Sailing the English Channel

After two weeks of nonstop touring, I welcomed a day at sea. Both Tim and I needed a day to relax while sailing the English Channel on our way to the Strait of Dover. The English Channel separated southern England from northern France and has played a defining role in history from William the Conqueror to D-Day.

In addition to relaxing, I tried to play catch-up and take a few photographs around our ship. Other than photographing our cabin when we embarked, I had barely touched my camera while on board.

When we weren’t in our cabin, Tim and I spent most of our time in the Atrium and the Living Room. This dramatic space was close to our cabin, and we could get a delicious café latte from the Living Room Bar. I loved the serene Scandinavian spaces and the minimalist décor, and it was a perfect spot before or after dinner.

The Atrium and Living Room

Viking prides itself on its Norwegian heritage and has various displays throughout the ship. The artwork is also interesting, especially the images of the Bayeux Tapestry that line the main stairs. We listened to a fascinating talk about the history of the tapestry, which is one of the most remarkable picture-sources that has come down to us from medieval Europe.

Images from the Bayeux Tapestry

Occasionally, we would spend time in the Explorers' Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow. Tim could often be found in the library on the upper level, as well as in the many other libraries throughout the ship.

Explorers' Lounge

There were several dining options available for us to enjoy. Although we ate at The Restaurant, the ship’s main dining venue, several times, we seemed to gravitate to the World Café, the buffet with an open kitchen. We were often too tired after our tours for a lengthy, sit-down meal, and I liked the idea of sampling several different offerings at the café.

Viking Venus also has two specialty restaurants. We dined at Manfredi’s, the Italian restaurant, a few times and enjoyed it very much. Our favorite, however, was The Chef’s Table, which has a rotating list of themed, five-course tasting menus based on cuisines around the world. The offerings are unique, the presentations are works of art, and the experience is delightful. We managed to sample all the menus. I’m sorry I never took a photograph.

One other dining opportunity is the Wintergarden Conservatory, which serves afternoon tea. We only enjoyed this treat once, since we never seemed to be back on the ship in time. There are a few other smaller options as well, and I believe we tried them all.

I found the food, the selections, and the service at all the venues to be excellent.

Lots of Dining Options

For some reason, Tim and I mostly kept to ourselves and had limited interactions with other passengers. I’m not sure why, although we aren't the most social people, but that’s how it ended up.

I found that I enjoyed interacting with several members of the crew so much more. My favorite people were Elen and Amandeep in Guest Services. I often told them that they were much more fun to be around that the passengers. We chatted almost every day when they weren’t busy, and they seemed to appreciate that someone cared about how they were doing.

Me With Elen and Amandeep

My two other favorite staff members were Arnold and Ariel, who had supervisory roles in the restaurants. Both were so sweet and so kind, and I always made a point to stop by and say “hello,” or at least to wave to them every day.

Me With Arnold and Ariel

Of course, our cabin steward for the British Isles Explorer portion of our journey was wonderful. We loved talking with Abdul and learning about where he’s from. He and his assistant Mashuri couldn’t do enough for us.

Abdul and Mashuri

I haven’t mentioned entertainment because that’s not my thing. Although Tim and I went to a few offerings, I was happier doing other things. We did attend almost every port talk to learn about the next place we would be visiting, but we somehow missed most of the guest lectures even though I had been looking forward to those. I guess you can’t do everything.

I loved the entire Viking experience, and I believe I’ve found a cruise line that’s the perfect fit.