First Impressions of Viking Gullveig

After a long flight from Atlanta, we arrived in Munich, where we were met by a welcoming Viking Cruise staff. First impressions are important and from that very first meeting at Munich Airport, we were pleased by the efficient service we received.

There were about 30 of arriving on the same flight and after we had collected our bags, we were ushered to a very comfortable bus for the nearly two hour drive to Passau, where our Danube Waltz adventure began.

Fortunately, our cabin was ready, so we were able to unpack and settle in before going to the glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace for what was listed as a "light lunch," consisting of soup, delicious Paninis, pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert.

Casual dining on Aquavit Terrace

A short nap was de rigueur to recover from the long flight after which, we attended the welcome cocktail, where we were given an overview of the ship, its activities, tours etc. before being invited into the main dining room for open seating dining, which is at 7 p.m. Lighter fare is served in the Aquavit Terrace at the same time.

Beds have eiderdowns and are very comfortable

The advantage to open seating is that you get to meet a lot of interesting people throughout the voyage. We ended up with four very nice dining companions - a mother-daughter duo from Pittsburg - and a couple from California, whom we accompanied into Passau later to explore the small town.

Sometimes the best things in life come in small packages and Viking Gullveig is no exception. Since I'm used to ocean liners, I like to think of this as a wonderful "petit ship."

Launched in 2014, it has four decks with 95 outside staterooms - 39 of which have verandas -hotel-style beds, a private bathroom (with heated floor and adjustable temperature control), roomy closets and storage space, a safe, flat-panel TV and premium bath products.

Aquavit Lounge is a good place to hang out

 The main dining room - described as "casual, yet elegant" - is enveloped by large windows, as is the Aquavit Terrace - at the ship's bow - with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, which are open during warm weather sailings.

The ship also offers complimentary WiFi - although it was understandably slow because - as the staff told us - it's used by everyone else along the Danube.

In Norse mythology, Gullweig is a powerful seer, who has a passion for gold. We were told to appeal to her for a safe journey and good weather.

Apparently, she was listening!