AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Monday – dedicated to

Nordic heritage. To guide you showing Munch’s many through this remarkable onboard gallery, download the Viking art smartphone app or obtain a printed catalogue from the guest services team. self-portraits Tuesday – the day for Munch’s most famous works Wednesday and

For adventurous tastes of another Thursday – the lighter side kind, Viking’s cuisine scene across of Munch’s work, featuring all its restaurants is exceptional and gardens, flowers, animals dish ingredients could fill a culinary and architecture encyclopedia. I revel in the daily Friday – Munch’s more specialties that are themed around dramatic artworks our locations, sampling the likes of Saturday – themes related gnocchi alla Romana con coda all to oceans and travel vaccinara (semolina gnocchi with Sunday – calmer scenes, braised oxtail; Rome) and escargots such as landscapes à la Bourguignon (garlic snails; France). These are satiating in every sense. As the week draws to an end, I ponder the question of how well Viking has brought out my “thinking person”. In short, they’ve nailed it. Each day, whether I’m viewing a Picasso painting in a museum or munching on a local delicacy on board, my brain lights up like an electrical substation. My blossoming knowledge is entirely due to this journey. The experiences – whether on or off the ship – are enriching: the sights, sounds and flavours arouse my attention, while the cultural exploits spark my imagination. And all of this is comprises a collection of images achieved without pressure, zero illuminating the magic of this exams and not a red pen in sight. master expressionist on board, Better still, Viking inspires you with a daily, interactive event that to be curious about the world and showcases several pieces of his your surroundings; it triggers you to ask “I wonder why?” at every turn. On the final morning, as I great art, curated by theme, each afternoon on a large screen in the Atrium. As a result, guests have the chance to gain a comprehensive disembark the ship, I peer across the overview of Munch’s work during Barcelona skyline and speculate on their journey. Showcasing the the height of the Torre Glòries, the whole spectrum of Munch’s art, the equivalent of London’s “Gherkin”. collection includes self-portraits, I’m on my own again, without a famous works of art, as well as Viking “brains trust” to ask. But it doesn’t matter – I’ll find out. For, like most other passengers, landscapes, seascapes, flower motifs and travel-related works. As a companion piece, the complimentary Munch Moments I’m leaving the cruise – in the booklet with curatorial information words of Alice in Wonderland – on the artist and his legacy is even “curiouser”. available on board each ship.

SPRING 2020 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 358-day Iconic Western Mediterranean voyage from $3,595pp in Veranda stateroom.

Curiosity in The Wintergarden

Of all the special spaces aboard the Viking ocean liners, few symbolise the company’s wish to deliver “the thinking person’s cruise” like the Wintergarden. Although it serves up a smashing afternoon tea, it delivers a lot more besides. Spread over the walls and ceiling of this sunny space are stenciled “branches” that denote the Tree of Life. Look carefully and you’ll spot two raven sculptures along with decorative panels. Together, these elements represent a Nordic myth in which two ravens of Odin, the God of Thunder, fly around the world each day and return in the evening to report their findings to their god. It’s a beautiful artistic representation of Viking’s commitment to ensuring that you are culturally enriched. And forever curious.

Left to right:

Florence, Italy; The Wintergarden