing
our commonalities.
To be recognized as one of thebest travel podcasts is a
reflection of you, our listeners, and your dedication to the
(02:34):
show.
Thank you so very much.
Here's to more journeys in 2024.
Now on to this week's episode.
Greetings, fellow travelers.
I just returned from aneight-day European River cruise
aboard the Viking Villehelm.
We began our adventure alongthe Danube River in Budapest,
(02:55):
hungary, then traveled each dayto a new city, from Budapest to
Bratislava, slovakia, to Vienna,krims and Lenz, austria and
ended in Passau, germany.
In each city, my guest Lisa andI took walking tours along the
cobblestone streets to learnabout the architecture and
history of the city, visited theChristmas markets with their
(03:17):
regional delights such aschimney cakes, potato dumplings
and mulled wine, or tookoptional tours such as a thermal
bath in Budapest, a beer anddinner tasting in Bratislava,
and an Austrian countryside tourin Lenz that took us to a
farmer's home to learn the artof bread baking.
When not exploring the variousEuropean cities, our time on
(03:39):
board the Viking Villehelm wasspent indulging in the luxuries
that Viking represents fresh,seasonal, regional fare in the
dining room, friendly staff whowent out of their way to provide
stellar service but also tomake the journey fun.
We sipped cocktails in theevening as we listened to George
Sidorov, the program director,share exciting tales about the
(04:00):
next day's adventures.
After dinner, there weresing-alongs, concerts and
performances, and a chance tocatch up with other passengers
about their favorite sight oractivity.
So far, as often happens, wemade friends with whom we'll
stay in touch with long afterthe journey.
One of the highlights of thecruise was setting sail at night
from Budapest.
(04:20):
We traveled past the Parliamentbuilding shining and golden in
the night light and I held mybreath at the subtle beauty.
Spectacular cruises such as Iexperienced are the norm for
Viking, and Viking has more than250 awards to its name,
including being rated number onefor rivers, number one for
oceans and number one forexpeditions by Condonass
(04:41):
Traveler and voted at the top ofits categories by Travel and
Leisure.
No other cruise line has everreceived these same honors by
both publications at the sametime.
While our crews held adultguests at various ages, viking
cruises are tailored for the55-plus cruise guest.
This means there are leisurelyoptions for someone who might
have challenges on some of thewalking tours and it also makes
(05:04):
for a seamless trip to Europe.
My only other visit to Europewas when I was 12.
My 37-year-old mother and Ispent three months backpacking
parts of Europe, camping,sleeping in youth hostels and
using my sister Mary's home, whowas then stationed in Augsburg,
germany, as a home base.
I've always been awed by thecourage my mother had to take a
(05:24):
child on such an adventure.
She struggled with thelanguages, the currency, finding
our way around and all thelogistics of planning On a
Viking cruise.
However, these challenges oftraveling to a foreign country
are eliminated.
The airfare is booked for you,the itinerary is planned, you
just need to choose yourpreferences.
The guides and crews speakEnglish, and every detail is
(05:47):
taken care of so that all youneed to do is show up.
It makes international travelsstressless and easier.
For a solo traveler or someonenot experienced with travel.
Viking cruise is also aresponsible travel option, as
Viking longships are powered bytrue diesel-electric hybrid
engines that meet stringentemission standards and reduce
vibrations for a remarkablysmooth ride.
(06:09):
In addition, the vesselsfeature onboard solar panels and
organic herb gardens.
Now imagine having theopportunity to sit down with the
program director of thisfloating oasis, gaining insights
into the behind-the-scenesmagic that makes each Viking
river cruise aonce-in-a-lifetime experience.
During my time on the VikingVillehelm, I had the privilege
(06:29):
of sitting down with GeorgeSiderov, the maestro
orchestrating this symphony ofactivities and experiences on
board.
George has worked with Vikingfor 12 years and his enthusiasm
and love for his job are evident.
A previous performer himself,george says many of the crew
have worked in the entertainmentindustry and I suspect this is
part of their enthusiasm and joy.
(06:50):
So get comfortable and join meas we embark on a virtual
journey through the heart ofEurope, both on and off the
Viking Villehelm with Vikingprogram director George Siderov.
Without further ado, let's setsail into the heart of today's
episode and explore the wondersthat Viking river cruises has in
store for us.
This is my first cruise.
(07:14):
It has been just this amazingexperience for myself.
I'm not sure what I was evenexpecting, but I've done a lot
of train travel and so this isjust like a complete flip of
that as far as luxury and theease, and you don't even realize
you're traveling when you aretraveling, and so it's not that
waiting to get to the next place, because you wake up in a
(07:35):
different city every day, andit's just amazing mode of
transportation and I've justenjoyed it immensely.
So I've enjoyed listening.
Every evening we go into thelounge and you tell the guests
about the coming days, city andwhat we'll visit and the
excursions that we'll enjoy, andyour enthusiasm is just, it's
contagious and it's very evident.
(07:56):
So I'm curious, do?
Speaker 2 (07:58):
you think it's beautiful places.
I'm very excited for you guysTo share it.
Yes, you're going to see ittomorrow and I know the impact
it's going to have on you.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
So have you heard from guests often that this
enhances their experience, tolearn about it the day before
and to get that feel for wherethey're going?
Speaker 2 (08:14):
The briefings very much appreciated by the vast
majority of the guests.
Of course, some of them theysaid oh, why should I go to the
briefing?
I've got it written in my paper.
But of course I tried to keepit entertaining, just to crack a
joke every now and then.
Also, I just give them thehistory in the nutshell, the
guys.
The next day they elaborate oneverything that I've said the
(08:35):
night before.
That's true.
I don't really want to botherthem.
I just want to show them somebeautiful pictures of the places
, some highlights, just toprepare them for what they'll be
experienced the next day.
That's so true and you give suchgreat information the night
before and it really builds upthe excitement for I hope so,
and that's the whole idea of thebriefing, basically, and also
(08:57):
to explain to especially guestswith walking difficulties how
challenging the next day isgoing to be and what they should
expect.
And I've heard you mentioningthere's a leisure option for
someone who always wants to goin the slower pace Everywhere
where replicable, we alwaysthrow in a leisurely tour.
That's very nice, that's very,and today, in my opinion, is
(09:20):
just the place that reallyrequires a leisurely tour,
because you know the heels andthe caboose styles.
It's absolutely beautiful, butsometimes it's challenging and
everybody wants to see thecathedral because all the tours
that normally end up in front ofthe cathedral and that's
definitely the highlight.
That's why that's theculmination of the tour.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
The cathedral, yes, Okay, wonderful.
Well, for someone unfamiliarwith Vikings, the Danube River
Cruise what's a typical day looklike?
I mean this particular cruise.
We started in Budapest, Hungary.
We stopped in three cities inAustria and then ended in Passau
, Germany.
Each day, guests get up, theycome down for breakfast.
(10:00):
I mean, you know what's atypical day, but basically, yeah
, that's the typical day.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
We normally kick off with the morning tour.
I think only one day we had anafternoon tour because of the
late arrival, but normally thetour is in the morning.
There's always one includedtour, then lunch and then we
offer optional tours just togive guests an opportunity to
explore more from the places wecruise through, and basically
(10:29):
that gives them an option topick, because they're always
more than one, Most of theplaces like Vienna, I mean the
afternoon we normally have five,sometimes six, optional
expirations.
So, yeah, so of course some ofthem don't want to go on all of
them, but they need to pick.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yes, we chose.
We went to the Thurlbath inBudapest and loved that.
I think that's a cure for jetlag because it was just.
I felt so much better afterthat because we had just arrived
.
Then the Austrian countrysideyesterday, and that was so fun
to go out into the countryside,see the hills and the Alps in
(11:08):
the distance and learn to makebread, and there's really
intimate experience that youoffer for something like that.
So that was very nice.
So then, after the afternoon,optional expirations Do people
start gathering?
Is it about five or so for yourtalk?
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Yeah, yeah, some of them come on board they want to
chill a little bit.
But because we get so versatilegroup of guests and that's why
we try to cater to everybody'sinterest in different things.
Some people interested infarming, like today, they
reported to me they the farmersor they're farming background
(11:49):
and that's why they wanted to goand see a farm.
Always options, you know just,this is a world full of options.
Yes, it is in each city soconfronted and so into viking.
They keep throwing in optionalexcursions every year Very
wonderful Sometimes.
You know some of them.
Basically they don't work outvery well, so we just try to
(12:09):
replace them with something thatreally works.
See what people really want todo?
Okay, and that's why we givethem the evaluation forms at the
end of the cruise, so they canalso.
This really helps immenselyjust to hear it from the guests
and we have very flexiblecompany and we basically adjust
towards the product.
(12:30):
Whatever the guests want.
That's what we try to provide.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
And notice that throughout with the crew,
members, with everyone, theguest experiences.
Just it's stellar the level ofservice that we've received here
and but sticking with thetypical day, so after you talk
about the next day's destinationand things do people then maybe
sit in the Aqua Veet lounge ornormally after the briefing it's
(12:55):
dinner.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Okay, Immediately after the briefing they go for
dinner, and then in the evening,if we haven't got external
entertainment, I would dosomething like a quiz or a
single or just to keep thementertained, because that's
another reason for people to goon a cruise, on a holiday they
want to be entertained, yes.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yes, and I'm curious what it was a real highlight for
me.
Well, two highlights for mesetting sail from Budapest, that
was just the night spectacular,the night seeing the parliament
, and then the second one wasthe back out the gorge.
Will we travel to, that is?
Are those typically kind oflike the highlights on?
Speaker 2 (13:40):
the ship?
Yes indeed.
Well, having said that, at themoment you can't really enjoy
the gorge thoroughly becausefour o'clock gets pitch dark and
there was so much more to see.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
But because of the, Well, we did see it was.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
it was amazing, yeah, all now, but we miss like a few
castles further.
I didn't talk about them therewasn't any point because they're
not lit up, but like summertimespring it's even more enjoyable
.
The Christmas cruise is alittle bit differently arranged.
The focus is a bit more on freetime and shopping and
Christmasy stuff and Christmasmarkets During the normal season
(14:21):
.
It's a bit more history.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
I'm okay.
And what would you say are someof the top amenities that
guests enjoy while on board?
While on board, you know, mealsare phenomenal, but you know
something that I might not havethought to mention.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
I don't know what you mean under amenities like,
because we haven't got gyms andspas, no, but our rooms are.
I mean amenities in turn.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
You know the rooms are just kept pristine all the
time.
Everything refreshed, oh yeah,the water bottles as we walk out
the door.
I mean just so many specialdetails that are such a nice.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
It's a very well appointed ship but also very
highly trained crew.
Nobody comes on board without aspecial, very extensive
training and it's like a welloil machine If the part doesn't
fit, the system just rejects itand that's why the people that
(15:18):
work on board they really likewhat they do and I hope these
shows.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It does, it does and that's.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
I think that leads to my next question you need to be
special breed, you know to workin this industry.
You need to be people friendly.
You need to be really eager toplease.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Yes, yes, and they do .
They.
That was actually my.
I've noticed, you know, thisfriendliness and it's
unparalleled to anything I'veseen, as far as just continually
they greet you, they ask youhow you're doing Very funny,
some of them are playful and,you know, joke around and it's
really it enhances the entireexperience.
So I'm curious, this greatexperience that it creates.
(15:58):
From interacting with crew, youknow, it comes across like they
really truly enjoy their jobs.
So is this level of service areflection of that job
satisfaction?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
I mean, yeah of course, of course.
I mean they, as I said, they gothrough very thorough trainings
and, of course, basically thefollow the SOP, the Viking
Standard Operation Procedure,but it's also down to
personality, as I said, and it'sa very well standardized
(16:30):
company.
You should expect exactly thesame on every single shit, and
this is why people come back.
I agree and are there they knowexactly what to expect.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Yes, I have met so many people that this is their
third or their fourth Vikingcruise and just-.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
And that's why when I talk about the evaluation
system, I always talk to gueststhat travel with Viking before
that they shouldn't really rateus with met expectations,
because they basically evaluatethis particular boat, not the
previous journeys.
Because of course they come upto say, guys, we've been
everywhere, we had so highexpectations and you folks, you
(17:10):
met our expectations, perfect.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Perfect and final question is just myself, being a
first timer on a cruise.
Do you have any tips or advicefor anyone it's their first time
wanting to sign up for a Vikingcruise or this one in
particular, what they mightanticipate or-.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I would say get ready to be spoiled big time.
And pampered and spawned andget ready to enjoy they eat best
food.
Oh, just to-, as our logo isbasically enjoy the world of
Viking and the service weprovide and the places we cruise
(17:49):
through.
Yes, regional food.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
And speaking of food, I'm gonna be speaking with the
chef as well, but I'm justcurious for your thoughts.
You intentionally each nighthave something from the area
that's featured on the menu andlike that taste of Austria.
It was amazing spread and sowell done and that's I guess.
I don't have anything else tosay.
But it's so appreciated, Iguess very appreciated, to be in
(18:14):
a foreign country and get thatexperience where you can
continually-.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
But that's another thing the guests should expect.
Actually, we try to go originalas much as possible.
We had the taste of Austria theother day because we're
cruising through Austria, but ifyou go on the lower Danube
would you pass between bookers?
You're gonna have the taste ofthe Balkans, which is another
regional evening or lunch hour.
I'm gonna have to we always tryto provide regional food for
(18:42):
the guests because it's part oftheir expectations.
Excellent.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
Well, you meet all expectations and exceed it.
So thank you so much and Ireally appreciate this trip and
I appreciate you take the timeto give listeners because it's a
different way for them to learnabout this experience, as some
other mediums and people likejust hearing about what it's
like.
So thank you very much, george.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Thank you very much, and it's been lots of fun being
on board.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
So why Viking?
Speaker 2 (19:09):
That was a question.
Yeah, so the key question whyViking?
Speaker 1 (19:12):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
As I said, viking is definitely the largest river
cruise company in the world andeverything is standardized.
Even you have to swap ships,because sometimes this happens
rivers either run out of wateror get too much water and then
we need to move guests from oneship on another ship.
(19:34):
But at least we have enoughships because every Viking boat
has a sister ship.
And if the worst comes to worse, if we cannot carry on with the
cruising, then the two shipsthey turn around 180 degrees.
The guests from one go onanother and the guests from the
other go on, and the two shipsturn around and at least the
journey goes on.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Yeah, so there's a plan in place in case Our
competitors.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
They cannot really afford to have this, because
they haven't got enough shipsand it turns into a bus journey
instead of-.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
So many good things about Viking and now that I've
experienced it myself, it'sdefinitely something I would
recommend to other people aswell, and look forward to my
next trip.
You need to find next cruise.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
And because the ships are more or less identical and
everything is standardized soyou know what to expect Exactly.
Even if you go on another boat,you'd know exactly what to
expect the same service, thesame attention to details.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
And this just occurred to me when we were
talking about the regional menuIs the food itself locally
sourced from the region?
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Yes, sir, we work with a very big catering company
in Germany, so basically weorder everything through that
company and they deliver it.
No crash at the time.
Yeah, yes, because, to behonest, we haven't got big
storage rooms and everything islogistics.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
As we travel on this exciting podcasting journey
together, I invite you ourincredible audience, to be a
part of it.
Share your own travel stories,insights and recommendations
with us.
Whether you have a hidden gemin your hometown or a dream
destination that has capturedyour imagination, we want to
hear from you.
Your suggestions will helpshape the future episodes of
(21:24):
Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, guiding us towards
extraordinary locations andexperiences that deserve a
spotlight.
Remember, this podcast is notabout just the host or the
guests.
It's about the collectiveexploration and discovery that
unites us all as wanderers inthis vast world.
So reach out to us through ourwebsite, social media channels
(21:44):
or email and let your voice beheard.
Send your suggestions to me atJill at Global Journeys with
JillDuttoncom.
I can't wait to hear from you.
Until next time, may yourtravels be filled with endless
curiosity, open-heartedencounters and transformative
adventures.
Safe travels, fellow explorers,and keep wandering.
Welcome to Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, the
captivating travel podcast thattakes you on an extraordinary
adventure around the world.
I'm your host, jill Dutton, andI am thrilled to be your guide
through the mesmerizing tapestryof cultures, landscapes and
experiences that await us.
Global Journeys with JillDutton is more than just a
(00:24):
travel podcast.
It's an exploration of humanityitself.
Through the power ofstorytelling, we illuminate the
lives of the remarkableindividuals we encounter along
the way, whether it's throughthe eyes of a fishing guide, a
distillery owner, a mixologist,a historian, chef or even a
farmer.
Each person we meet adds a richlayer to the narrative of
(00:47):
culture and place.
Join me as we venture off thebeaten path, seeking
authenticity, connection and adeeper understanding of the
world we inhabit.
Although my writing careerbegan in the late 90s, when I
created and launched a wellnesspublication called Evolving
Magazine, since 2015 I've workedas a travel writer on a mission
(01:09):
to seek out the locallycelebrated foods, liquor, trends
, outdoor activities and storiesof those I meet along the way.
My work has been published inWine Enthusiast, a FAR Woman's
World, first for Women, insider,road Trippers, modern Farmer,
chilled Magazine and many moredigital and print publications.
(01:30):
I'm also the creator of GlobalPlates, the people we meet, the
food they eat a syndicatedcolumn.
So pack your curiosity, leaveyour preconceived notions behind
and let's embark on globaljourneys with Jill Dutton, where
each episode promises toinspire, educate and awaken the
wanderlust within us all.
(01:50):
Before we begin today's episode, I'd like to announce a great
honor our podcast received thisweek.
Feedspot released its besttravel podcasts on the planet,
and Global Journeys with JillDutton placed 27th in the Top
100 Travel Podcasts.
When I began this podcast thisyear with the intention of
(02:12):
providing an insider's glimpseat the people and the places I
travel to, I didn't aspire tobeing on any lists.
My goal was to share theexperiences I've had with other
travelers so we might all relishin our differences while seeing
our commonalities.
To be recognized as one of thebest travel podcasts is a
reflection of you, our listeners, and your dedication to the
(02:34):
show.
Thank you so very much.
Here's to more journeys in 2024.
Now on to this week's episode.
Greetings, fellow travelers.
I just returned from aneight-day European River cruise
aboard the Viking Villehelm.
We began our adventure alongthe Danube River in Budapest,
(02:55):
hungary, then traveled each dayto a new city, from Budapest to
Bratislava, slovakia, to Vienna,krims and Lenz, austria and
ended in Passau, germany.
In each city, my guest Lisa andI took walking tours along the
cobblestone streets to learnabout the architecture and
history of the city, visited theChristmas markets with their
(03:17):
regional delights such aschimney cakes, potato dumplings
and mulled wine, or tookoptional tours such as a thermal
bath in Budapest, a beer anddinner tasting in Bratislava,
and an Austrian countryside tourin Lenz that took us to a
farmer's home to learn the artof bread baking.
When not exploring the variousEuropean cities, our time on
(03:39):
board the Viking Villehelm wasspent indulging in the luxuries
that Viking represents fresh,seasonal, regional fare in the
dining room, friendly staff whowent out of their way to provide
stellar service but also tomake the journey fun.
We sipped cocktails in theevening as we listened to George
Sidorov, the program director,share exciting tales about the
(04:00):
next day's adventures.
After dinner, there weresing-alongs, concerts and
performances, and a chance tocatch up with other passengers
about their favorite sight oractivity.
So far, as often happens, wemade friends with whom we'll
stay in touch with long afterthe journey.
One of the highlights of thecruise was setting sail at night
from Budapest.
(04:20):
We traveled past the Parliamentbuilding shining and golden in
the night light and I held mybreath at the subtle beauty.
Spectacular cruises such as Iexperienced are the norm for
Viking, and Viking has more than250 awards to its name,
including being rated number onefor rivers, number one for
oceans and number one forexpeditions by Condonass
(04:41):
Traveler and voted at the top ofits categories by Travel and
Leisure.
No other cruise line has everreceived these same honors by
both publications at the sametime.
While our crews held adultguests at various ages, viking
cruises are tailored for the55-plus cruise guest.
This means there are leisurelyoptions for someone who might
have challenges on some of thewalking tours and it also makes
(05:04):
for a seamless trip to Europe.
My only other visit to Europewas when I was 12.
My 37-year-old mother and Ispent three months backpacking
parts of Europe, camping,sleeping in youth hostels and
using my sister Mary's home, whowas then stationed in Augsburg,
germany, as a home base.
I've always been awed by thecourage my mother had to take a
(05:24):
child on such an adventure.
She struggled with thelanguages, the currency, finding
our way around and all thelogistics of planning On a
Viking cruise.
However, these challenges oftraveling to a foreign country
are eliminated.
The airfare is booked for you,the itinerary is planned, you
just need to choose yourpreferences.
The guides and crews speakEnglish, and every detail is
(05:47):
taken care of so that all youneed to do is show up.
It makes international travelsstressless and easier.
For a solo traveler or someonenot experienced with travel.
Viking cruise is also aresponsible travel option, as
Viking longships are powered bytrue diesel-electric hybrid
engines that meet stringentemission standards and reduce
vibrations for a remarkablysmooth ride.
(06:09):
In addition, the vesselsfeature onboard solar panels and
organic herb gardens.
Now imagine having theopportunity to sit down with the
program director of thisfloating oasis, gaining insights
into the behind-the-scenesmagic that makes each Viking
river cruise aonce-in-a-lifetime experience.
During my time on the VikingVillehelm, I had the privilege
(06:29):
of sitting down with GeorgeSiderov, the maestro
orchestrating this symphony ofactivities and experiences on
board.
George has worked with Vikingfor 12 years and his enthusiasm
and love for his job are evident.
A previous performer himself,george says many of the crew
have worked in the entertainmentindustry and I suspect this is
part of their enthusiasm and joy.
(06:50):
So get comfortable and join meas we embark on a virtual
journey through the heart ofEurope, both on and off the
Viking Villehelm with Vikingprogram director George Siderov.
Without further ado, let's setsail into the heart of today's
episode and explore the wondersthat Viking river cruises has in
store for us.
This is my first cruise.
(07:14):
It has been just this amazingexperience for myself.
I'm not sure what I was evenexpecting, but I've done a lot
of train travel and so this isjust like a complete flip of
that as far as luxury and theease, and you don't even realize
you're traveling when you aretraveling, and so it's not that
waiting to get to the next place, because you wake up in a
(07:35):
different city every day, andit's just amazing mode of
transportation and I've justenjoyed it immensely.
So I've enjoyed listening.
Every evening we go into thelounge and you tell the guests
about the coming days, city andwhat we'll visit and the
excursions that we'll enjoy, andyour enthusiasm is just, it's
contagious and it's very evident.
(07:56):
So I'm curious, do?
Speaker 2 (07:58):
you think it's beautiful places.
I'm very excited for you guysTo share it.
Yes, you're going to see ittomorrow and I know the impact
it's going to have on you.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
So have you heard from guests often that this
enhances their experience, tolearn about it the day before
and to get that feel for wherethey're going?
Speaker 2 (08:14):
The briefings very much appreciated by the vast
majority of the guests.
Of course, some of them theysaid oh, why should I go to the
briefing?
I've got it written in my paper.
But of course I tried to keepit entertaining, just to crack a
joke every now and then.
Also, I just give them thehistory in the nutshell, the
guys.
The next day they elaborate oneverything that I've said the
(08:35):
night before.
That's true.
I don't really want to botherthem.
I just want to show them somebeautiful pictures of the places
, some highlights, just toprepare them for what they'll be
experienced the next day.
That's so true and you give suchgreat information the night
before and it really builds upthe excitement for I hope so,
and that's the whole idea of thebriefing, basically, and also
(08:57):
to explain to especially guestswith walking difficulties how
challenging the next day isgoing to be and what they should
expect.
And I've heard you mentioningthere's a leisure option for
someone who always wants to goin the slower pace Everywhere
where replicable, we alwaysthrow in a leisurely tour.
That's very nice, that's very,and today, in my opinion, is
(09:20):
just the place that reallyrequires a leisurely tour,
because you know the heels andthe caboose styles.
It's absolutely beautiful, butsometimes it's challenging and
everybody wants to see thecathedral because all the tours
that normally end up in front ofthe cathedral and that's
definitely the highlight.
That's why that's theculmination of the tour.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
The cathedral, yes, Okay, wonderful.
Well, for someone unfamiliarwith Vikings, the Danube River
Cruise what's a typical day looklike?
I mean this particular cruise.
We started in Budapest, Hungary.
We stopped in three cities inAustria and then ended in Passau
, Germany.
Each day, guests get up, theycome down for breakfast.
(10:00):
I mean, you know what's atypical day, but basically, yeah
, that's the typical day.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
We normally kick off with the morning tour.
I think only one day we had anafternoon tour because of the
late arrival, but normally thetour is in the morning.
There's always one includedtour, then lunch and then we
offer optional tours just togive guests an opportunity to
explore more from the places wecruise through, and basically
(10:29):
that gives them an option topick, because they're always
more than one, Most of theplaces like Vienna, I mean the
afternoon we normally have five,sometimes six, optional
expirations.
So, yeah, so of course some ofthem don't want to go on all of
them, but they need to pick.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Yes, we chose.
We went to the Thurlbath inBudapest and loved that.
I think that's a cure for jetlag because it was just.
I felt so much better afterthat because we had just arrived
.
Then the Austrian countrysideyesterday, and that was so fun
to go out into the countryside,see the hills and the Alps in
(11:08):
the distance and learn to makebread, and there's really
intimate experience that youoffer for something like that.
So that was very nice.
So then, after the afternoon,optional expirations Do people
start gathering?
Is it about five or so for yourtalk?
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Yeah, yeah, some of them come on board they want to
chill a little bit.
But because we get so versatilegroup of guests and that's why
we try to cater to everybody'sinterest in different things.
Some people interested infarming, like today, they
reported to me they the farmersor they're farming background
(11:49):
and that's why they wanted to goand see a farm.
Always options, you know just,this is a world full of options.
Yes, it is in each city soconfronted and so into viking.
They keep throwing in optionalexcursions every year Very
wonderful Sometimes.
You know some of them.
Basically they don't work outvery well, so we just try to
(12:09):
replace them with something thatreally works.
See what people really want todo?
Okay, and that's why we givethem the evaluation forms at the
end of the cruise, so they canalso.
This really helps immenselyjust to hear it from the guests
and we have very flexiblecompany and we basically adjust
towards the product.
(12:30):
Whatever the guests want.
That's what we try to provide.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
And notice that throughout with the crew,
members, with everyone, theguest experiences.
Just it's stellar the level ofservice that we've received here
and but sticking with thetypical day, so after you talk
about the next day's destinationand things do people then maybe
sit in the Aqua Veet lounge ornormally after the briefing it's
(12:55):
dinner.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Okay, Immediately after the briefing they go for
dinner, and then in the evening,if we haven't got external
entertainment, I would dosomething like a quiz or a
single or just to keep thementertained, because that's
another reason for people to goon a cruise, on a holiday they
want to be entertained, yes.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Yes, and I'm curious what it was a real highlight for
me.
Well, two highlights for mesetting sail from Budapest, that
was just the night spectacular,the night seeing the parliament
, and then the second one wasthe back out the gorge.
Will we travel to, that is?
Are those typically kind oflike the highlights on?
Speaker 2 (13:40):
the ship?
Yes indeed.
Well, having said that, at themoment you can't really enjoy
the gorge thoroughly becausefour o'clock gets pitch dark and
there was so much more to see.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
But because of the, Well, we did see it was.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
it was amazing, yeah, all now, but we miss like a few
castles further.
I didn't talk about them therewasn't any point because they're
not lit up, but like summertimespring it's even more enjoyable
.
The Christmas cruise is alittle bit differently arranged.
The focus is a bit more on freetime and shopping and
Christmasy stuff and Christmasmarkets During the normal season
(14:21):
.
It's a bit more history.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
I'm okay.
And what would you say are someof the top amenities that
guests enjoy while on board?
While on board, you know, mealsare phenomenal, but you know
something that I might not havethought to mention.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
I don't know what you mean under amenities like,
because we haven't got gyms andspas, no, but our rooms are.
I mean amenities in turn.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
You know the rooms are just kept pristine all the
time.
Everything refreshed, oh yeah,the water bottles as we walk out
the door.
I mean just so many specialdetails that are such a nice.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
It's a very well appointed ship but also very
highly trained crew.
Nobody comes on board without aspecial, very extensive
training and it's like a welloil machine If the part doesn't
fit, the system just rejects itand that's why the people that
(15:18):
work on board they really likewhat they do and I hope these
shows.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
It does, it does and that's.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
I think that leads to my next question you need to be
special breed, you know to workin this industry.
You need to be people friendly.
You need to be really eager toplease.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Yes, yes, and they do .
They.
That was actually my.
I've noticed, you know, thisfriendliness and it's
unparalleled to anything I'veseen, as far as just continually
they greet you, they ask youhow you're doing Very funny,
some of them are playful and,you know, joke around and it's
really it enhances the entireexperience.
So I'm curious, this greatexperience that it creates.
(15:58):
From interacting with crew, youknow, it comes across like they
really truly enjoy their jobs.
So is this level of service areflection of that job
satisfaction?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
I mean, yeah of course, of course.
I mean they, as I said, they gothrough very thorough trainings
and, of course, basically thefollow the SOP, the Viking
Standard Operation Procedure,but it's also down to
personality, as I said, and it'sa very well standardized
(16:30):
company.
You should expect exactly thesame on every single shit, and
this is why people come back.
I agree and are there they knowexactly what to expect.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Yes, I have met so many people that this is their
third or their fourth Vikingcruise and just-.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
And that's why when I talk about the evaluation
system, I always talk to gueststhat travel with Viking before
that they shouldn't really rateus with met expectations,
because they basically evaluatethis particular boat, not the
previous journeys.
Because of course they come upto say, guys, we've been
everywhere, we had so highexpectations and you folks, you
(17:10):
met our expectations, perfect.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Perfect and final question is just myself, being a
first timer on a cruise.
Do you have any tips or advicefor anyone it's their first time
wanting to sign up for a Vikingcruise or this one in
particular, what they mightanticipate or-.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
I would say get ready to be spoiled big time.
And pampered and spawned andget ready to enjoy they eat best
food.
Oh, just to-, as our logo isbasically enjoy the world of
Viking and the service weprovide and the places we cruise
(17:49):
through.
Yes, regional food.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
And speaking of food, I'm gonna be speaking with the
chef as well, but I'm justcurious for your thoughts.
You intentionally each nighthave something from the area
that's featured on the menu andlike that taste of Austria.
It was amazing spread and sowell done and that's I guess.
I don't have anything else tosay.
But it's so appreciated, Iguess very appreciated, to be in
(18:14):
a foreign country and get thatexperience where you can
continually-.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
But that's another thing the guests should expect.
Actually, we try to go originalas much as possible.
We had the taste of Austria theother day because we're
cruising through Austria, but ifyou go on the lower Danube
would you pass between bookers?
You're gonna have the taste ofthe Balkans, which is another
regional evening or lunch hour.
I'm gonna have to we always tryto provide regional food for
(18:42):
the guests because it's part oftheir expectations.
Excellent.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
Well, you meet all expectations and exceed it.
So thank you so much and Ireally appreciate this trip and
I appreciate you take the timeto give listeners because it's a
different way for them to learnabout this experience, as some
other mediums and people likejust hearing about what it's
like.
So thank you very much, george.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Thank you very much, and it's been lots of fun being
on board.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
So why Viking?
Speaker 2 (19:09):
That was a question.
Yeah, so the key question whyViking?
Speaker 1 (19:12):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
As I said, viking is definitely the largest river
cruise company in the world andeverything is standardized.
Even you have to swap ships,because sometimes this happens
rivers either run out of wateror get too much water and then
we need to move guests from oneship on another ship.
(19:34):
But at least we have enoughships because every Viking boat
has a sister ship.
And if the worst comes to worse, if we cannot carry on with the
cruising, then the two shipsthey turn around 180 degrees.
The guests from one go onanother and the guests from the
other go on, and the two shipsturn around and at least the
journey goes on.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Yeah, so there's a plan in place in case Our
competitors.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
They cannot really afford to have this, because
they haven't got enough shipsand it turns into a bus journey
instead of-.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
So many good things about Viking and now that I've
experienced it myself, it'sdefinitely something I would
recommend to other people aswell, and look forward to my
next trip.
You need to find next cruise.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
And because the ships are more or less identical and
everything is standardized soyou know what to expect Exactly.
Even if you go on another boat,you'd know exactly what to
expect the same service, thesame attention to details.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
And this just occurred to me when we were
talking about the regional menuIs the food itself locally
sourced from the region?
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Yes, sir, we work with a very big catering company
in Germany, so basically weorder everything through that
company and they deliver it.
No crash at the time.
Yeah, yes, because, to behonest, we haven't got big
storage rooms and everything islogistics.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
As we travel on this exciting podcasting journey
together, I invite you ourincredible audience, to be a
part of it.
Share your own travel stories,insights and recommendations
with us.
Whether you have a hidden gemin your hometown or a dream
destination that has capturedyour imagination, we want to
hear from you.
Your suggestions will helpshape the future episodes of
(21:24):
Global Journeys with Jill Dutton, guiding us towards
extraordinary locations andexperiences that deserve a
spotlight.
Remember, this podcast is notabout just the host or the
guests.
It's about the collectiveexploration and discovery that
unites us all as wanderers inthis vast world.
So reach out to us through ourwebsite, social media channels
(21:44):
or email and let your voice beheard.
Send your suggestions to me atJill at Global Journeys with
JillDuttoncom.
I can't wait to hear from you.
Until next time, may yourtravels be filled with endless
curiosity, open-heartedencounters and transformative
adventures.
Safe travels, fellow explorers,and keep wandering.
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