Cruising News Magazine Cruising News February 2019 | Page 25

glass doors. Plenty of power points
are available along with USB ports for
charging.
Awaiting us also was a bottle of
chilled Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top
Champagne, perfect for the occasion.
Our butler returned with a bowl of fresh
fruit and took orders for stocking the
bar fridge.
An excellent start to this highly
anticipated cruise!
We quickly found that the crew were
very special – somehow they knew
who we were and it wasn’t long before
they were addressing us by name. They
are dedicated to providing excellent
service that is discreet and personal.
Following a delicious lunch, buffet-
style in La Terazza where you can
eat inside in air-conditioned comfort
or on the shaded outdoor deck, we
decided to explore this eight deck high
40,700 GRT boutique sized ship that
accommodates 596 guests, looked
after by 411 crew. We had our deck
plan with us as we took the lift up to
deck 11 where there are 14 Silver Suites
and Tor’s Observation Library, named
after the Chairman of Viking River
and Ocean Cruises, which overlooks
the front of the ship and features
comfortable seating. Midship is the
pizza restaurant Spaccanapoli, named
after a street in Napoli where pizza was
invented and a Gelataria. The jogging
track is nearby.
Down to deck 10 where there is
another 12 Silver Suites and this deck
is the activity place to be poolside
throughout the day. There are two
large whirlpools and numerous lounges
and table and chairs. The grill serves
a great choice of meals and by night
this deck becomes Hot Rocks, where
you cook your choice of meats and
seafood on a pre-heated 400-degree
Celsius lava stone.
As we explored the ship it
became apparent that the guest
accommodation is found midship and
towards the front of the ship, with the
public rooms at the aft.
A highlight of deck 9 is the softly
decorated Panorama Lounge, a
peaceful quiet sitting area during the
day and it comes to life at night as a
cabaret venue with a DJ. It opens to
the back deck overlooking the wake
of the ship. There is also a children’s
room.
Deck 8 features the ships boutiques
that sell high end jewellery, clothing
and logo wear and souvenirs, the
Connoisseur’s Corner (Cigar Lounge),
Conference/ Card Room and what
was to become a popular coffee and
food area, the Art’s Cafe. Decorated
with miss-matched chairs, sculptures
and pictures on the walls, it is a place
to relax and enjoy drinks and snacks.
Afternoon tea is served daily.
At the aft of deck 7 is a small casino,
an intimate dining venue, Silver Note
featuring a cabaret style show as you
enjoy international cuisine. Also on this
deck is La Terrazza at the aft where
you can choose from both inside and
outside seating. It is the popular place
for breakfast and lunch, buffet-style
and is where waiters love to carry your
plate back to your table. By night this
venue becomes al a carte dinner,
www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
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