Ask the expert
Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking UK, on the cruises guests love most, new experiences for 2022 – and her favourite place
n How is Viking unique? Our focus on cultural enrichment makes us different to many other cruise lines.
We have resident historians on every sailing, and feature destination performances of everything from Portuguese fado to Italian opera.
We include shore excursions in most ports, plus behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s best cultural treasures. Our ocean ships are smaller than regular mega-liners, and our river moorings are some of the most central. That means we can get closer to the heart of the places we visit.
What do guests love most?
Our guests love exploring, trying new things and learning about history, art, music and science. They also love things we don’t have – we don’t have casinos, formal nights or children aged under 18.
Our elegant but cosy Scandinavian design makes ships feel like home. That’s why so many people keep coming back.
What is your most beautiful route?
Sailing up the Norwegian fjords is stunning. I love our In Search of the Northern Lights cruise, but I also like Norway in summer. In the midnight sun, you can stay up all night to see amazing views from your stateroom or on deck.
Iceland is also spectacular. On one of our excursions there we came within metres of humpback whales and puffins. The castles, cathedrals and fortresses of the Rhine are another favourite of mine.
What’s new for 2022?
A lot! New itineraries include the Great Lakes of North America and our first river cruise on the Mississippi. We have new river ships on the Nile and Mekong, and two new ocean ships. One of them, Viking Neptune, has a 138-day world cruise from Florida to London in December 2022. We’re also launching Viking Expeditions with a new ship visiting Antarctica and the Arctic.
WHAT WAS YOUR fiRST JOB IN TRAVEL?
n I started as a junior at a travel agency and worked in travel retail for a decade. Then, when I stepped on to my first river cruise ship, I was hooked and knew I’d found my professional home. I’ve now been at Viking for more than 25 years.
What do you always pack on a cruise?
Books! I love to read and I know guests feel the same. That’s why we created the Viking Book Club.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Venice. I love getting off the beaten track and into the more residential areas, where you can find the best food. One day, I’d like to live there.