Day 1, Heathrow to Amsterdam, Netherlands

Thursday, June 9th

Our flight landed at 11:43, 48 minutes late, cutting into our scheduled connection time.  But since it was a terminal 5 to terminal 5 connection we made it with a little time to spare, thanks to Fast Track.

If I were to do this again, I would look into Viking Custom Air to see if a non-stop could be booked, I hate Heathrow transfers.

BA 438, Heathrow to Amsterdam business class consist of a standard coach seat with an empty middle seat with a tray installed.  Better than coach, but I was glad it was a short flight.

Landed at 3:04, a little ahead of schedule.  Breezed through passport and customs, after a long walk from our gate.

Way down there is the way to passport control & customs.

Viking representative was waiting.  I made a trip to the Telecon kiosk to buy a SIM card, only to find out they only had Netherland's SIM cards.  Evidently the Prepaid Europe card in only available online.  I got back to the guide as the last of our party was arriving.  We exited the terminal, with our baggage in tow, and crossed over to the parking garage where our mini-van was waiting.

After a 25 minute ride we arrived at the dock where the Vidar was berthed.

Interactive Google Map

The Vidar staff took care of the baggage, the check-in process was a breeze and we were escorted to our room where all of the features and controls were explained.   One thing to note if you haven't traveled in Europe before, the shower controls are not Hot & Cold, but Volume & Temperature.  On ship the volume was on right and temp on left.

Amanda and Sean had arrived that morning and crashed.  We all decided to skip the afternoon walking tour.  We relaxed on the Aquavit Terrace, then went down to dinner.  On the first night I opted for the alternate menu's ribeye, Carol went with the Duck.

The key Viking Staff Members

 The Hotel Manager, Arthur Carvalheiro, entertained us many evening with his vocal talents, accompanying Boris the piano player.  Diana van der Tuuk, our Program Director was outstanding.  Executive Chef, Iulian Isaila and his staff keep us well fed.  Maitre D' Jochen Kunkel, also known as the "Soup Nazi", a la Seinfeld or Pretzel man, always urging us to have soup or pretzels.  As with our previous cruise, the day to day interaction with Viking staff was a pleasant experience, always a greeting and a smile.  Dining is open seating so we met most of the restaurant/bar staff, several of whom greeted us by name by mid-cruise.  Boris, the Vidar's musician, did an exceptional job of entertaining us in the lounge, with frequent help from Arthur. Felipe, took exceptional care of our room and could always be counted on for a cheerful greeting.  .

At 6:45 every evening Diana briefed us on the next days schedule, and a copy was waiting in our room.

Dinner at 7:00 most evenings, in the dinning room.