Viking’s Passage to Eastern Europe – Recapping Our Journey

The Passage to Eastern Europe Is A Pleasant Surprise

Aaron Saunders, River Cruise Advisor
If you ever want to appreciate the value of a cruise, take a long-haul flight in economy class. I have two inches between my knees and the seat in front of me, and even less between my elbow and my seatmates’ elbow, which keeps encroaching on my personal space. I’m dining on a luscious meal of “chicken”, with the alternative being, “pasta.” To wash that down, I’m kicking back some very adequate Merlot. And, on my personal five-inch-by-five-inch inset seatback screen, I’m watching William H. Macy bumble his way through a botched kidnapping in Fargo.
My journey aboard Viking River Cruises’ Passage to Eastern Europe voyage aboard the stellar, 190-guest Viking Longship Embla came to a close on Saturday. That afternoon, I flew back to Canada, which – after 10 days in Eastern Europe – seems a lot like a glorified Disneyland.

Viking Embla docked in Vidin on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

I find I miss Eastern Europe. I miss the sights, the sounds, the visible scars of long-fought battles against the injustice and tyranny that affected this region so badly, and so frequently.
I also miss Viking Embla. Viking has done it again, delivering a river cruise product that continues to grow and mature along with its ever-expanding fleet. I was interested to sail aboard Viking Embla, which celebrates her fourth birthday this year. I was worried she might look tired or run-down. Instead, she sparkles – just like when I stepped aboard her when she was just weeks old, back in 2012.

Now four years old, Viking Longship Embla still sparkles like new. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The post Viking’s Passage to Eastern Europe – Recapping Our Journey appeared first on From The Deck Chair.