Good Morning, Madames 

A Mediterranean mother-daughter vacation aboard Viking Cruises

Photos and story by Irene Middleman Thomas

We felt so noble, convincing ourselves that climbing the stairs between decks instead of using the elevator would erase the effects of four or five desserts, a gelato bar and afternoon high tea. Not true, of course, but we don’t regret one delicious bite.

My adult daughter, Amanda, and I were luxuriating on a 13-day Mediterranean Viking Ocean cruise, visiting ten ports in five countries. We traveled on a streamlined ocean vessel, tastefully and elegantly designed in Scandinavian style, with truly outstanding cuisine.

As Amanda is married, and close to both her twin sister and new nephew, this was a rare opportunity for the two of us to have alone time together. 

Several people told us they wished they had traveled with their parents while they still could have, and we are so grateful that we had this opportunity. Amanda said that when I first invited her to join me, it felt like a dream—too good to be true, and at the end of our cruise, she praised me for being “brave and energetic.” “You were the one dragging me around,” she chuckled. “I will remember this trip forever.” In turn, I admired my daughter as a polished and cultured adult, interacting with all ages with consistent enthusiasm. 

“Make good choices,” Matt, the cruise director, advised each morning on the Viking announcement system. Wise advice indeed, but it easier said than done.

There are seemingly infinite choices on Viking Cruises. This was my seventh Viking voyage, and I always feel slightly guilty that I don’t make time to peruse the incredibly equipped library on board, or to play games on the digital tables or to go to the state–of-the-art gym more than a couple of times. There are the daily port excursions, as well as optional ones, of course. There are activities galore, such as TED talks, cultural and historical lectures, a boutique, a full-service spa, outdoor games such as ping pong, shuffleboard and minigolf, daily classical music events and more.

However, not to be overlooked is the delightful pastime of simply lying on the deck chairs. One day, between competitive Scrabble games, we watched the waves and seabirds and dozed off at will. We did not feel guilty at all.

Viking stands out from other cruise lines, as noted in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Cruise Lines ranking, for Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean. Viking’s motto is “the thinking person’s cruise,” and wisely targets its clients by advertising primarily on PBS, CBS Sunday Morning and the like.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking does not permit children under 18, and it has no casinos, umbrella drinks or art auctions. Beer and wine are free at meals, and specialty restaurants are included. There are zero inside staterooms, and no entrance fee for the spectacular “Nordic Spa” area. There are no lines to enter dining venues, and no formal nights. The ambiance is relaxed and peaceful, yet elegant. 

This cruise was more diverse in age, ethnicity and types of travelers than I had seen on previous Viking voyages. We made friends with older and younger folks, gay and straight couples and singles, but our go-to new ‘besties’ are Anne and Marie, Aussies who have been friends for decades. We spent many an hour laughing with them, learning charming Australian phrases such as “fluffing about” and “being buggered.” We hope that our friendship will continue, as do many of the real relationships that launch on Viking Cruises.

A cruise like this is not meant to be an immersion into each country. Rather, Viking seeks to give a carefully curated “taste” of the highlights of each port. Naturally, seeing the gondolas in Venice, the mega-yachts in Monte Carlo and the ancient ruins of Herculaneum are all “bucket list” sites and duly thrilled us. But some of the best moments were not scheduled by Viking, and occurred during the free time built into each day. Relationships blossom as friends and family share special moments, without life’s stresses, and memories are made.

Back at home, Amanda and I are still laughing about the Croc-wearing Greek Orthodox monks in Corfu who cheerily posed with me, arms linked, for a photo. We giggle about rushing, fully dressed, to the ship’s sauna after getting drenched at the Leaning Tower of Pisa—and how we were so enthralled when viewing the tower that we almost didn’t notice how cold we were. We delight in the video we made of Nico, the Filipino chef who greeted us with a sing-song “Good morning, Madame!” at each breakfast. Ah, and the friendly cats we saw everywhere, supposedly feral but looking very well-fed indeed. How about the group of muscular young guys playing ball on the Dubrovnik beach? Amanda had me pose in front of them so she could take a photo surreptitiously. 

We tried new things we might have never done otherwise. Amanda encouraged me to play ping-pong on deck, and I, in turn, taught her to play beginner’s chess one evening in the cozy Explorers Lounge. 

A bit teary at leaving the ship on the final day, Simon, one of our servers hugged us, saying, “There are certain guests who just touch you.” So true. We left a slew of commendations for the truly exceptional staff members, whose sincere smiles and warmth enhanced our time.

‘Make good choices’ are wise words indeed. Perhaps a Viking cruise is in your future as well.