Viking Explorer Society News | Issue 20 - Christmas 2023

V I K I NG

E X PL OR ER

SOCIET Y NEWS

CHRISTMAS EDITION Christmas across the continents Our guest favourite Christmas recipes The sweet history of gingerbread I S S U E 20

C H R I S T M A S 2023

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#MYVIKINGSTORY Viking guests across the globe are making their travel dreams a reality. Here’s some inspiration to help with your planning.

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VIKING

Welcome to

VIKING EXPLORER SOCIETY NEWS Christmas time brings a special kind of magic to the world.

To me, Christmas embodies the spirit of togetherness, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends and the delightful chaos of grandchildren, with echoes of laughter and delicious food. It’s a season that encourages reflection on the year gone by and inspires hope for the year ahead.

In the pages that follow in our Christmas issue of Viking Explorer Society News, we dive into the holiday season, unwrapping the stories behind traditions and sharing the joy that makes this time of year so special.

Explore the fascinating history of gingerbread, a treat that has stood the test of time, learn about how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and savour the magic of an enchanting Christmas cruise along the Seine.

This edition also features a collection of Christmas recipes shared by many of our wonderful past Viking guests, many I am sure have been passed down through generations.

As the year draws to a close, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your holiday season be full of cherished memories, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back on board in the coming year, ready to create new stories together.

Warmest regards,

MICHELLE BLACK

MANAGING DIRECTOR, VIKING AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

viking.com

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CONTENTS VIEW

6 CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE CONTINENTS

We look at how Christmas is celebrated in different countries around the world VIEW

8 SEINE SERENADE Above: Dresden Christmas Market

A delightful Christmas cruise from Paris to Normandy immersing you in France’s rich and colourful history V IK ING

E X PL O R E R

VIEW

SOCIET Y NEWS

12 CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR ROUND Be spellbound by Christmas and the magical sights of one of Germany’s last remaining walled medieval towns VIEW

CHRISTMAS EDITION Christmas across the continents Our guest favourite Christmas recipes The sweet history of gingerbread ISSUE 20

CHRISTMAS 2023

On the cover: Gingerbread House

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14 WIN A CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK Enter to win a Downton Abbey Christmas cookbook

VIKING

VIEW

Prague Christmas Market

15 FESTIVE BONDING

Q&A with two Viking guests on their first Christmas on the Rhine river voyage VIEW

20 YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS RECIPES

Our loyal Viking guests share their favourite Christmas recipes for you to make at home VIEW

26 NORDIC STYLE CHRISTMAS

Learn about the traditions and rituals of Yule — Christmas in Scandinavia VIEW

30 DIVE INTO THE SWEET HISTORY OF GINGERBREAD

This sweet confection has a rich history that spans centuries and continents VIEW

32 CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON AT SEA

For those who crave a different kind of yuletide experience exploring captivating destinations viking.com

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Christmas across continents A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF TRADITIONS The magic of Christmas transcends borders, weaving a tapestry of traditions that vary from country to country.

Whether it's a snowy Christmas in the northern hemisphere or a sunny celebration in the south, we look at how Christmas is celebrated around the globe. As the world comes together to cherish the magic of Christmas the universal themes of love, togetherness and joy are consistent during the festive season.

NORWAY

ITALY

In Norway, Christmas is a time of hygge, a concept that embodies cosiness and conviviality. Families celebrate with a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, featuring the beloved dish, ribbe (roast pork belly). After dinner, it's customary for families to exchange gifts.

One of the most enchanting Norwegian Christmas traditions is the lighting of candles/lights on Christmas trees, symbolising the return of light during the darkest time of the year.

In Italy, Christmas is a celebration of family and feasting. The festivities kick off on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

On Christmas Eve, families indulge in a lavish seafood dinner known as the "Feast of the Seven Fishes." Christmas Day features a delectable spread of panettone and pandoro, traditional sweet breads enjoyed throughout the country.

Nativity scene, Mexico

MEXICO

Hygge style Christmas, Norway

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In Mexico, Christmas is a vibrant and deeply rooted celebration, blending cultural, religious, and family traditions.

The Christmas season is marked by the vibrant festival of Las Posadas. From 16-24 December, communities re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey to find shelter.

The celebrations culminate in a grand feast on Christmas Eve, featuring tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and the sweet, cinnamon-infused warm fruit punch of ponche.

Italian Christmas panettone VIKING

ARGENTINA

UNITED STATES

Christmas in Argentina is a blend of European and Latin American influences, marked by warm weather and vibrant celebrations. Families gather for a late-night Christmas Eve feast, featuring asado, a traditional popular Argentinian barbeque.

The festive season extends into January, with the celebration of El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day). Panettone and sweet breads are enjoyed, and locals partake in fireworks displays and street parties to ring in the New Year.

In the United States, Christmas is a time of joy, marked by elaborate decorations, festive parades, and, of course, gift exchanges. Carolers take to the streets spreading festive cheer. Families gather on Christmas Eve for a special dinner, often featuring the iconic roast turkey or ham. Children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas morning, bringing the joy of giving and receiving.

Christmas KFC a Japanese tradition

JAPAN

FRANCE

In Japan, Christmas is not a public holiday, but it's celebrated with enthusiasm. While the religious aspects may not be as prominent, Christmas Eve is considered a romantic occasion, akin to Valentine's Day. Couples exchange gifts, and festive illuminations adorn the streets.

A popular Christmas meal includes fried chicken from KFC, a quirky tradition that has become deeply ingrained in Japanese holiday culture.

The French with their rich cultural tapestry celebrate Christmas with a touch of elegance. The festive season kicks off on 6 December with the feast of Saint Nicholas. Christmas Eve, known as Réveillon, is a lavish affair featuring a late-night feast that can include oysters, foie gras, and the iconic bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). In the region of Provence, the nativity scene takes centre stage with santons and hand-crafted nativity figurines.

Floating nativity scene, France

INDIA

SWEDEN

In India, Christmas is celebrated by a diverse population, with festivities varying across regions.

Midnight Mass is a common tradition, with beautifully adorned churches hosting services of hymns and prayers.

In some regions, families exchange gifts on Christmas Day, while others partake in communal feasts featuring a mix of traditional and global cuisines. Many communities engage in acts of charity, embodying the true spirit of Christmas by giving back to those in need.

In Sweden, the Christmas season is synonymous with the tradition of St. Lucia's Day on 13 December. Families gather for a candlelit procession, with the eldest daughter dressed as St. Lucia. Sweden's Christmas markets, such as the one in Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan), offer an array of crafts, sweets, and holiday treats. Christmas Eve brings a smorgasbord of delights, including cured salmon, meatballs, and the classic saffroninfused buns known as lussekatter.

viking.com

Swedish style Christmas Elves

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Seine

SERENADE A delightful Christmas cruise from Paris to Normandy offers the chance to immerse oneself in France’s rich & colourful history.

Words By John Wilmott

As the sun went down over Normandy in the late afternoon, the temperature dropped while the number of Christmas shoppers wandering the cobbled streets of Rouen rose. It was chillier than normal, even for December, but there was the perfect hand-warmer close at hand. Glowing invitingly in front of the magnificently carved Façade of Rouen's Gothic cathedral was a white wooden booth serving mugs of vin chaud hot wine. Cupping numbing fingers around my drink, I looked around at the 60 or so stalls that made up this small city's Christmas market, offering a range of edible treats such as Crêpes and candied fruit, and gifts including wooden figurines and candles.

Handily, this charming festive scene was just five minutes’ walk from where Viking Fjorgyn, my river-ship home for a week, was moored for the day. Rouen is one of the medieval gems of France, and we were halfway through Viking's seven-night Christmas on the Seine cruise. That morning I'd joined a walking tour, our guide pointing out the cathedral and the intricate 14th century Gros-Horloge astronomical clock that hovers above a pedestrian lane, the formidable Palace of Justice and the Place du Vieux-Marché.

The latter, we discovered, is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431 and it was here that I returned in the afternoon after lunch onboard, not just to inspect the modern church built in her honour but some of the most handsome buildings in the city.

Classic half-timbered architecture is an emblem of Rouen. Although many homes and shops were severely damaged during World War II, they were lovingly restored, right down to the crooked wooden frames that make them so photogenic.

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As you would expect, our cruise had started in Paris, Viking Fjorgyn pointing straight at the Eiffel Tower from its city mooring. More than once I popped up to the top deck to take pictures of Paris's unmistakable landmark, both in the daytime and lit up at night.

After 24 hours in the capital and an introductory tour - which included a very cute Christmas market - we were entertained by a trio of opera singers before sailing through the night down the Seine and waking up in Vernon.

A peaceful riverside town, Vernon is also replete with old timber-framed homes and a Gothic cathedral, in which we were treated to a private recital on the 17th-century organ following a guided walk. Towards the end of our walk Guillaume, our guide, noticed a few participants rubbing their hands in the cool air.

"I know just the place," he said, ushering us inside a traditional café where I had my first taste of Norman vin chaud.

Another hot toddy was waiting in the atrium back onboard, served by the ever-jolly maître d', Stan, wearing festive conic spectacles. Viking does these small details with flair, as I found out that night during dinner where Marmite Dieppoise - a Normandy fish stew - was on the menu.

One of the delights of river cruising is waking up in a new place almost every day and we were soon at Caudebec-en-Caux, the furthest stop from Paris.

Tempted though I was by an optional trip to the festive celebrations of Le Havre on the coast, I tried something completely different.

VIKING

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

One of Viking's included excursions is to the Abbey of St Wandrille, a working monastery that dates back to the 7th century. I had my first experience of Gregorian chanting as the monks and priests followed their complex rituals during mass. I'm not especially spiritual, but I found the service tranquil yet powerful on an emotional level. Next, we assembled in an old beamed hall where one of the monks took our questions. "Have the monks taken a vow of silence?" asked one guest. "If we had," answered Brother Lucien, “I wouldn't be able to tell you about the work we do here!" That work, he explained, involved brewing beer and making honey and confectionery - all available in the Abbey's shop.

At Rouen, Viking offered the chance to visit the D-Day beaches and memorials - but I resisted so I could explore the city. In the evening, local jazz musicians came on board to play wartime classics in the lounge, which I enjoyed with a couple of shots of the region's calvados apple brandy.

Throughout its ocean and river ships, Viking adopts the same Scandi-chic interior design, using lots of natural materials such as stone, wood, leather and wool. Staterooms, many with a little private verandah, feature super-comfy beds and heated bathroom floors.

It's all super-smart and, for me, the lack of chintz is more than welcome. My favourite area is the Aquavit Terrace at the front of the ship, a conservatory-style space that can be opened up to the front deck in fine weather. In winter it's cosy yet still offers panoramic views. viking.com

Clockwise from top: Christmas in Paris; Fontenelle Abbey, Normandy, France

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The City Of Light The first day of this cruise aboard the Viking Fjorgyn offers a tour of Paris and the chance to marvel at its remarkable sights, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. Visitors can take in the École Militaire (Military Museum), the artworks of the Musée d'Orsay, the culturerich Latin Quarter, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

There's also the option to join a tour to explore Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur, or sample the delights of French cuisine during a food tour.

Musée d'Orsay in Paris

On our departure from Paris, I'd been admiring the impressive chalk cliffs that towered over the Seine when suddenly a striking castle appeared, high on a hill.

No time to go grab my camera, I thought with some annoyance. Not to worry - Château Gaillard was to be a highlight on the return to Paris.

I had been up on the top deck that morning in the winter sunshine, captivated by the eerie mist that floated across the calm water, marvelling at the amount of mistletoe groaning in the bare trees, spotting numerous cormorants and herons and admiring the picturesque homes lining the banks.

ROYAL HISTORY

Docking at the village of Les Andelys, we hiked up to the castle ruins. We'd been 'introduced' to Richard the Lionheart the previous day at Rouen, where his heart is buried in the cathedral. At Château Gaillard, the 'brave' part of the English king's name was illustrated by our guide Marie, who explained how he defended his Dukedom of Normandy from here at the turn of the 13th century. The vista was memorable, the cliffs marching away downstream and our ship nestled far below.

Paris is obviously a major draw of this cruise and another 24 hours here provided a suitable finale. I had not been to the French capital for more than two decades, and so decided to re-acquaint myself via the Métro and my eager two feet. I came upon what must be France's biggest Christmas attraction near the Louvre. As much funfair as festive market, it thronged with Parisians and tourists downing vin chaud, 10

munching on spiced pastries and fretting over their children on the ferris wheel. Stalls selling jewellery, candles, bags and scarfs were doing a brisk trade.

Taking a long, leisurely walk back to the ship, the Eiffel Tower peeked in and out amongst the buildings lining Paris's elegant boulevards. As night began to fall, the tower suddenly burst into life, lights sparkling rapidly up and down the 1,000-ft steel spike. The display only lasts for five minutes each hour. My memories of this cruise will last far longer.

This article was originally published in the September issue of MiNDFOOD magazine.

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Rouen

Les Andelys Giverny Le Pecq

La Roche-Guyon

Paris

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FRANCE

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PARIS & THE HE ART OF NORMANDY PARIS – PARIS 8 DAYS | 6 GUIDED TOURS | 1 COUNTRY SET SAIL MAR – NOV 2024; 2025

From $4,195pp in Standard stateroom

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VIKING

Clockwise from top: Traditional macaron stand in Rouen; Christmas display in Giverny; Astronomical clock in Rouen; Galleries Lafayette in Paris

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Rothenburg ob der tauber

WHERE CHRISTMAS HAPPENS ALL YEAR ROUND Follow the “Romantic Road” to one of Germany’s last remaining walled medieval towns — Rothenburg ob der Tauber, lovingly preserved, and where Christmas is celebrated all year round

Above: The colourful Käthe Wohlfahrt Gift Express bus outside the shop

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C

enturies ago, Rothenburg was ruled by the Holy Roman Empire. It was a busy merchant city until the Thirty Years’ War and the plague threw it into poverty. This 17thcentury stagnation froze Rothenburg in time, to be

rediscovered by German Romantics in 1802. An optional excursion to this charming town, you will see the picturesque Plönlein square and the Kriminalmuseum, stroll the castle garden and observe its system of weirs across the river. Walk along the Herrengasse, an inviting lane of old patrician houses. And see the

1466 High Altar of St. Jakob’s Church and the Gothic– Renaissance Town Hall.

Perhaps one of Rothenburg’s most famous attractions is the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop.

Founded by Wilhelm and Kathe Wohlfahrt in 1964, from a desire to gift friends traditional music boxes VIKING

that they were unable to find outside of the Christmas period.

The Rothenburg store – now their global headquarters – has been converted to a year-round Christmas village covering more than 1,400 square metres. It is home to a remarkable collection of traditional German decorations, perfectly fashioned handmade gifts, pyramids, nutcrackers, and ornaments of glass, wood and pewter, all made by creative artists and expert craftsmen.

Decorating trees and displaying ornaments has been a tradition going back thousands of years. Born from the notion that beautiful decorations and green branches were thought to banish the gloomy feel of winter in the dark season.

Upon entering, you are immediately spellbound by Christmas, captivated by the magical sights and sounds before you. Nearly five kilometres of tinsel and Christmas garland, with over 122,000 dazzling lights have been used to gracefully decorate the village. The heart of the village is modelled off a Franconian settlement with snow-covered houses, thousands of twinkling lights and a winding cobblestone street. A five-metre tall revolving Christmas tree, adorned with 12,500 twinkling lights and more

than a thousand glass baubles will entrance and enliven the darkest of seasons. Before you leave, finish with a photo with the colourful Käthe Wohlfahrt Gift Express bus – parked right outside – and take home your very own original souvenir.

If you’ve not had enough of Christmas, take time to explore the German Christmas Museum, the first permanent exhibition in Germany on the history of German Christmas traditions. It showcases unusual and rare Christmas decorations from the 19th and the early 20th-centuries. You’ll also discover the differences between St. Nicholas and Father Christmas and learn when the first advent calendars

and wreaths appeared.

Experience the joy of Christmas all year round with an optional excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber on our Grand European Tour river cruise.

Clockwise from top: The life-size nutcracker outside the shop; see intricate models through the shop window; hand crafted wooden ornament; explore hundreds of traditional German decorations and perfectly fashioned handmade gifts

VIEW VOYAGE

THE NETHERLANDS The Hague

Amsterdam

GERMANY

Kinderdijk Cologne

RHINE MAIN

Koblenz Miltenberg Wertheim Würzburg Rothenburg

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Overnight in Por t

Bamberg

CZECH REPUBLIC

MAIN–DANUBE Prague CANAL Nuremberg DANUBE Krems Regensburg Passau

Melk Vienna

AUSTRIA

DANUBE Budapest HUNGARY

ETTING THERE: The 15-day Grand European G Tour itinerary sails from Amsterdam to Budapest, or vice versa.

From $6,195pp in Standard stateroom viking.com

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Highclere Castle, England

Christmas at Highclere Castle

Win a Downton Abbey

CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Highclere Castle – known as “the real Downton Abbey”. The exquisite Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, built in the Victorian Gothic style by Sir Charles Barry, who also built the Houses of Parliament, is the country seat of the distinguished Earls of Carnarvon, renowned for their influence abroad as well as in Britain.

Experience the sophistication and charm of the holiday season at Downton Abbey with this special edition coffee table cookbook. Showcasing the opulence of Christmas festivities at the iconic British estate. Presenting a curated selection of classic British holiday recipes spanning from appetisers to desserts, inspired by the culinary traditions of the Edwardian era. We have 4 cookbooks to give away.

HOW TO ENTER

Send your name, phone number, delivery address and your best packing tips.

Maybe you roll your clothes to fit more in, or you always carry a foldable reusable shopping bag – you never know when the urge will strike to purchase souvenirs!

Whatever your tips we want to know them. Entries close 26 December 2023.

EMAIL: ExplorerSociety.ANZ@viking.com POST: Level 6, 66 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Terms and Conditions apply: Entries close 11:59pm on 26 December 2023. One book per person. Winners will be selected at random and are at the sole discretion of Viking and no correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition, you agree that your first name and last initial (ie. Sarah T) and your packing tips can be used in Viking future marketing materials.

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VIKING

Festive BONDING Viking guest Jo Stubbs tells us about her journey with mum, Jennie, on their first-ever Christmas on the Rhine sailing together

Where did you sail to and did you and your mum have a favourite destination?

Jo: Definitely Freiburg in Germany. That was really beautiful. The cathedral was in the centre of the Old Town and to go in there and listen to the organ was absolutely incredible and really moving. The other places that we enjoyed were Rüdesheim because at the time it was evening and it was full of local families having a really lovely time.

Jennie: Yes, it had a lovely market there.

Jo: Speyer was really nice as well. The cathedral there was just spectacular, wasn’t it?

Tell us about the highlights of travelling together on this festive journey.

Jo: This is the first time we’ve travelled together by ourselves. We’ve done an ocean cruise, but we had Dad there as well. This worked really well and it was a really nice experience. We had a great deal of fun together. It was nice to go away as a multigenerational mother and daughter. In fact, there were several others on the ship who were doing the same thing, maybe because of the attraction of doing the shopping at the Christmas markets.

Jennie: It was the first time I had taken my mobility scooter as I hadn’t had it that long.

So it was quite an adventure for me to see how much I could do. And I felt so liberated going on this holiday because I could take part in the tours with everybody else. The holiday affirmed how lucky I am to have Jo, my friend, my carer and my daughter. The most positive influence on my life. viking.com

Jennie: I think it’s the largest Romanesque church in the world.

Jo: But I think the best market was the Rüdesheim one because it was the friendliest. It has a little street with a square, and then you go down another street and there’s another square, with markets scattered around. So you felt like you’d explored the whole town. Strasbourg was so impressive too. It was a cold, frosty and slightly snowy day that day – really beautiful.

The trees were all covered in frost and snow, so it felt like Christmas.

What did you enjoy most about the Viking excursions?

Jennie: They were great. The guides were exceptionally good. They were involved and you could ask them questions.

Jo: They didn’t mind stopping if you found something interesting, and they’d usually have a little nugget of information about it. Certainly with our group, they were very conscious that we 15

were walking a bit slower so they didn’t hurry us up. You had the time to stop and look at the things you wanted to look at.

Did you pick up any Christmas gifts, if so what?

Jo: Many people had glühwein mugs because they bought so many and it’s part of the culture there during Christmas time. We also got some lovely things, candle holders and carved wooden hanging decorations. The food at the stalls was amazing as well. There were all these wonderful glazed nuts that you could eat hot, but they were also good enough to take home as gifts for friends and family. In Mannheim there was an amazing art gallery there, which was right on the square, which we went into for a cup of coffee. That had a fabulous shop in it. We got some really cracking little gifts there. My nephews are studying German at school, so we got little German postcards with cartoons on them in the local language, but you could still make out what they were supposed to be saying. So we gave them that for Christmas and they were like, ‘Oh, we know what that’s saying’.

And they were taking them to school to show to their friends. We got them some 16

German kids’ magazines too, the sort of stuff you can’t really get at home.

What activities did you take part in on board the ship?

Jo: We did Christmas carols and we had a cookery demo, which was great. There were lots of things going on. Oh, we also decorated the tree. There was also a great guitar and violin duo, and some singers came on board one night too. If something was going on we would usually take part and if Mum went to bed early I didn’t feel awkward staying on by myself because there were enough people to go and sit with and chat away to.

What kind of food did you enjoy most on board?

Jo: The meals were lovely. There was a nice choice of local or classic dishes and the staff were great at recommending things.

Jennie: The food was just excellent. Really, really excellent. It was typical Viking food.

It was very difficult to pick out one thing that we enjoyed above anything else because it was all so good.

VIKING

Any tips for future Viking travellers on this Christmas on the Rhine itinerary?

Jennie: Wear some sturdy shoes. You do an awful lot of walking unless you’re sitting on a mobility scooter. And be prepared for colder weather because it is the Christmas season. I wore a pair of jeans and a pair of thermal trousers as well. The hand warmers that you can buy and put into your gloves are a good idea – when you haven’t got your hands around a nice warm mug of glühwein!

Jo: Money-wise, a lot of the stallholders at the Christmas markets take cash rather than card.

They would be happier having cash because sometimes they couldn’t always get the card machines to work. So having cash with you if you’re going to go shopping in the Christmas markets is handy and a shopping bag for the little bits you pick up. Just be prepared for it to be cold and take a good woolly hat.

Particularly if you want to stand on the open deck to watch the scenery when going down the middle Rhine. It did get chilly up there and some of us actually went up with all our coats on and a Viking blanket around us. Oh, and if you wanted to, you could take little

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festive decorations with you from home, so you could then make it quite Christmassy in your stateroom as well.

Where would you and your mum like to travel to next?

Jo: My next trip away with Mum is the Douro and I’m really looking forward to that because Mum and Dad have done it several times, they know exactly what I’m going to enjoy so that I can actually go and, in effect spend my time wisely based on their recommendations. So we’ve got lots of lovely trips planned and we’re making hay while the sun shines!

From left to right: Cologne cathedral lit up at night; Incense figures in Koblenz; Carols sung onboard; Viking Ship decked out with festive decor; Viking guests Jennie and Jo Stubbs

Jennie: My husband Kevin and I are going to do the Holland & Belgium. Then in November, we’re doing France’s Finest from south to north of France. We’re looking forward to that one.

GETTING THERE: The 8-day Christmas on the Rhine itinerary sails from Amsterdam to Basel, or vice versa.

From $3,995pp in Standard stateroom

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CHR ISTM AS M AR KET R IVER JOUR NEYS CELEBR ATE the festive season

A river cruise through Europe during the Christmas season is a magical experience. From late November leading up to Christmas, you can experience the joyful atmosphere of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. From Nuremberg and Vienna to Budapest and Paris the yuletide season transforms beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets offering hand-carved toys and ornaments, spicy glühwein and aromatic gingerbread.

Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, immersing yourself in the spirit of Christmas and stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairytale villages. Witness picturesque, snow-dusted mountains and castles fit for a fairytale. Take part in European holiday traditions, experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets and sample tasty yuletide treats and delicacies.

On board, the festive cheer continues with twinkling lights and decorations. Bake fresh gingerbread with our executive chef and enjoy live Christmas music performed by a local ensemble.

Whether you choose to travel in early December and return home in time for Christmas Day, or spend the Christmas period on board with us, you can look forward to a festive season like no other.

THE NETHERLANDS Amsterdam Nor th Sea Dordrecht GERMANY Düsseldorf Antwerp Cologne Brussels RHINE BELGIUM Koblenz Rüdesheim Mannheim MOSELLE Speyer Strasbourg

Winningen Cochem Trier

Basel

Lake Maggiore

Mannheim GERMANY

FRANCE

RHINE Basel

Lucerne

SWITZERLAND

Speyer

RHINE

Strasbourg

Paris

RHINE

Mainz

MOSELLE

Reims

Zürich

SWITZERLAND

ITALY

Lake Como

VIEW VOYAGE

Koblenz

Bernkastel

Breisach

FRANCE

– Cruise

VIEW VOYAGE

– Cruise ••••••••

•

Motor Coach

Overnight in Por t

CHRIS TM A S ON THE RHINE Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa

CHRIS TM A S ON THE RHINE & MOSELLE Paris to Zurich or vice versa

8 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: NOV– DEC 2024; 2025

12 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 10 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: NOV– DEC 2024; 2025

From $3,995PP in Standard stateroom

From $5,495PP in Standard stateroom

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, includes all advertised discounts, and correct at time of printing. A partially refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Christmas on the Rhine based on 18 December 2025. Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle based on 13 December 2025. All offers only valid on new bookings made between 1 December 2023 and 24 December 2023 unless sold out prior. For full terms and conditions including flexible deposit visit viking.com

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VIKING

Save up to $2,000 per couple on 2024 & 2025 Christmas voyages Always included...

• Deluxe accommodation in a riverview stateroom • Guided excursion in each port of call • Onboard meals and beverages, including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Specialty coffee, tea and bottled water • Unlimited Wi-Fi • Culture Curriculum: Lectures and performances of music, art, dance, cooking and history • All onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes • No credit card surcharges

VIEW VOYAGE

Prague MAIN

Nuremberg

MAIN–DANUBE CANAL

Passau

Warsaw

Potsdam

CZECH REPUBLIC GERMANY

Regensburg

GERMANY

VIEW VOYAGE

Berlin

DANUBE

Krems

AUSTRIA

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Overnight in Por t

ELBE Meissen Bad Schandau

DANUBE

Vienna

POLAND

Wittenberg Torgau

Dresden

Budapest HUNGARY

•

Motor Coach

Overnight in Por t

Kraków

Děčín

– Cruise ••••••••

Clockwise, from top left: Cologne Christmas markets looking spectacular; Nutcracker at the Strasbourg Christmas markets; discover local crafts at each Christmas market.

VLTAVA

Prague

CZECH REPUBLIC

CHRIS TM A S ON THE D ANUBE Budapest to Regensburg or vice versa

CHRIS TM A S ALONG THE ELBE Berlin to Prague or vice versa

8 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: NOV– DEC 2024; 2025

10 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES | 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: NOV– DEC 2024; 2025

From $3,995PP in Standard stateroom

From $5,995PP in Standard stateroom

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, includes all advertised discounts, and correct at time of printing. A partially refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Christmas on the Danube based on 21 November 2025. Christmas along the Elbe based on 21 November 2025. All offers only valid on new bookings made between 1 December 2023 and 24 December 2023 unless sold out prior. For full terms and conditions including flexible deposit visit viking.com

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Our Viking guests share their favourite

CHRISTMAS RECIPES Christmas is fast approaching and if you are looking for a new festive dish to add to your spread, then give one of these recipes a try. Our Viking guests have shared some of their favourite Christmas recipes. From traditional culinary classics to tropical festive delights – these mouthwatering dishes will make your celebration extra special.

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VIKING

HERB & GARLIC SNAILS IN MUSHROOMS Recipe by Jan V. “My favourite deluxe canapé! Fit for any special occasion, and the holiday season is one – it only has three ingredients and can be pre-prepared ready for the guests to arrive. I hope you enjoy my twist on Garlic Escargot”.

INGREDIENTS - 1 can of good quality snails, drained and rinsed - Quantity of cleaned and trimmed mushroom caps to match the number of snails (you can finely chop the stems and add them if you wish, so no waste!)

- Softened herb and garlic butter sufficient for the number of snails

BASIL POTATO SALAD

METHOD

METHOD

Recipe by Greg R.

1. Line a tray with foil or baking paper.

The tray size needs to hold one layer of mushrooms snugly.

2. Place one snail in each mushroom cap and cover with butter. Continue until all the snails (and chopped stems if used) are in caps and on the tray.

3. Store covered in a refrigerator until ready to heat.

4. Just before the guests are due, preheat the grill.

5. As guests arrive, grill mushrooms for 3 - 5 minutes, until butter just bubbles and mushrooms are just cooked.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the mushrooms.

6. Allow to cook briefly, as you transfer the morsels to a serving plate.

7. Serve with an aperitif of your choice - Champagne is mine, especially for the Holiday season.

An Italian twist on a classic salad recipe, this salad combines the earthy richness of potatoes with the fresh, aromatic notes of basil and the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts.

SALAD 1. Boil or steam potatoes until tender.

Drain and place in a salad bowl.

2. Place pine nuts (including those used for the dressing) on an oven tray and toast in a moderate oven for 5-8 minutes.

3. Add 2 tbsp. of pine nuts to the potatoes.

4. Add chopped cucumber to potatoes.

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INGREDIENTS SALAD 500g potatoes 2 tbsp. pine nuts 1 cucumber 2 tsp. fresh basil, chopped DRESSING 1 cup basil, loosely packed 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp. pine nuts 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup light sour cream

DRESSING 1. Combine basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese in a processor and process until smooth.

2. Add mayonnaise and sour cream, and process until smooth.

3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss lightly.

4. Sprinkle with basil.

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EASY STAINED GLASS WINDOW CAKE Recipe by Kerry Lynne D. “I make this every Christmas - it is a family favourite. I love to give friends slices of it on a plate as a Christmas gift.

The cake is even better looking if you can find some green and yellow glace cherries, as well as the usual red ones”.

INGREDIENTS 300g whole almonds 300g glace cherries 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (with peel in it if you can find it) 3 eggs ⅔ cup self-raising flour ¾ cup sugar ½ cup rum (or brandy if you prefer it better) Note: Other nuts, fruits and dates can be used if you prefer.

METHOD 1. Heat the oven to 150°C. 2. Place fruit, nuts, flour, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the beaten eggs and alcohol.

3. Mix with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are combined. If the mixture is too dry and won't blend, add a little milk (or some more rum or brandy!)

4. Again, using your hands or a spoon, place the mixture into a greased foillined bar tin. Try not to fill the bar tin more than 7 cm, so it doesn't take a long time to cook, and so it will slice easily. Any extra mixture can be cooked in muffin tins.

5. Cook for approximately 2 hours, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Note: You may have to cover the cake with foil during the cooking if the top is starting to burn.

6. Remove from the cake tin when cool, wrap in foil, and store in the fridge.

7. Cut approximately 3 mm slices with a sharp knife.

8. Suitable to freeze for several months.

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CHRISTMAS COFFEE LIQUEUR BALLS Recipe by Amanda A. “Always great with afternoon Christmas drinks or as an extra sweet in addition to any Christmas desserts, this is an easy recipe you can use time and again.

Whilst rum is the traditional liquor for ‘rum balls’, I have substituted it with coffee-flavoured liqueur and added cinnamon for a sweeter taste. You can also add extra ingredients you might like e.g. chopped raisins, nuts, etc”.

INGREDIENTS 1 x 250g packet Milk Coffee Biscuits 1 x 395g tin of condensed milk 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for coating) ¼ cup cocoa powder ¼ cup coffee-flavoured liqueur 1 dessert spoon of powdered cinnamon METHOD 1. Add biscuits in small batches to a food processor until they become small crumbs.

2. In a large bowl add all ingredients including crumbs and mix (hand mixing works best) until well combined.

3. Roll into any size ball of your choice, roll in coconut and place in a single layer in a covered container or tray in the fridge until firm.

4. Will keep for 1–2 weeks (if they last that long!).

VIKING

MINI MINCE CRUMBLE TOPPED PIES Recipe by Beveley Jane F. Indulge in holiday bliss with this Mini Mince Crumble Topped Pies recipe.

These petite delights feature a buttery sweet shortcrust pastry, perfectly complemented by a spiced mincemeat filling infused with the warmth of cinnamon and topped with an almond crumble that adds a delicious crunch to every bite.

INGREDIENTS 1 sheet sweet shortcrust pastry (or if prefer you can make your own) 200g Christmas mincemeat 1 tsp. cinnamon 40g ground almonds 60g caster sugar 50g butter METHOD 1. Prepare and roll the pastry, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

2. Use a cutter to make circles and press into a prepared mini muffin tin (24 size).

3. Mix the ground almonds and caster sugar together, then rub in the butter until it forms breadcrumbs. Note: grating the butter first can make it easier to work with.

4. Spoon the mincemeat mixture into the pastry shells, then sprinkle the almond crumble over the top.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 190°C. 6. Sprinkle with icing sugar if desired.

MINI CHOCOLATE XMAS PUDDINGS Recipe by Jennifer J. A fusion of finely crushed biscuits, luscious fruit mince, and a touch of rum, adorned with chocolate and cherries – these Mini Chocolate Xmas Puddings are a joyful indulgence in every bite.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups finely crushed plain biscuits 410g jar of fruit mince 100g melted dark chocolate 50g melted butter 1 tbsp. rum Red and green glace cherries (enough to decorate puddings) viking.com

METHOD 1. Mix all ingredients together.

2. Cool mixture in the fridge until set enough to roll into small balls. Then put them back into the fridge to firm up again.

3. Melt 200g dark chocolate and dip balls in to cover.

4. Melt some white chocolate in a plastic bag. Cut a small piece off a corner and pipe the white chocolate on top of the balls to represent cream.

5. Chop up the red and green glace cherries to look like cherries and leaves and place them on top of the puddings. I use two toothpicks to help decorate them.

Note: The recipe makes 50-55 mini puddings.

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MANGOMISU Recipe by Kathryn F. “Making the most of Australia's iconic summer fruit - the mango.

This is my summery twist on a classic dessert”.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

600ml thickened cream 500g good-quality mascarpone cheese ⅓ cup pure icing sugar, sifted 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped 3 mangoes, flesh sliced 1cm thick Juice of 2 oranges ½ cup (125ml) Grand Marnier 300g savoiardi (sponge finger biscuits)

1. Line the base of a 22 cm springform cake pan with plastic wrap or baking paper, leaving 2 cm overhanging.

2. Place the thickened cream, mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla seeds in a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whisk on high speed until stiff and well combined. Chill until needed.

3. Combine the orange juice and Grand Marnier in a separate bowl. Dip half the sponge fingers into the juice mixture and layer in the base of the prepared pan. Spread with one-third of the mascarpone mixture, and top with onethird of the mango slices. Repeat the process, then top with the remaining

RASPBERRY SAUCE ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 250g fresh or frozen raspberries Juice of 1 lemon

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mascarpone mixture, reserving the remaining mango slices to serve. Cover the cake and chill for 2 hours or until firm.

4. To make the raspberry sauce, place the sugar and 2 tbsp. water in a small pan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the berries and lemon juice, crushing the berries slightly. Stand to cool completely. Pass through a sieve set over a bowl and chill until ready to serve. Note: You can store the sauce covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

5. To serve, carefully remove the sides and base of the cake pan and transfer the Mangomisu to a platter. Decorate with curls of the reserved mango, then slice and serve with the raspberry sauce.

VIKING

SUEY’S SUNNY LEMON & LIME TART Recipe by Sue H. This zesty tart is light and fresh. The buttery biscuit base works in harmony with the lush citrusy filling. Decorate it how you wish, perhaps drizzled with some dark chocolate on top once cooled. “Serve it with thick double cream and a strawberry alongside a nice cup of tea or coffee. It’s a great way to end a festive meal”.

INGREDIENTS BISCUIT BASE 200g plain sweet biscuits (plain McVitie Digestives are my fave, or you could use Milk Arrowroot) Pinch of Salt 1 egg white (I hate waste, so I throw the egg yolk in with the filling above!)

125g melted butter (plus a bit extra for greasing the pan) Finely grated zest from lemons and lime (optional) FILLING 250ml (1 cup) thickened cream 4 eggs 210g (1cup) caster sugar 125ml (½ cup) lemon juice 80ml (⅓ cup) lime juice Finely grated zest from the lemons and lime (to taste)

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METHOD BISCUIT BASE 1. Pre-heat your oven to 170°C. 2. Grease a 22 cm fluted tart tin, one with a removable base.

Line the tin base with a circle of baking paper.

3. In a food processor, blitz the biscuits and salt until they are fine crumbs.

4. Whisk the egg white separately then add it and the melted butter to the crumbs in the processor and blitz until it combines.

It will look like wet sand.

5. Tip the mixture into the tart tin and level it out. Push some of the biscuit mix up the fluted sides. Note: I use my hands a spatula or a flat-sided glass...whatever gives the smoothest results. Press the mixture in well to the tin so it doesn't crumble.

6. Put it in the oven for 8-10 minutes. It may crack a little, but the end result will be fine.

FILLING 1. Pour the cream in a small saucepan. Slowly bring it to the boil and simmer for 1 minute. Be careful not to let the cream catch in the pan. Remove from heat and cover and cool while you prepare the rest of the filling. Note: I put a piece of paper towel under the lid of the pan to absorb any condensation.

2. Whisk eggs (and the added yolk if you decide to use it) and the sugar in a large bowl. Add this to the cooled cream along with both juices and whisk to combine it. Note: You can strain the mixture if you prefer.

3. Pour half the mix into the cooked base, and then place it on the oven shelf. I place the tart tin on a flat slide/tray in case of spills. Next, using a small jug, carefully pour in the rest of the filling mixture into the biscuit base so it reaches the top of the biscuit sides. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Note: Cooking time may differ depending on your oven. You will know the filling is cooked when it is set but still has a little 'wobble' in the centre.

4. Remove the tart from the oven and cool completely in the tin before you take it out.

5. Decorate and serve it how you wish.

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Nordic Style

CHRISTMAS Mischievous elves, homemade glogg, gingerbread and real fir trees with simple

handmade decorations – Jul in Scandinavia is a precious time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. God Jul!

Pictured here: Wild reindeer are a common sight in Norway

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Norwegian Christmas traditions VIKING

As in many secular countries, Christmas in Scandinavia is very much about being with family and friends, eating good food, getting out in the snow and singing traditional songs. In fact, Swedes, Norwegians and Danes have never adopted the word Christmas and refer to the holidays as Jul (Yule), its 'original' pagan name.

Christmas falls within days of the winter solstice, which is believed to have been when the Vikings held their midwinter sacrifice celebration. But some historians now say that it is more likely to have taken place in January, which is when they appeased the gods with offerings and putting on a grand feast.

Clockwise from top: A famous depiction of Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway who ruled from the 9th to the 10th-century - the word Jul was first used in an ode to him; wooden woven heart decoration

Throughout Scandinavia, as elsewhere in Western nations, the pagan Yule rituals were adopted by the church when the area became Christian from the 11 ODs and onward, and today they are a mixture of heathen and religious celebrations, with additions throughout the centuries. These include the Christmas tree which started becoming common in Scandi homes in the 1700s and advent candles, which arrived in the early 20th-century and can now be seen in every window come December.

Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway all have 24 December as their main day of celebration, when families gather and presents are handed out. What most Scandinavians hold dearest at Christmas time is the food, and it is at the dinner table where we find slight variations in the way they celebrate. viking.com

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Clockwise from left: A traditional Scandinavian Christmas table; Nisse (elves) for sale at a Christmas market; Snow covers the village of Sjøholt, Norway, famous for the 19th-century Ørskog church

The Christmas smorgasbord, called Julbord (Christmas table), or Julfrukost (Christmas lunch) is of the highest importance to many, and the Swedes possibly more than others - although a Dane or a Finn might disagree.

The Swedish Julbord is essentially a smorgasbord buffet, which is eaten in ‘rounds’. A common Julbord session will include two fish rounds, the first with several types of pickled herring, then another with salmon: cured and smoked.

All Scandinavian countries have a mischievous elf, a tradition dating back to the Viking era. In Norway and Denmark he’s called a nisse and has the features of a goat (Julebukk), while in Sweden he is known as a tomte. The Danes, like the Swedes, enjoy Julefrokost on several occasions throughout December - often one with work, one with the family, and one with friends, but on Christmas Eve they serve Christmas duck with sugar fried potatoes and gravy, and drink wine, only to have Julefrokost again on Christmas Day.

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VIKING

FESTIVE ORNAMENTS

The red and white of these simple-to-make felt decorations are incredibly effective and will add an instant Scandi look to your festive home.

YOU WILL NEED • Squares of red felt, approximately 23 cm x 23 cm • Scraps of white felt • Red and white stranded cotton embroidery threads • Pins and needles • Chalk or ‘disappearing’ fabric pen • A soft pencil • Small scissors

• Polyester filling or cotton wool (for the stuffing) • Narrow red, white or red and white ribbon, about 20 cm per decoration • Small bells, buttons, sequins or other adornments (optional) • Red and white sewing threads (optional)

METHOD 1 Decide which festive shape you’re going to start with - maybe a heart, star, reindeer or Christmas tree - and then make a paper template. Draw round it on the felt using the soft pencil. Then cut it out, cutting just inside the pencil line, and repeat to produce a matching felt shape.

2 Now sew a decorative pattern, like a snowflake, or heart of white felt onto your red shape using tiny running stitches with one or two strands of red cotton. Or you could just add sequins or buttons.

3 Place the pair of felt pieces on top of each other, wrong sides together, and pin them in place. Cut a length of two strands of white thread and knot the end. Now do a blanket stitch around the edge (approximately 2-3 mm from the edge). Carry on round the whole shape until you get to the rope, where the ribbon will be.

4 Cut a length of ribbon that is 15-20 cm long, depending on preference. Fold it in half and insert the ends between the two pieces of felt, pinning them in place. Then continue stitching, taking care that the ribbon is caught by at least two stitches.

Alternatively, you can sew the ribbon on the outside afterwards, turning the ends under to hide them, using matching sewing thread or a single strand of embroidery thread.

5 Stop your stitching at the appropriate corner, or else about 2 cm from the start of the stitching, to leave a gap for stuffing.

Push small amounts of stuffing into the decoration, using the blunt end of a pencil to help fill narrow parts like the points of the star. Then close the hole with a few tiny stitches to stop it coming undone. Hide the end of the thread in the middle of the decoration. Trim round the edges with a small pair of scissors to make the felt edges tidy - and it’s ready to hang.

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The sweet history of

GINGERBREAD Sugar and spice and everything nice – in the enchanting realm of culinary delights, few treats evoke the warmth and nostalgia of the festive season quite like gingerbread in its many forms. With a rich history that spans centuries and continents, just how did gingerbread weave its spicy magic into the fabric of Christmas traditions around the world?

Traditional gingerbread houses

GINGERBREAD'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Believed to originate in Southeast Asia, ginger's ancient use in Chinese and Indian diets dates back to 500 BC. In medieval Europe, ginger underwent a delightful transformation into beloved gingerbread, featured in both sweet and savoury dishes. Monks are credited with the earliest gingerbread recipes, in particular an Armenian monk, Saint Gregory of Nicopolis, who is claimed to have brought gingerbread to Europe in 992. Early gingerbread recipes often combined ginger with breadcrumbs, honey, and other spices, sometimes known as honey cakes. These early gingerbreads were usually shaped into figures, symbols, or religious motifs. As gingerbread started to become associated with special occasions, feasts, and religious celebrations like Christmas, its popularity spread across Europe, adapting to local flavours and traditions.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th-century, gingerbread became a notable delicacy at the royal court. It is believed that the Queen appreciated the artistry of shaping gingerbread into humanoid forms, so she commissioned her bakers to create gingerbread figures in the likeness of important guests and dignitaries visiting her court. Adorned with colourful icing and gold leaf, these edible creations were highlights at banquets. The trend spread among the aristocracy, and the tradition of shaping gingerbread evolved over the centuries, becoming associated with festive celebrations and Christmas. Today, bakers create festive shapes and designs, from stars and snowflakes to Santas and reindeer, 30

turning gingerbread into a delightful edible canvas for spreading Christmas cheer.

THE RISE OF GINGERBREAD HOUSES: A SWEET TRADITION TAKES SHAPE Originating in 19th-century Germany, gingerbread houses, known as lebkuchenhäusle, are often linked to the 'Hansel and Gretel' fairy tale. However, the tale as collected by the Grimm Brothers and published in their collection in 1812, lacked the iconic gingerbread house, featuring instead a dwelling made of bread with a cake roof and sugar windows. The introduction of gingerbread into the narrative came later, so it is uncertain whether gingerbread houses were a result of the popular fairy tale, or vice versa. Regardless, the tradition of families building gingerbread houses and decorating them with colourful icing and sweets as part of their Christmas festivities spread across Europe. Today, these edible creations remain iconic symbols of the festive season, enjoyed globally.

As we indulge in the comforting aroma and delectable taste of gingerbread during the festive season, we are not just savouring a sweet treat but immersing ourselves in a centuries-old tradition that has transcended borders and time. From ancient spice routes to Victorian feasts, fairy tales and modern family gatherings, gingerbread remains a cherished symbol of warmth, creativity, and the joyous spirit of Christmas. So, this festive season, let the spicy allure of gingerbread transport you to a world where the sweetest traditions come to life.

VIKING

A Norwegian take on

GINGERBREAD COOKIES Pepperkake, the Norwegian version of gingerbread cookies, are arguably the most popular cookies in Norway holding a cherished place in the country's holiday traditions. Originating in Norway in the 16th-century, these spiced treats were initially introduced by German merchants. Pepperkake features a delightful blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves and/or cardamon, providing a warm and aromatic flavour.

INGREDIENTS

For the cookies: 2 oz (55g) butter 2¾ oz (75g) soft Light brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. ground ginger ½ tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest 0.7 fl oz (20ml) of clear honey 2-4 tbsp. milk 8oz (225g) plain flour ½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda For the icing: 1 egg white About 10½ oz (300g) sifted confectioners' (icing) sugar Squeeze of lemon

The dough is shaped into various forms, from traditional hearts to intricate figures, making Pepperkake not just a delicious yuletide snack but also an edible expression of Norwegian festive creativity that can also make pretty Christmas decorations when tied with ribbon. These festive cookies are often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations, reflecting Norway's rich culinary heritage.

METHOD

1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the spices, orange zest and honey and beat again, then add 2 tbsp of milk. Gradually add the flour and bicarbonate of soda and bring the dough together in a ball, adding more milk if necessary so it’s not sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for an hour.

2. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough ⅛ in (3 mm) thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts - if you want to hang them up, make a hole in the top. Gather the remaining dough into a ball, roll it out again and keep cutting until it has all been used. Place in the fridge for 45 minutes and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the biscuits for 12 minutes and allow to cool until hard.

3. Make the icing and decorate. For a Scandi feel try writing 'God Jul' – ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian.

Making a gingerbread house

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Celebrate

THE FESTIVE SEASON AT SEA The Christmas season is a cherished time of year and a wonderful time to explore the world.

It’s a time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, to spend quality time with family and friends and to make lasting memories.

Atrium on Viking ocean ships

For those who crave a different kind of yuletide experience, join us on an ocean voyage over the holiday season. These voyages cruise over Christmas day and sometimes over the New Year so you can spend the festive season exploring some of the world’s most captivating destinations, while we take care of the rest.

ENJOY ENDLESS RELAXATION

LIFE ON BOARD OUR SMALL OCEAN SHIPS

YOUR FLOATING HOTEL AT SEA

CHOOSE WHERE YOU CRUISE

Let our dedicated staff take care of everything as you spend your days exploring historic cities, stunning coastlines and witnessing the spirit of Christmas around the world.

Unwind and rejuvenate in luxurious surroundings, with spa treatments, and leisurely strolls on deck. Enjoy special entertainment, from festive shows to culinary experiences that rival the finest holiday feasts.

With fewer sea days and more time in port, our custombuilt small ocean ships are designed to take you right into the heart of each destination. With no kids, no casinos and everything you need included, our itineraries are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination through its art, food, culture, countryside and customs. Everyday with Viking is an opportunity for you to discover more.

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Wherever you are in the world, we’ll bring plenty of festive cheer. Wake up to the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies and cakes. As night falls, bask in the glow of twinkling decorations throughout the ship as you enjoy a glass of warming mulled wine. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is which on-board restaurant you’ll dine in for dinner.

Some of the world’s most iconic destinations await your exploration when you embark on an ocean voyage with us over Christmas. Snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean in Antigua. Discover the archeological wonders of ancient Greece. Sail the legendary Panama Canal or witness the majesty of the Chilean Fjords. Or explore closer to home in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

VIKING

Clockwise from top: Explorers' Lounge; Mamsens; Wintergarden; Christmas decorations on board; Sauna in the Nordic Spa

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OCEAN VOYAGES OVER CHR ISTM AS CHR ISTM AS On board Viking Ocean Ships

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than by embarking on a memorable Viking voyage over Christmas.

For many, the best time of year to explore is over the festive season—spending time with family and friends, creating new traditions and making lasting memories.

Let our dedicated staff take care of everything as you spend your days exploring historic cities, stunning coastlines and tasting local yuletide treats.

Wherever you are in the world, we’ll bring plenty of festive cheer to your celebrations at sea. Wake up to the smell of Christmas in the air, with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly-baked Christmas cookies, cakes and gingerbread houses on board.

Marseille

SPAIN

The only thing you’ll need to worry about is which on-board restaurant you’ll dine in for dinner.

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Istanbul

ITALY Corsica (Ajaccio)

Barcelona

Rome (Civitavecchia)

GREECE

Balearic Sea

Aegean Sea

Troy (Çanakkale) TURKEY Ephesus (Kuşadasi)

Athens (Piraeus) Mediterranean Sea

Seville (Cádiz)

Atlantic Ocean

Granada (Málaga)

Algiers Alboran Sea

Strait of Gibraltar

As night falls, bask in the magical glow of lit-up Christmas trees, twinkling throughout the ship as you enjoy a glass of comforting eggnog or warming mulled wine with your fellow guests.

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FRANCE

Tunis (La Goulette)

TUNISIA

MALTA

Heraklion

MOROCCO

N Casablanca

– Cruise

•

Rhodes

Valletta ALGERIA

Overnight in Port

Crete

– Cruise •

Overnight in Por t

Mediterranean Sea

M A LTA , M O R O C C O & THE MEDITERR ANE AN Barcelona to Barcelona

ANCIENT MEDITERR ANE AN TRE A SURES Istanbul to Athens or vice versa

16 DAYS | 7 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: NOV– DEC 2024;

8 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JAN, MAR-JUN, AUG, SEP,

From $12,995PP in Veranda stateroom

From $5,495PP in Veranda stateroom

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

SAVE up to $3,600 per couple

FEB – MAR 2025

NOV & DEC 2024; APR-AUG 2025

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, includes all advertised discounts, and correct at time of printing.

A partially refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean based on 19 December 2024. Ancient Mediterranean Treasures based on 16 December 2024. All offers only valid on new bookings made between 1 December 2023 and 24 December 2023 unless sold out prior. For full terms and conditions including flexible deposit visit viking.com

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VIKING

Save up to $3,600 per couple on 2024 & 2025 Christmas voyages Always included...

• Private veranda stateroom with king-size bed • One complimentary shore excursion at every port of call • Multiple dining venues, including alternative restaurant dining and daily afternoon tea • 24-hour room service • Enrichment lectures and destination performances • Beer, wine and soft drink served with onboard lunches and dinners • 24-hour access to specialty coffees, teas and bottled water • Culture Curriculum: lectures and performances of art, music, cooking, dance and history • Complimentary access to our top-rated spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre • Self-service launderette with iron and ironing board • Unlimited free Wi-Fi • All port taxes and fees • No credit card surcharges

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AUSTRALIA

TORTOLA Road Town San Juan PUERTO RICO

Sydney Auckland

Melbourne Bass Strait TASMANIA Hobart

NEW ZEALAND Tasman Sea

Charlotte Amalie ST. THOMAS

Rotorua Napier Wellington

Caribbean Sea

Christchurch

ST. MARTIN Philipsburg

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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA St. John’s

Basseterre ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Clockwise, from left: The Christmas tree outside the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy; Christmas decorations on the street in San Juan, Puerto Rico

DOMINICA Roseau ST. LUCIA Castries

Dunedin Foveaux Strait

– Cruise •

South Pacific

Overnight in Por t

– Cruise •

Bridgetown BARBADOS

Overnight in Por t

AUSTR ALIA & NEW ZE AL AND Auckland to Sydney or vice versa

WEST INDIES E XPLORER San Juan to San Juan

15 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JAN, FEB, NOV, DEC 2024;

11 DAYS | 9 COUNTRIES | 9 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: JAN, FEB & OCT– DEC 2024;

From $10,195PP in Veranda stateroom

From $7,095PP in Veranda stateroom

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

SAVE up to $2,000 per couple

JAN – MAR 2025

JAN – MAR 2025

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, includes all advertised discounts, and correct at time of printing. A partially refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Australia & New Zealand based on 13 December 2024. West Indies Explorer based on 21 March 2025. All offers only valid on new bookings made between 1 December 2023 and 24 December 2023 unless sold out prior. For full terms and conditions including flexible deposit visit viking.com

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NO KIDS | NO C ASINOS | VOTED WORLD’S BEST

138 747 (AU) 0800 4 47 913 (NZ) VIKINGAUNZ VIKING.COM

OR CONTAC T YOUR LOC AL TR AVEL AGENT

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