viking ocean cruises menus

• Viking Ocean

21 Chef’s Table Menus?

By Clay Clayton , June 21, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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Clay Clayton

On VikingTV yesterday, the Chef said there a total of 21 menus at the Chef’s Table. I didn’t know there were that many.  Below are the ones I can name…can we put together a complete list?

1. British 1

2. British 2

4. Asian Panorama

6. California

7. Route des Indes

8. Scandinavian

9. Mexican (not it’s actual name)

10. Food through Time (not it’s actual name)

That’s less than half! I know that a friend on the World Cruise mentioned an Indian? Shri Lankan? Menu that they enjoyed but it was a one off he was told.   

Can anyone help complete this list?

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CCWineLover

20 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said: On VikingTV yesterday, the Chef said there a total of 21 menus at the Chef’s Table. I didn’t know there were that many.  Below are the ones I can name…can we put together a complete list?   1. British 1 2. British 2 3. Lotus 4. Asian Panorama 5. Xiang 6. California 7. Route des Indes 8. Scandinavian 9. Mexican (not it’s actual name) 10. Food through Time (not it’s actual name)     That’s less than half! I know that a friend on the World Cruise mentioned an Indian? Shri Lankan? Menu that they enjoyed but it was a one off he was told.    Can anyone help complete this list?    

Clay - maybe they meant that there have been 21 menus since Ocean Cruising began in 2015.  I doubt there are 21 menus in current existence.

These above we've all seen, except #10.   Can't think of others.  We've been on multiple cruises in the past year and haven't seen anything beyond what you've listed.

Just remembered one that I want to try but have never had the opportunity. 

11. Sweet & Salty

3 minutes ago, CCWineLover said: Clay - maybe they meant that there have been 21 menus since Ocean Cruising began in 2015.  I doubt there are 21 menus in current existence. These above we've all seen, except #10.   Can't think of others.  We've been on multiple cruises in the past year and haven't seen anything beyond what you've listed.

Maybe but that isn’t what he said.  He and Karen Burns-Booth were discussing the different menus and he said their were a total of 21 and that they rotate through them every three days. 

2 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said: Maybe but that isn’t what he said.  He and Karen Burns-Booth were discussing the different menus and he said their were a total of 21 and that they rotate through them every three days. 

Not totally true.  Every ship we've been on does rotate - have seen 3 and 4 days of one menu.  But they certainly do not rotate between 21 menus - at least not in the last several years.  Again, my premise is they have "executed" 21 different menus, and may have many in "storage", but are not actively serving every one of those 21.

1 hour ago, Clay Clayton said: On VikingTV yesterday, the Chef said there a total of 21 menus at the Chef’s Table. I didn’t know there were that many.  Below are the ones I can name…can we put together a complete list?   1. British 1 2. British 2 3. Lotus 4. Asian Panorama 5. Xiang 6. California 7. Route des Indes 8. Scandinavian 9. Mexican (not it’s actual name) 10. Food through Time (not it’s actual name)     That’s less than half! I know that a friend on the World Cruise mentioned an Indian? Shri Lankan? Menu that they enjoyed but it was a one off he was told.    Can anyone help complete this list?    

I just wish that we can know when the specific menus are offered BEFORE we make our reservations. Any insight? 

1 hour ago, keokukjoe said: I just wish that we can know when the specific menus are offered BEFORE we make our reservations. Any insight? 

You can see which menu is for what night on the TV in your room.  This is how we decided which menu to make a reservation for.

Just now, Mich3554 said: You can see which menu is for what night on the TV in your room.  This is how we decided which menu to make a reservation for.

My question was if we could see the menus when the specialty restaurants were open for reservations BEFORE we sail. We booked a PV so can book reservations early.

1 hour ago, keokukjoe said: My question was if we could see the menus when the specialty restaurants were open for reservations BEFORE we sail. We booked a PV so can book reservations early.

You didn’t mention wanting to see the menu before you sailed, just before you made your reservations.  TBH, I have yet to make a reservation before I sail and make reservations for both restaurants once I’m on board.  

4 minutes ago, Mich3554 said: You didn’t mention wanting to see the menu before you sailed, just before you made your reservations.  TBH, I have yet to make a reservation before I sail and make reservations for both restaurants once I’m on board.  

 I did mention that we booked a PV so can make the reservations early, meaning well before we sail. Perhaps someone on this board will know. Thanks anyway.

GlitterFemme

4 hours ago, keokukjoe said: I just wish that we can know when the specific menus are offered BEFORE we make our reservations. Any insight? 

This isn't foolproof, but on our sailing once sample menus showed up in MVJ they were the menus that would be offered on our sailing, in the order they were offered, three nights each--so if I wanted the third menu shown I booked something in nights 7-9. No promises but it worked for me.

5 hours ago, keokukjoe said: I just wish that we can know when the specific menus are offered BEFORE we make our reservations. Any insight? 

Wait until you get onboard. 

Peregrina651

5 hours ago, Clay Clayton said: Just remembered one that I want to try but have never had the opportunity.      1. British 1 2. British 2 3. Lotus 4. Asian Panorama 5. Xiang 6. California 7. Route des Indes 8. Scandinavian 9. Mexican (not it’s actual name) 10. Food through Time (not it’s actual name) 11. Sweet & Salty

Anthony's French Bistro

California Cuisine

Food through Time (not it’s actual name). Clay, do you remember what the main course was?

SailingDeb2001

For our Feb/Mar 2020 Amazon River Cruise, these were the sample menus:  (Once we were on board, they had dropped the Mexico menu.)

TayanaLorna

12 hours ago, keokukjoe said: My question was if we could see the menus when the specialty restaurants were open for reservations BEFORE we sail. We booked a PV so can book reservations early.

Out of 4 Vikings sailings, only once did we know what the menus were prior to sailing.  It was for a 2020 SA/Cape Horn trip.  When we clicked on the Day, the menu would appear.  I remember because we were trying to coordinate reservations with friends for the Asian Panorama one.

We also could see the menu the same way before our cruise on the Sea last month.

5 minutes ago, Ceegeefl said: We also could see the menu the same way before our cruise on the Sea last month.

Thanks for the info. So the menus for Chef Table was uploaded to MVJ when you were able to pre-book the reservations? MVJ states that we can access the reservations for the restaurants on 9/24 for our 12/2 cruise on the Sea. Any recommendations or pointers? Thanks so much.

13 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:     Anthony's French Bistro California Cuisine   Food through Time (not it’s actual name). Clay, do you remember what the main course was?

California is #6 on my list.  I don’t remember unfortunately. 

16 minutes ago, keokukjoe said: Thanks for the info. So the menus for Chef Table was uploaded to MVJ when you were able to pre-book the reservations? MVJ states that we can access the reservations for the restaurants on 9/24 for our 12/2 cruise on the Sea. Any recommendations or pointers? Thanks so much.

This is certainly not always the case.   Sometimes you can't see the menus until you get onboard the first day.  If you know someone of the same ship on the exact prior itinerary, you can ask them what their menus were.  That will give you a rough idea of what you will see, but not totally.  About all you will know is you won't start with the menu they finished with.  I spoke with them on our Nov/Dec cruise and they told us they draft a rough menu schedule each calendar month, but it can and does change.

For example, for our cruise coming up July 15, we never saw any menus, and even after we booked, they just keep saying sample menus coming soon.  That is why it probably is pointless to plan out which menu is on which day.  Just get it set up on the app on day 1.

20 hours ago, Clay Clayton said: Can anyone help complete this list?

This prompted me to go back through the menus we had on our 2019 WC. I have all the above, plus “Australia 2”  with blue swimmer crab and “Darling Downs” Wagyu beef short rib.  There was also another one called Carnival, or something like that, which I remember, but I don’t have the menu for it.

Yes. When we were able to book dining reservations, the type of cuisine was posted for each day.  For example, May 13 Lotus,May 16 Asian Panorama, etc.  Unfortunately  it doesn't appear to always be the case according to others' experiences. However, we had no problems switching dates or times of our reservations while onboard. 

47 minutes ago, SantaFe1 said: This prompted me to go back through the menus we had on our 2019 WC. I have all the above, plus “Australia 2”  with blue swimmer crab and “Darling Downs” Wagyu beef short rib.  There was also another one called Carnival, or something like that, which I remember, but I don’t have the menu for it.

Updated list-any more?

7. Route des   Indes

11. Sweet & Salty 12. French Bistro

13. Australia 2 (makes me think there must be a #1?)

14. Darling Downs

14. Carnival 

3 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said: 13. Australia 2 (makes me think there must be a #1?) 14. Darling Downs

Sorry for the confusion.   #14 is not a separate entry, but is the main course of #13, I.e. Wagyu ribs. Yes, I assume there must be an Australia #1, but we didn’t have it.

10. Food through   Time (not it’s actual name)

19 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:   1. British 1 2. British 2 3. Lotus 4. Asian Panorama 5. Xiang 6. California 7. Route des   Indes 8. Scandinavian 9. Mexican (not it’s actual name) 10. Food through   Time (not it’s actual name) 11. Sweet & Salty 12. French Bistro 13. Australia 2 (makes me think there must be a #1?) 14. Carnival 

This is great everyone!  We should with everyone s experience be able to come up with a complete historical list!  Would be great to hear from the early worl cruisers and also that very first ocean year of 2015 with the Star, if people saved any menus!!

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Step into  Mamsen's  in the Explorers' Lounge onboard Viking’s ocean ships. This venue, named after Ragnhild “Mamsen” Hagen, was designed to evoke all the pleasures of Norwegian culture, as well as authentic Scandinavian fare.

Sample authentic tastes of Norway, starting with the sweet scent of the traditional heart-shaped waffles (always available) for which every Norwegian family has a fiercely protected recipe, to open faced sandwiches, and Norwegian specialty cakes and pastries.

And true to Norwegian tradition, should you fancy a late snack, cured meats and ertesuppe (pea soup) are served as the midnight hour approaches. 

Everything about  Mamsen's  was inspired by her love of quality food and need for perfection. Just as her kitchen was a safe harbour for all her family, the restaurant named for her is an inviting corner of the ship where you can linger with friends and family. Bathed in light washing through floor-to-ceiling windows and dotted with comfortable seating arrangements, it's a bright space where you can renew and refresh and share stories of your travels.

Best of all, the dishes on  Mamsen's  menu originate from her very own kitchen, all served on the same tableware that served our family for almost a century!

Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know

Rarely does reality meet expectations, but Viking cruises are one of the exceptions. You name it, and a Viking Ocean cruise excels at it: onboard facilities, dining, staterooms, excursions, and crew friendliness. As a result, time on a Viking Ocean cruise seems to fly by. This article provides what you need to know to take full advantage of this excellent travel opportunity. My husband and I have so enjoyed ocean cruising with Viking. They pay attention to details, have highly trained crews, and provide a very comfortable way to travel to fascinating places. For a complete overview of a Viking Ocean cruise, please read Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide .

Embarkation

Upon arriving at the ship’s terminal, you’ll provide your passport for identification to a Viking staff member. You may have your picture taken for additional identification (this may be required even if you uploaded a picture on MyVikingJourney.com before you left home, as those uploads don’t always work correctly). 

Then you’ll receive an envelope with your: 

• stateroom key card that you’ll use when you leave and return to the ship, unlock your stateroom, and charge things to your account. The envelope also notes your stateroom number and the time your stateroom will be ready. 
• excursion tickets. There’s one excursion ticket for each stateroom guest for each excursion. Bring the appropriate excursion tickets with you when reporting for your excursions. The Viking Daily will indicate which excursions require you to bring along the Audiovox receivers and earpieces. TIP: If sharing a room with someone, after unpacking, sort through the excursion tickets and order them together by dates. Usually, they’re placed in the envelope so that all the excursion tickets for the first guest are followed by all the excursion tickets for the second guest. I saw a few guests who assumed the tickets were ordered together and had to return to their staterooms to grab the correct tickets for that day. For detailed information on excursions, please read Viking Ocean Excursions: What You Need to Know .

Once you board, you’ll be directed to an area for a safety briefing. Sometime later, there will be additional safety announcements.

During the day, the dress is casual on the ship. In the evening, Viking suggests “elegant casual” attire. This translates to a dress or a blouse paired with a skirt, capris, or pants for women and pants and a collared shirt for men. Jeans are frowned upon in The Restaurant, Manfredi’s, and Chef’s Table . Casual clothes like jeans and shorts are commonplace elsewhere on the ship.

Attire Tips

• Request a bathrobe and slippers for your stateroom if you plan to use the onboard spa. To do so before your cruise, log onto MyVikingJourney.com , go to Onboard Experience > Preferences > Stateroom Preferences. Otherwise, request them from your stateroom steward once you’re aboard.
• Keep in mind for excursions that shoulders and knees need to be covered at some religious sites. 

Bars & Dining

There’s no shortage of bars or dining spots aboard a Viking Ocean Cruise ship.

Complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks are served during lunch and dinner. Outside of meal time, you can always purchase alcoholic beverages at the many onboard bars — which have generous hours, from mid-morning till late at night. Plus, you can bring wine on board (perhaps from shopping while on an excursion), and a bartender will gladly uncork the bottle for you — at no charge.

Viking offers a Silver Spirits beverage package with premium wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits. The cost is $25 per night per guest; if interested, both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package. Read more about this option by logging onto MyVikingJourney.com , going to Onboard Experience > Dining & Beverage > Silver Spirits Beverage Package.

Viking Ocean ships provide an enticing collection of menus and dining spaces — from casual pub-type food to fine dining to 24/7 room service. All food is included in the cruise cost, so there’s no upcharge for dining in one of the specialty restaurants.

For casual dining, head to the Pool Grill or the World Café (a buffet offering an ample assortment of salads, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts). Also, Mamsen’s offers a Norwegian-inspired menu, including the popular heart-shaped waffles, open-face sandwiches, and desserts.

Three dining spaces offer more formal dining. The Restaurant is an expansive dining space with a varied menu from classic favorites to international dishes. The two specialty restaurants are Chef’s Table , with a rotating menu focused on specific cuisines, and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant , which concentrates on Italian fare and steak. These two restaurants require reservations that can be made online via MyVikingJourney.com before your cruise begins (highly recommended) or once onboard.

In addition to the restaurants, there’s afternoon tea in the Wintergarden (that also features live music). And as mentioned, room service is available 24 hours a day. On some Viking Ocean cruises, the Kitchen Table features a unique experience that includes shopping for ingredients (on an excursion) and participating in an onboard interactive cooking lesson for an additional charge.

Communication

Viking does an excellent job communicating with guests before, during, and after your journey. 

Once you’ve booked a Viking ocean cruise, you can log into MyVikingJourney.com , which has detailed information on your cruise (including entry information to the countries you’ll be visiting). In addition, this is where you’ll specify stateroom amenities you’d like (such as bathrobe and slippers), sign up for excursions, make reservations for specialty onboard restaurants, and sign up for the Silver Spirits premium beverage package (if you want).

Onboard, Viking continues to keep guests informed through:

• Daily Announcements: The cruise director usually makes daily announcements (around 8:00 am) detailing the day’s excursions and other special events. These announcements are heard in the common areas – usually not in your stateroom — helpful if you decide to sleep late.
• Viking Daily: each evening, you’ll receive this printed newsletter in your stateroom that has information for the coming day , including departure times for excursions as well as a schedule of events on the ship, such as afternoon tea, lectures, entertainment, and so on. TIP: Take a picture of the first page of the Viking Daily each evening when you read it because it has the ship’s contact information, location, your country’s embassy contact information, and the time you need to be back on board – all of which is essential information when you’re away from the ship. Plus, having the Viking Daily on your camera roll will help you remember the locations of all the pictures you snap the next day!
• Viking Voyager App: you can manage restaurant and spa reservations through the Viking Voyager app . Download the app before leaving home; it’s activated once you board. 

Education & Entertainment

Expect an interesting array of education and entertainment onboard a Viking Ocean cruise ship.

Daily port talks contain information about what to expect the next day. In addition, there are destination-focused lectures, TED Talks, and documentary films throughout the cruise. The lectures and port talks are presented in the Star Theater and are available later on your stateroom TV if you miss the live presentation.

On a recent Empires of the Mediterranean cruise, my husband and I listened to a historian describe the power of the Venetian Republic, armed with its maritime and trading strength and wealth, which dominated other lands for over 1,000 years. That power influenced the culture, history, and architecture of many of the ports of call on our itinerary. Very interesting!

In addition to informative talks and films, there are plenty of entertainment offerings. These include live musical instrumental performances in the Atrium most afternoons and evenings, during Afternoon Tea in the Wintergarden, and in the evening at the Explorers’ Lounge. There are also live evening performances in the Star Theater and Torshavn, the nightclub-type lounge. If dancing is your thing, there are opportunities for that, too. Look for all the entertainment offerings in the Viking Daily , the daily newsletter waiting for you in your stateroom after you return from dinner. It’ll give you a complete schedule of the next day’s schedule, excursion departure times, and more.

The Fitness Center is near the spa (Deck 1) and has treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, medicine balls, and yoga mats. Bottled water and towels are within reach while working out. If you want to get some fresh air while you try to reach your daily step goal, walk or jog outside on Deck 2 (4 laps equals one mile).

Guest Services

Head to Guest Services (Deck 1) if you have questions or concerns about the cruise. Also, although they won’t exchange money, they will break a large banknote into smaller denominations. This is especially handy after I withdrew money at an ATM (while off the ship) only to receive €50 bills. Once back on board, I requested smaller bills from Guest Services. Small denominations make it easy to tip tour guides and bus drivers and pay for small incidentals while on tours.

There are complimentary self-serve launderettes with washers and dryers on four levels of the ship (Decks 3, 4, 5, 6) for guest use. No need to bring laundry soap (Viking provides it) or dryer sheets (Viking doesn’t want them used in their dryers). 

In addition to the self-serve laundry facilities, Viking offers laundry services where you can send your laundry out to be cleaned. This service is free for several stateroom levels (Penthouse Junior Suite, Explorer Suite, and Owner Suite) and at a nominal cost for guests in other stateroom levels. Laundry charges are $3.50 for a pair of jeans or pants, $2.50 for a men’s sports shirt, $6.00 for a dress, and $1.00 for a pair of socks. Regular service means that if the laundry is picked up in your stateroom by 9:00 am, it will be returned by late afternoon/early evening the next day. There is a 50% surcharge for same-day service. 

Safety and Health

• There is a mandatory short video presentation in the Star Theater upon boarding the ship on the first day. After that, there will be an announced time for all passengers to listen to safety announcements. There are life jackets and lifeboats for every passenger, and the crew will give directions should those items be needed on a cruise. 
• The crew has weekly safety drills (usually when guests are out on excursions) to continue practicing procedures should an emergency occur. 
• You must scan your stateroom keycard when you leave and return to the ship.  This is how the ship’s captain knows who is always on the ship — a significant bit of information when it’s time to leave a port. Also, when you return to the ship, your belongings (e.g., backpacks, purses) will be scanned either in the cruise terminal or as you step aboard.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the ship, and guests are encouraged to wash their hands at the sinks upon entering the World Café.
• There is a medical center onboard all of Viking’s ocean cruise ships.

Spa Features

The spa is the place to head to when you want to relax thoroughly. Guests are invited to use the spa features whenever the spa is open (usually 8:00 am to 8:00 pm). Reservations are required for paid spa services such as massages, facials , manicures, etc.

Complimentary Spa Features

The spa offers saunas, a cold plunge pool, a thermal pool, a snow grotto, and locker rooms. Viking suggests that guests try the Nordic bathing routine, where you alternate between spending time in a warm environment like the sauna with a dip in the cold plunge pool and/or snow grotto. 

Paid Spa Services

The spa offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and personal training services for a fee. In addition, there may be early morning yoga sessions offered . These services require an appointment which can be made on MyVikingJourney.com before leaving home or once onboard.

• Book your spa appointments on MyVikingJourney.com when your window for reservations opens. You can change or cancel your spa reservations online after your initial booking. 
• Plan to change into a bathrobe and slippers in your room before heading to the spa. (You can request a bathrobe and slippers on MyVikingJourney.com , so they’ll be waiting for you in your guestroom. Or you can request them from your stateroom steward upon arrival.)
• Stay on top of your scheduled spa appointments The spa will charge you the total fee for a service if the treatment is canceled less than 24 hours from your appointment time.
• The spa is operated by a company independent of Viking, so expect to be offered an opportunity to tip after a service has been provided (as the pre-paid gratuities option Viking provides does not cover spa services). For instance, after my massage, I was given an iPad to rate the experience and an option to tip (which I did).

Viking offers a prepaid gratuity option that provides tips to the entire crew – those seen and unseen. (Many people work behind the scenes to make the cruise run smoothly, like the cooks and those doing laundry, cleaning, and maintenance.) 

To supplement the gratuity option, you may want to acknowledge excellent service from some staff members who have made your cruise enjoyable and meaningful – like your stateroom steward or a favorite server. I pack a few thank you notes and include an extra tip (in the local currency, like Euros for Mediterranean cruises) for our stateroom steward. I usually hand any extra tips to servers who have provided stellar service. (If planning to tip a server, I suggest handing them the money discreetly when talking with them during a meal.)

Travel Consultant

There’s an onboard Viking travel consultant (Deck 2) to help guide you if you’re contemplating booking another Viking cruise – be it on a river, ocean, or expedition ship. Sometimes there’s a financial benefit to booking another cruise while onboard rather than waiting till you’ve returned home. 

Viking Staff

It’s hard for me not to overemphasize the difference the Viking staff makes in the overall experience . They are a hard-working team that genuinely wants to make their guests’ experiences positive.

Disembarkation

You’ll receive a letter explaining the disembarkation procedures with color-coded luggage tags one to two days before the cruise’s end. The luggage tags will help Viking sort the bags based on the guests’ plans, such as joining a post-extension trip or flying home. 

Basically, you’ll need to have your luggage outside your stateroom door the night before disembarkation, keeping your personal items (e.g., backpacks or bags) with your passports, medications, and any valuables with you. 

On the morning of departure, you will most likely be asked to gather in a specific part of the ship, like the Atrium, to await transfers to your post-cruise destination (e.g., post-extension or airport). 

Related Articles

Viking cruise articles.

• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Dining: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

Trip Planning Articles

• Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
• Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips for Your Next Trip
• Travel Planning Timeline
• Expert Tips for Traveling to Europe for More Fun, Less Stress
• How to Use Google Translate While Traveling

Final Thoughts

My husband and I thoroughly enjoy cruising aboard Viking. We appreciate their attention to detail regarding the ships’ design aesthetic, their many dining venues, shared spaces, and staterooms. One feature that is mentioned over and over by Viking cruisers is the staff’s stellar service. We agree. All the Viking crew members throughout the ship greeted us with smiles — and sometimes by name — and were eager to make the cruise comfortable and enjoyable for us.

Some Favorite Experiences

• breakfasts (from room service) every morning while sitting on our balcony and discussing the day ahead
• working out in the fitness center — a great way to burn off some of the many calories consumed onboard
• Swedish Deep Tissue massage and other experiences at the spa — so relaxing and refreshing
• dining in The Restaurant — a nice variety of international and destination-focused menu choices
• lectures in the Star Theater — helped to add perspective and context to our destinations
• sipping on tea while nibbling on scones at afternoon tea in the Wintergarden
• relaxing in the Explorers’ Lounge in the afternoons and evenings — the best way to unwind and watch sunsets
• port talks — prepared us for the next day’s adventures
• savoring some wine on our balcony in the evenings while recapping the day

We’ve so enjoyed our onboard experiences that we’re already looking forward to the next Viking cruise we booked while on the last one.

Feel free to share your suggestions and thoughts about life aboard a Viking Ocean Cruise ship. Your ideas could help other cruisers. Thanks! 🙂

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Cevapcici With Tzatziki Dip

Cevapcici [che VOP chee chee] comes from the Persian kebab and Slavic diminutive ending, - cici ; literally, “little kebabs.” These small sausages were introduced to Europe during the Ottoman Empire. Popular in Balkan countries, these bite-sized treats are enjoyed as appetizers or with tzatziki in a sandwich, and can be cooked under the broiler or barbecued.

Corn Maque Choux

This dish of fresh corn with trinity vegetables and Cajun seasonings is traditional Acadian French fare. If you cannot find tasso ham, just use smoked sausage, country ham or bacon. This version is a robust side dish, perfect with blackened fish; or you can add crawfish, shrimp, crab or toasted okra to serve it as a main dish.

Creamy Cognac Prawns

Try this recipe to share the taste of France with friends and family. It is a delicious mixture of shrimp sautéed with shallots and sundried tomatoes in a creamy Cognac sauce. Excellent served with pasta or over rice, add a light salad to offset the richness, and a side of warm, crusty bread.

French Gougeres

Gougères are among the most popular hors d’oeuvres in France. A traditional specialty of the Burgundy region, gougères are often made with Gruyère cheese. You can also use other cheeses (such as parmesan) to add an extra depth. Enjoy these with a glass (or two) of good French wine.

Pain de Campagne

This French country bread is a rustic loaf, typically a large round loaf. The technique below involves making a sponge first, which contributes a depth of flavor to the bread. Misting the bread once in the oven is a great technique for home bakers to achieve that hard, crackly crust so typical of good French bread.

Pot Stickers

These delicious little Chinese dumplings are a traditional treat during Chinese New Year, filled with meat or vegetables, then cooked by steaming, poaching or frying. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe and freezing some (uncooked) for a great “go-to” fast meal—just drop them into hot broth, add a few veggies, and you have a hearty, warming soup.

Russian Blini

This traditional Russian dish is somewhat like pancakes or crêpes, but made with a yeast dough that is allowed to rise. Buckwheat, a staple flour of colder climates, is typically incorporated. Often, the blini are made bite-sized and served with a variety of toppings from savory caviar and smoked salmon to sweet cream and fruit for a dessert.

Rustic Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun Beurre Blanc

Summertime brings everyone’s favorite treat—homegrown tomatoes. However, invariably a few at the end of the season do not ripen, and this is a delicious way to use these unripe fruits. Our version of this true Southern classic takes fried green tomatoes to a whole new level, pairing a Cajun-spiced cornmeal crust with a cream sauce and poached crawfish.

Spätzle

These delightful dumplings are favorites of southern Germany; their name comes from Swabian dialect and means “little sparrows.” They are indeed delicious little bites in any language. Here, we have improvised how to shape them so you can try them at home—just use a colander with fairly generous-sized holes. These are also outstanding with cheese and bacon.

Tomato-Feta-Basil Macarons

Surprise your friends with this savory macaron, a twist on the traditionally sweet cookie with its mild crust and tangy center of feta, fresh tomatoes and basil. When you assemble them, be sure to spread the filling gently or even use a piping bag to prevent damaging the delicate meringue cookies.

Pho (pronounced like “fun” without the “n”) originated in northern Vietnam during the early 20th century and was likely brought by Chinese refugees who settled around Hanoi at that time. Making the base from scratch yields outstanding results but takes time; alternately, substitute 3 quarts quality beef broth, add seasonings, simmer for 1 hour; strain and proceed.

According to Czech lore, Česnečka (garlic soup) will cure just about anything, even the common cold. It certainly tastes rich and comforting. So, if you feel under the weather, make a big pot of this simple soup of broth, potatoes, garlic and cheese to help you feel better.

Ciorba De Varza

Ciorba de Varza (pronounced “CHOR ba duh VAR zuh”) is a traditional cabbage soup with meatballs, very typical of the Bulgaria/Romania region, and uses both fresh and fermented cabbage (sauerkraut). Hearty and filling, this soup absorbs the richness of the beef meatballs as they cook in the chicken broth, developing complex flavors and depth.

Cream of Chanterelle Soup with Arugula

The chanterelle, or the girolle as it is called in France, is a gold, spongy, trumpet-shaped mushroom with a distinctly nutty flavor. Chanterelles have a short growing season. These fungi taste best when just harvested and still plump. Delicious as a side dish, lightly sautéed, they are also wonderful in soups or served over pasta.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Truffle Oil

Warm and rich, this soup can be made in under half an hour for quick, delicious comfort food, and the dash of savory truffle oil adds a decidedly European touch. This sophisticated soup is perfect for a cold winter night or as an elegant luncheon starter.

Dutch Cheese Soup

The Dutch are great soup eaters, often featuring soup as a main dish. This hearty soup, enriched with Gouda cheese, is perfect served piping hot on a chilly evening. Gouda is the quintessential Dutch cheese to use: a young Gouda will give you a soft, mild taste, while an aged one will provide more complex and robust flavor.

Dutch Split Pea Soup

Healthy, hearty and packed with flavor, this Dutch version of split pea soup (known as snert ), is one of the signature dishes of the Netherlands. During cold winters, small food and drink stalls called koek en zopie spring up along frozen canals serving snert to ice skaters. It is a real treat and easy to make.

Ertesuppe (Split Pea Soup)

Beloved across the Twin Cities region of Minnesota, split pea soup is actually one of Norway’s many culinary imports. Our version of this perennial favorite makes a hearty lunch or dinner, ideal for fall or winter days. The combination of ham and chicken broth creates a flavorful soup. Split peas did not appear until the end of the 19th century, when a process for removing the skins became common—the peas split naturally when their skins are removed.

French Onion Soup

This classic soup can be simply outstanding when made with a hearty homemade beef stock or broth, but in a pinch, purchased broth will still make a very good soup. The key to the dish is ensuring the onions caramelize well but do not burn.

Hungarian Goulash

Goulash originated with Hungary’s herdsmen and quickly spread throughout Europe. It is a soup, but its rich combination of ingredients makes it a meal on its own. The long simmering time ensures the meat is tender and flavorful, and the csipetke dumplings are a delightful addition.

Pumpkin Soup

Since the first pumpkin seeds were brought to the Old World from the Americas, Europe has embraced squash-based cuisine. This easy recipe yields a full-bodied soup without using cream. The final flourish of candied walnuts, thyme and parmesan adds texture and complements the flavors exquisitely, and makes for a delightful seasonal fall starter or winter main course.

Roasted Carrot Soup

The nutty, spicy seasoning of this hearty soup combined with yogurt topping gives it a unique and irresistible flavor. Made with toasted and grinded nuts and seeds, peeled carrots and chicken stock, it is easy to prepare. This sweet, nourishing and filling soup and will help keep you warm when it gets chilly.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

The sugar pumpkin called for in this recipe is a cooking variety; dense with meat, tender and perfect for cooking and baking, it is an excellent source of vitamin A. When you purée the soup, remove the center cap from the lid, covering the hole with a towel to allow steam to escape—this prevents the lid from popping off.

Russian Borscht

This beet soup is a staple of Russia and eastern Europe. Thought to have originated in Ukraine, its name is derived from Yiddish. There are as many recipes as there are cooks: it can be thick and hearty or clear and light; served hot in winter or cold in summer. This hearty version is made with beef stock.

Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup

Wisconsin, home of so many cheeses, is the inspiration for this hearty soup that highlights bock beer and two kinds of cheddar, with its traditional garnish of popcorn and chives. Be sure to use sharp, good-quality cheeses and bock beer—the strong, dark lager’s maltiness creates a depth of flavor you will not get with a lighter beer.

Green Papaya Salad

In Cambodia, this is called Bok Lahong (“pounded papaya” in Khmer); in Vietnam, Goi Du Du (pronounced “guy dodo”); and in Thailand, it is known as Som Tam . However you say it, this delicate combination of contrasting flavors is refreshing and delicious. If you use all the chilies, this dish can be spicy, so feel free to adjust to your taste.

Salade Niçoise

This salad’s name, pronounced “sah LAHD nee SWAHZ,” reflects its origin of Nice, France. The ingredients—particularly tomatoes, capers and olives—also harken back to the flavors of sunny Provence. Enjoy this hearty salad, substantial enough by itself for a lunch or light dinner, with a glass of chilled white wine and a crusty French epi or baguette.

Stolichny Salad

This Russian dish, often served on New Year’s Eve, and also known as Olivier Salad, was invented in the 1860s by Lucien Olivier, chef of Moscow’s celebrated Hermitage restaurant. It became the restaurant’s signature dish—a blend of vegetables, chicken and two popular Russian staples, sausage and sour cream. Doktorskaya (“doctor sausage”) is so named because of its exceptionally nutritious meat.

Viennese Potato Salad

This recipe employs beef broth, a typical ingredient that is the backbone of Viennese cooking. Beef broth and stock are used in Viennese cuisine for soups as well as basting. Red or Yukon gold potatoes tend to work best for this salad, because their waxy texture holds up well. For variety, you can also add thinly sliced pickles.

Main Courses

Asparagus & Polenta With Truffle Dressing

Treasured since ancient times, truffles are among the world’s great delicacies. Most come from Europe, and they are famously abundant and delicious in France’s Périgord region. Here, just a small amount of this aromatic fungus complements the hearty polenta and offsets the delicate, grass-like asparagus with its earthy, delectable flavor.

Beef Stroganoff

This hearty main dish originally came from 19th-century Russia and was named for the Stroganov family, whose palace can still be seen on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. In the early versions of the recipe, mustard was included as an ingredient, but modern versions omit the mustard and instead depend on the rich texture of sour cream.

Beer Battered Walleye

Native to the Upper Mississippi River basin, walleye are beloved throughout the region for their delicate taste and exquisite texture. Minnesota’s Red Lake is particularly prized by anglers for its abundance of the carnivorous freshwater fish. Our recipe marries this local specialty with another of the region’s culinary treasures: beer, which is used in both the sauce and the batter.

Belgian Endive & Ham Au Gratin

So valued is the Belgian endive by Belgians that they refer to it as “white gold.”  A tad bitter when raw, the sleek, compact heads mellow in flavor when cooked. This elegant dish of ham and Belgian endive broiled in a rich cheese sauce is a perfect cold weather dish as well as a great accompaniment for fish.

Bordelaise Sauce

Bordelaise [bore duh LAZ] sauce is a great accompaniment for any grilled red meat, and Bordeaux wine is the key to this recipe’s rich taste. The author of this classic recipe is Georges Auguste Escoffier; it appears in his book Le Guide Culinaire , first published in French in 1903, which has become a classic on the art of cooking.

Bouillabaisse Toulonnaise

Originally cooked by fishermen using unwanted fish from their catch, this traditional Provençal fish stew is served with a creamy, saffron-scented rouille.

Cajun Blackened Redfish

This dish is now considered a classic, but it was Chef Paul Prudhomme who brought the blackening technique to mainstream dining in Louisiana, along with a number of other inspirations. Be sure to use a very hot cast iron skillet and do not overcook your fish; it is the browning of the butter combined with the spices that makes for delicious results.

Carbonnade à la Flamande

Winter is the perfect time to make hearty meals that raise everyone’s spirits. Unlike French stews made with wine, this Flemish carbonnade relies on the flavor of Belgian abbey-style beer. The key to making it great is the beer: we recommend Oud Bruin, an aged Belgian beer. If you cannot find this, a stout or porter works well too.

Chopped Pork Sandwich

This classic comfort food is a staple along the banks of the Lower Mississippi. The practice of slow-cooking cuts of meat to bring out their heavenly textures and succulent flavors was well established in the American South by the 19th century. Memphis especially is renowned for its pulled pork, which is seasoned to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Coq au Vin is a traditional French chicken dish cooked in full-bodied Burgundy wine. This rich, tasty entrée is often served during the colder months of the year. While relatively simple to prepare, it will impress and delight your guests. The secret to the depth of flavor is marinating the chicken.

Dutch Hutspot

These vegetables (hutspot) with braised beef ( klapstuk ) are part of an annual celebration commemorating the 1574 end of Leiden’s siege during the Dutch revolt against Spain. In a shrewd maneuver, the Dutch punctured their dikes, flooding the Spanish position and thus freeing Leiden. Liberators brought herring, bread and hutspot, which residents still eat today.

Flammkuchen

Flammkuchen, which literally translates from German as “flame cake,” became popular in the 1960s at the beginning of the pizza craze. You will find variations of it in much of Europe. With both a thinner crust and topping layer than a typical pizza, it is perfect served with a generous side salad for lunch or a light supper.

Frango Na Púcara

Looking for something different for dinner? This hearty, slow-cooking chicken entrée is easy to make and features an interesting blend of flavors. The recipe comes from the city of Alcobaça on Portugal’s west coast; traditionally it is prepared in a special clay pot called a púcara , but you can use any covered baking dish.

Hungarian Cabbage Rolls

Paprika comes in five grades of pungency: from the dark red and mild “delicacy” paprika to the very pungent light red “rose” paprika. In Hungary, paprika is not a garnish but rather an integral part of the dish. Try this delightful celebration of paprika and see why it is Hungary’s national spice.

Korean-Style Lamb Chops

This fiery dish is a satisfying, intense entrée and tastes great paired with rustic mashed potatoes, flash-fried asparagus or long beans. If you prefer a little more heat, try Korean chili paste in place of the chili garlic sauce. Either way, this dish is a true delight.

Linseneintopf (German Lentil & Sausage Stew)

The literal translation is “lentil pot” ( linsen + eintopf ), but the recipe results are magic. Chock-full of sausage, bacon and veggies, this hearty stew is a welcome winter meal. This German dish can cook largely unattended, with just an occasional stir once it gets going, and makes a substantial meal served with warm, crusty bread.

Louisiana Jambalaya

A slow simmered dish highlighting the wonderful flavors of the bayou, Jambalaya is believed to be an adaptation of Spanish paella (using local ingredients) by early Louisiana settlers. If you can find andouille sausage, it adds an authentic flavor. You can also substitute crawfish or shrimp for chicken—just stir in at the end, cooking just until it is opaque.

Louisiana Seafood Gumbo

This seafood and andouille medley is quintessential Louisiana fare. Serve it as an appetizer with French bread, or with rice for an entrée. The oil-based roux is a traditional thickener. Offer additional hot sauce for those who like it spicy. Add filé at the table, as gumbo can become bitter if it is added during cooking.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

New Orleans flavors tease you with a confluence of smoky spices, Worcestershire, lemon and a copious amount of hot sauce–laced, butter-bathed gulf shrimp in this Southern appetizer. Delicious on its own, it is even better served with crusty hot French bread to mop up every drop of sauce. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.

New Orleans Red Beans And Rice

Traditionally, this dish was served on Mondays in New Orleans, both to utilize any ham bones left over from Sunday’s dinner and because it required little attention while cooking. Thus, it freed up the lady of the house for the other chores at the week’s start. Here we use a ham shank, and layer the depth of flavor with the addition of tasso ham and andouille.

Prague Duck

Garnished with thyme and served with onion confit, this quintessential regional dish is delightful to prepare at home for a small gathering. Be sure not to overcook the duck breast—it should still be rosy in the center.

Ratatouille

This classic Provençal stewed vegetable dish is multitalented—able to act as a flavorful base for grilled meats, an excellent side dish for poultry, or a main course for vegetarians. It also is versatile enough to be served hot, room temperature or cold, and even makes a lovely sandwich filling that can be augmented with cheese for a substantial lunch.

Shrimp Étouffée

Shrimp are “smothered” in this rich Creole sauce; the French adjective étouffée literally means smothered or suffocated—a traditional cooking method of Creole and Cajun cuisine. The multitude of spices and seasonings in this creates an incredible depth of flavor, complementing the shrimp, and provides a satisfying and hearty meal.

St. Louis Pork Steaks

First popularized by a local St. Louis grocery chain during the 1950s, these thinly sliced pieces of pork shoulder are a hallmark of outdoor grilling throughout the American heartland. The “Gateway to the West” is also known for its unique style of BBQ sauce, boasting a bewitching blend of sweet and tart flavors set off by a mild spiciness.

Three-Alarm Firecracker Chicken

With fresh jalapeño, dried chilies and chili garlic sauce, this dish is definitely hot and spicy! If you prefer, de-seed the jalapeño and dried chili to cut the heat some. This dish really provides a kick to the classic protein of chicken breast, and the stir-fry cooking method means it comes together in a snap.

Viennese Beef Goulash

This Austrian beef stew with paprika and caraway seeds is a standard in Salzburg pubs and Viennese coffeehouses. Served over noodles or potatoes, it’s hearty, warm and filling. While the ratio of onion and garlic to meat may surprise you, these cook down to form a savory sauce, and we are certain this dish will become one of your favorites.

Wiener Schnitzel

This classic recipe comes to us from Austrian Master Chef Toni Mörwald, proprietor of Vienna’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Mörwald Gourmet “Toni M.”  It is traditional, simple to make and delicious. This dish itself is a classic of Vienna, although it originates from Milan, as Field Marshal Radetzky is said to have brought a “cotoletta Milanese” recipe back to Vienna in 1848.

Wiener Zwiebelrostbraten

Wiener Zwiebelrostbraten might not exactly roll off your tongue, but it will melt in your mouth. The name, pronounced VEE-ner TZVEE-bell-roast-brotten, literally means “Viennese roast beef with onions.” Very popular in Austria and Bavaria, this recipe enhances the beef flavor of the sirloin steaks through slow oven braising with that staple of Viennese cuisine, beef stock.

Almond Cake

This fine, light cake is a favorite from one of our Dutch friends, who used to make it frequently and served it with coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up. Here we use a springform pan, but for a more elegant presentation it can also be baked in a shaped pan, such as a Bundt.

Alsatian Apple Tart

With its graceful fan of apple slices enrobed in creamy vanilla custard, this tart is a dessert classic of the small but esteemed region of Alsace, France. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is known for its high-quality cuisine that reflects a mix of German and French influences. Try this delicious tart for a small taste of this region.

Apfelkuchen

Cooking one of Germany’s favorite sweet treats at home is a great way of sharing your holiday travel discoveries and memories with friends and family. For a taste of the old country, follow this easy recipe for traditional Apfelkuchen , then make a pot of coffee and enjoy a warm slice of cake with whipped cream.

Apple Cranberry Tart

Here is one of the recipes we have collected while traveling through France. The almond paste, an ingredient often used in French baking, gives this delicious dessert a Continental flavor. With its combination of fresh apples and cranberries, plus easy crumb topping, this will quickly become one of your favorite fall desserts.

Apple Strudel

Made popular in the 1700s by the Hapsburg Empire, today apple strudel is considered the national dish of Austria. The oldest strudel recipe on record, handwritten in 1696, can be found at the Viennese City Library.

Bûche De Noël

This grand dessert is a descendant of the medieval subtlety—food disguised to look like something else. Here, chocolate cake masquerades as the traditional yule log for a long winter’s night. Although making the log look realistic can be challenging, even a simple approach is great fun to make and delightful to serve on a holiday evening.

Basel Brunsli

Brunsli originate from Basel, and literally means “brown cookie” from the German, brun Guetsli . A recipe for these first appeared in the cookbook The Sweet Basel in 1750, and today the cookies are eaten all over Switzerland during the holiday season, usually served with Mailänderli and cinnamon stars.

Bread Pudding With Warm Bourbon Sauce

This Southern bread pudding is rich and elegant, with the distinctive taste of Steen’s cane syrup. Bourbon, another American flavor, is woven throughout both the pudding and the sauce. Bourbon came under heavy regulation in 1897 with the Bottle in Bond Act, which required the spirit to be made from only one distillation season, one distiller and one distillery.

Bulgarian Rice Pudding

This oriz puding is easy to make and likely will become a favorite. The lemon zest adds a freshness to the pudding, and the rose-pistachio garnish is lovely. You can serve this while still warm, or at room temperature; just refrigerate any leftovers.

Chocolate Lava Cake

This rich dessert combines a soufflé with the decadence of molten chocolate. It is every chocolate lover’s ultimate dream, with crusty cake edges and a gooey, soft center. The cake batter can be frozen for up to a month before baking (do not thaw before baking). Offset the richness by garnishing with crème fraîche and fresh raspberries.

Chocolate Macarons

French macarons (from the Italian  maccherone , or meringue) are typically a sweet meringue confection filled with preserves, caramel or buttercream; these chocolate ones are a light-as-a-feather French treat. The sugar syrup method results in a delicate, delicious meringue subtly flavored with almonds, and the filling is intensely rich and decadent.

Chocolate Mousse

Simple and elegant, this is the quintessential French dessert. When you travel to France, no matter the region, you will likely be offered this “chocolate foam” ( mousse means “foam” in French). Rich, creamy, dark and dreamy, chocolate mousse is not only a perfect gourmet treat, it also one of the simplest to make.

Chocolate Truffles

Delightfully easy to make, these chocolate truffles are a fabulous holiday gift. Rich and decadent, they can be a dessert unto themselves, or an excellent accompaniment to an espresso. Be sure to use a good quality of chocolate as the flavor of the final candies will be dependent upon this.

Coconut Profiteroles

The term profiterole is believed to have come from the French verb profiter , to profit, and originally meant a small gratuity or gift such as one might give to a servant. This rendition, with fresh fruit, coconut purée and toasted coconut, mascarpone and cream, is indeed a fine gift to the taste buds.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

This dense moist cake is like a giant chocolate truffle—crunchy on top with a deliciously fudgy center. Extremely rich yet so simple to make, it is popular all year round. It is gluten-free and you can even make it in advance—just take it out of the refrigerator an hour before serving. It tastes even better the second day. 

French Pear Tart

Frangipane, a sweet almond-flavored pastry cream, sets off this tart’s buttery pastry and slices of fresh pear. Like so much of French cooking, this dessert is both elegant and delicious. Indeed, while all aspects of French gastronomy are renowned, it is France’s wonderful pastries and baked goods that are typically the most beloved.

Fruit Butter

This recipe makes a slightly tart fruit butter that is a wonderful complement to toast, pancakes or muffins. If you want a sweeter butter, replace the cranberries with golden raisins.

Spiced and nutty in flavor, these traditional German Christmas cookies are a form of gingerbread. The best-known are Nürnberger Lebkuchen , which are often presented in ornately decorated tins or boxes. These cookies are the modern descendants of medieval gingerbread, which was typically a combination of spices, honey and dried bread crumbs.

Mississippi Mud Pie

This pie is pure decadence, with chicory coffee ice cream, fudge brownie cake, Oreo cookie dust and a drizzle of chocolate sauce topped with candied pecans and whipped cream. This is a spectacular treat for special occasions that celebrates the best of sweet Southern flavors. Of course, if you prefer, you can make your brownies from scratch.

Molasses Pecan Pie

With its warm, damp climate, the Lower Mississippi area has historically proven to be ideal for cultivating pecans, a native North American tree nut. Recipes for pecan pie began appearing in the American South during the late 19th century, and today the sweet treat is hailed as one of the region’s signature desserts.

Ofenschlupfer

Recipes for bread pudding date back to medieval times, and are a frugal but delicious way to use up stale bread. This version is an easy-to-make German apple bread pudding. Rich with fruit and raisins, its flavor is reminiscent of apple pie. It is particularly tasty served with a high-quality vanilla ice cream or custard sauce.

Pastel de Nata

You can find these delicious little bites all over Portugal, and once you have tasted them beware, as they are addictive. Easy to make, the rich, eggy filling is pure comfort food. Here, we have simplified the recipe by using puff pastry dough for the shell. These are best eaten the day they are made, still warm from the oven.

Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving table would be complete without a delicious pumpkin pie, with its trademark velvety texture and autumnal spices. Our version is served with creamy pumpkin gelato for an extra helping of seasonal cheer. Individual tart molds ensure that everyone can enjoy a taste of this holiday staple.

Sachertorte

Here is a version of the decadent Austrian classic, the eponymous Sachertorte (pronounced “SOCCER tort”) found in many of Vienna’s coffeehouses and originally served in Vienna’s Hotel Sacher. You can sample this on our ships, or try our delightful interpretation of this Viennese treasure at home. Just close your eyes, and you will hear the faint strains of a Strauss waltz.

A typical dish of Russia, this delightfully different dessert is made with fresh farmers’ cheese. In Ukraine, it is often served for breakfast, so you can try it for brunch too. The farmers’ cheese is very mild, and a good foil for topping it with strawberry ragout as below, but you could experiment with sour cream, jam, or applesauce.

Stollen is the classic German Christmas fruitcake: a rich yeast dough studded with nuts and dried fruit. This particular version uses raisins and candied fruit as well as marzipan. It is good served with butter and jam while still warm from the oven, and is also delicious days later toasted and topped with honey or preserves.

Strawberry Tart

This elegant dessert is a deconstructed tart that is enhanced by the subtle flavors of vanilla, strawberry, champagne and Specht Kirschwasser, a German clear cherry brandy.

Suksessterte

In its native Norway, this gluten free “success tart” is a common sight at celebrations ranging from weddings to office birthday parties. Moist, fragrant almonds can be found both in the sponge and generously spread across the top and sides, making for a delectable dessert suitable for any occasion. When Norwegians settled in the Upper Mississippi region, they brought this taste of their homeland with them, and today this Norwegian culinary treat can be found in local bakeries throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Swiss Cinnamon Stars

Cinnamon stars were first introduced into Swiss kitchens during the 1600s. Typically enjoyed at Christmas, these sweet treats incorporate ingredients that were once considered an expensive delicacy and are popular across all German-speaking countries.

Tarte Au Citron

This refreshing open-faced tart is similar in flavor to a lemon meringue pie without the meringue. It is usually dusted with powdered sugar to offset the tartness of the lemon. You can also top it with a few fresh raspberries for an elegant look, and should you want even more lemony flavor, add some lemon zest into the filling.

Twin Ginger Shortbread Cookies

If you love ginger, you will enjoy these rich shortbread cookies with both fresh and crystallized ginger. Chopped glazed walnuts add extra crunch, but regular walnuts can be substituted. Be sure to use a good-quality butter, as the flavor of it will come through. These are delicious with tea of any kind.

Viennese Crescent Cookies

These traditional cookies complement a cup of good, strong coffee. Stories would have you believe their crescent shape celebrates the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in Vienna, 1683. Whatever the origin, you will find them featured in bakeries throughout Vienna. This particular recipe calls for almonds, but you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans—all equally delicious!

Café Maria Theresa

Popular throughout Austria, this flavorful coffee is named for beloved Austrian empress Maria Theresa. And, this same recipe with a twist makes a Fiaker . That version, named for Vienna’s carriage drivers or fiakers , who need something warm to keep going in chilly weather, substitutes rum for the orange liqueur and omits the garnish.

Glühwein

Around Christmastime, local holiday markets in the main squares and public houses in nearly every European town offer glühwein (hot mulled wine) as a delicious antidote to the season’s chill. To warm up on a stormy evening or put yourself in a celebratory mood, make your own at home. It is an easy, delightful way to share the holiday with friends.

Mississippi Sunset

With its eye-catching hue, this captivating cocktail calls to mind a dazzling sunset over the Mississippi River. Its pleasing blend of sweet and sour flavors makes it ideal for any occasion. Our recipe invites you to infuse the drink with your own creativity, choosing your favorite store-bought or homemade mix and liqueurs.

Rüdesheim Coffee

Hans Karl Adam, a German television chef, invented this delicious beverage to promote Asbach Uralt brandy—a famous German brandy dating back to 1892, and one of the best you will ever drink. The coffee is named after Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany, a storybook village known for its vineyards, and is served in many of the local restaurants there.

The term sangria can be documented back to a punch enjoyed in London in 1736. The original ingredients included Madeira (a fortified Portuguese wine) sugar, lime juice, water and nutmeg. Over the centuries, the recipe has been modified, but it is still the classic preparation of wine and citrus fruit that makes sangria a favorite today.

Viennese Hot Chocolate

Elevate humble hot cocoa to a decadent indulgence. This recipe is a bit more work than just opening a packet of instant cocoa, but so worthwhile. Melt high-quality chocolate into the milk and top it with real whipped cream, creating “slow food” that will bring a touch of the elegant Old World into your home.

Breakfast Dishes

Belgian Waffles

The Belgian waffle actually originated in North America, not Belgium. These are traditionally served with whipped cream and strawberries, but are also great with maple syrup and butter. Belgian waffle makers have deeper grids than a standard waffle maker, yielding a waffle that is bigger and fluffier with more space for whipped cream or syrup.

Russian Oladi

These are light, fluffy Russian pancakes made with kefir, a cultured sour milk. They are like plump little pillows, a bit tart, creating a nice contrast to a sweet topping. Chewier and less cakey than an American-style pancake, you can try them plain or with sour cream, fruit preserves or even a drizzle of condensed milk.

Viking Organic Muesli

Muesli, a common European breakfast, differs from granola in that it is made with raw—not toasted or cooked—grains. Oats are the base, and other grains, nuts and dried fruit are added. This recipe is great for experimenting; substitute buttermilk for the yogurt, almonds for walnuts, cranberries or dried apricots for raisins, or make other modifications to suit your taste.

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This Cutting-edge Expedition Ship Takes Travelers to Antarctica in Cool Scandinavian Style

Viking Polaris is a sleek expedition vessel that takes travelers to the Southern Ocean — but doesn't skimp on comfort. Here's a closer look at what it's like on board.

Staterooms and Suites

Bars and restaurants, where viking polaris sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

To be honest, Antarctica was never on my must-visit list. I don’t hold anything against the continent, of course, but it always seemed to me that Antarctica’s a place for rough-and-ready types: people more interested in the frigid outdoors than the creature comforts on board. Trudging through knee-deep snow to spot seals or enduring biting winds while hoping to see a humpback? I figured that was somebody else’s ideal adventure, not mine.

How wrong I was.

On a recent trip to Antarctica aboard Viking Polaris , I not only discovered the multidimensional allure of the ice — but I also realized that you don’t have to sacrifice amenities for adventure.

That’s thanks in large part to Polaris , which was launched in 2022. One of two identical expedition ships from Viking, this 378-passenger vessel has much in common with the nine ocean and 90 river ships of the brand that’s a favorite of Travel + Leisure readers . Aboard this newly constructed expedition ship, the décor is an elegant interpretation of modern Scandinavian style and there are no inside cabins, a particularly important consideration for trips on the sometimes rocky Drake Passage.

As is the case on all Viking ships, some shore excursions and meals in specialty restaurants are included in the fare, as are wine and beer with meals. Viking’s signature emphasis on onboard enrichment is demonstrated through partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, among others, who help with programming on Polaris .

But as plush as the ship may be, it can’t compete with the surroundings. In spite of my skepticism — I’ve always considered myself a warm-weather cruiser — Antarctica’s dreamy, otherworldly landscape was a revelation. Penguins, whales, and towering icebergs were tantalizingly close, seemingly just a sliding glass door away.

The ship’s expedition team worked like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that guests understood the protocols for behavior ashore and abided by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) regulations to ensure the protection of wildlife and the environment.

With its capacity of 378 passengers, Polaris is one of the largest ships operating in the Southern Ocean that’s allowed to take guests ashore. Because no more than 100 people are allowed at a given landing site at a time, trips to the ice for us were fewer in number — and shorter overall — than they can be on smaller vessels.

If maximizing your time on terra firma is a priority, Polaris might not be the best choice for you. If, on the other hand, you like your shoreside adventures with a touch of luxury back on board, this ship might be just right. It certainly changed my mind.

Read on for more about Viking Polaris , the ship’s many amenities, the feel of the onboard experience, and details on the vessel’s Antarctic itineraries.

Viking Polaris

• Itineraries in Antarctica that put guests face-to-face with penguins, whales, and more — and navigate some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
• Most staterooms have a floor-to-ceiling window that opens, allowing for ocean views, iceberg photography, and bracing Antarctic breezes from the comfort of your cabin.
• Mamsen’s is a daytime dining option that celebrates Nordic specialties, including heart-shaped waffles, which are served all day with sour cream, jam, and brown cheese.
• The onboard spa offers complimentary traditional hot-and-cold therapies, including a snow grotto, thermal beds, an open-air hot tub, and cold bucket shower. 

Polaris has half a dozen stateroom categories. At the top end, the 1,200-square-foot owner’s suite on deck 6 has its own dining room, living room, butler’s pantry, and outdoor lounge with a hot tub. Entry-level Nordic Balcony suites clock in at 215 square feet, with a floor-to-ceiling window — known on Viking as a Nordic Balcony — that partially retracts to let fresh air in. Depending on the category you book, you may get priority boarding on embarkation day and access to your stateroom from as early as 11 a.m.

There are no inside cabins on Polaris — you’re here for the views, after all — and staterooms of all categories are comfortable and elegantly furnished in Viking’s signature Scandinavian style: think muted tones of beige, blue, white, and gray, with blond woods and wool accents. All suites have generous closet space, and a heated drying closet to store outdoor clothing and footwear — another key consideration on polar cruises.

I was particularly impressed by the heated bathroom floor, roomy walk-in shower (never a given on expedition ships), and capacious bathroom drawers in my Deluxe Nordic Balcony stateroom, one step up from the entry level category. (I would’ve liked a volume control for the in-cabin speaker, over which announcements were often made.)

All cabins have a mini fridge that’s restocked as needed with soft drinks and snacks at no charge, a Nespresso coffee maker, two pairs of binoculars, and a small library of books. Bedside and deskside outlets have both 110- and 220-volt sockets and USB ports. Every guest receives a Viking-branded Helly Hansen jacket and lightweight puffer, ordered online pre-cruise, and passengers are loaned waterproof pants and rubber boots that are essential for landings.

Viking doesn’t charge for dining in its specialty restaurants, and depending on your stateroom cabin category, you can make as many as four guaranteed reservations at both premium restaurants up to 100 days in advance. Manfredi’s is an elegant Italian trattoria (the bistecca Fiorentina is a standout) and at the Restaurant, expect a menu of typical formal dining staples, such as New York strip, beef tenderloin, and poached salmon. Beyond the allotted reservations, guests can dine at either restaurant as many times as they like, provided there’s availability. (Room service is also complimentary — and guests on my sailing were raving about the southern-fried chicken.)

Elsewhere on board, World Café is the all-day buffet, with live cooking stations and open kitchens. Of note are two stations within the Café: one has raw seafood and sushi, with an ever-evolving lineup of rolls and nigiri, while the other is a pick-your-cut grill with a selection of aged steaks, pork chops, and burgers.

Aquavit Terrace is another dining venue, overlooking the swimming pools, with seating to accommodate overspill from the buffet. Its light-filled Aquavit bar — look up to admire the dog sled suspended from the ceiling — is a good spot for pre-dinner cocktails and ocean views.

Mamsen’s is a small restaurant serving Norwegian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The grab-and-go venue offers a smörgåsbord of open-face sandwiches, traditional split pea soup, desserts, and made-to-order heart-shaped Norwegian waffles that were, for me at least, irresistible. 

Across the ship, passengers with food restrictions are welcome to request appropriate substitutions.

Several bars play to the convivial spirit of most Antarctica-bound passengers. Most popular is the one in the Living Room, where everyone gathers to read, join group activities, and enthusiastically compare notes on the day’s landings. Second in popularity is the Hide, an intimate lounge secreted on Deck 1. By day, it’s a quiet spot for reading or undisturbed post-lunch naps. In the evenings it takes on a speakeasy vibe, the bartender serving from a tightly edited selection of premium spirits with the cozy mood set by a water-vapor fireplace. At the front of the ship, Pap’s bar in the Explorer Lounge is a good place for cocktails with a view; the Viking Bar outside Manfredi’s and the Restaurant is handy for aperitifs.

From October through March, the Antarctic summer, Polaris cruises to the White Continent from Ushuaia, Argentina. Viking’s 13-day Antarctic Explorer itineraries begin with an overnight in Buenos Aires then a flight to Ushuaia for embarkation. After a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage, passengers spend the next seven days exploring Antarctica before returning to Ushuaia.

In March, after a final Antarctic cruise, Polaris heads north, following the coast of South America, transiting the Panama Canal, and stopping in cities such as New York and Toronto. The ship typically reaches the Great Lakes in May, where it spends the Northern Hemisphere summer until it turns south once again.

As is the case on all Viking ships, there’s at least one complimentary shore excursion every day, weather permitting. On my journey aboard Polaris , we typically got to choose from two: a Zodiac ride to a landing site — or a tour of the surrounding seas if landing wasn’t possible — or a 45-minute jaunt on what Viking calls its special operations boats, each with a dozen comfortable seats. To control capacity on land, both options must be booked in advance. (In Antarctica, unpredictable wind speeds and ever-changing sea conditions mean that no landing can ever be guaranteed, so expect adjustments along the way: midway through my sailing, the captain had already revised landing locations four times.)

Still, there were several opportunities to set foot on the seventh continent. I was blown away by the sight — and, honestly, the overwhelming stench — of the Gentoo penguin colony at Damoy Point. Depending on the time of year, other penguin species will be around, as will fur and Weddell seals. On one excursion, I caught an awe-inspiring glimpse of a humpback’s forked tail, as it arced briefly above the surface of Fournier Bay.

During one trip on the special operations boat, whizzing through the Melchior Islands, I found myself unexpectedly impressed by the massive and majestic icebergs. Guests can also get on the water by signing up for guided tours by two-person kayaks; Polaris carries nine of them.

The only activity with an extra cost is a 30-minute dive on one of two submersibles aboard. The $500 trip, with as many as five other passengers, takes the adventurous few as far as 500 feet below the surface, looking for animals including penguins and the rare phantom jellyfish. The 11-ton, egg-yolk yellow subs are, it’s worth mentioning, named Ringo and George; the expedition ship Viking Octantis carries twin subs named John and Paul.

The best entertainment on Polaris is what’s going on outside the ship, and the onboard enrichment program is focused on wildlife, history, topography, and oceanography. On my sailing, there were lots of talks about the animals we’d see and very detailed briefings, held in the Aula theater, about our landing sites. The team of expedition guides on my cruise included an ornithologist, cetacean specialist, naturalist, and an ecotoxicologist. These scientists encouraged guest participation in their real-world research, whether it was collecting water samples to gauge the presence of microplastics or remotely shooting underwater video footage to measure the abundance and diversity of the region’s sea life.

Polaris and its sibling ship Octantis are the only commercial cruise vessels authorized to release weather balloons into the atmosphere. Once per departure, guests can watch a launch; data from the sensors on the balloons is used by meteorologists to inform weather forecasts all over the world.

Besides all the expedition and science activities, entertainment options are somewhat limited: expect to find low-key things like art classes, nautical knot demonstrations, and movie and documentary screenings. In the evenings, a classical or contemporary musical duo would play in the Explorer Lounge and the Living Room, where loveseats and chaises draped in reindeer hides are arranged around water-vapor fireplaces. When they weren’t out on the ice, my fellow passengers occupied themselves with books, board games, and moments of solitude. I enjoyed walking the ship and taking in the many paintings and photographs centered around the theme of Antarctic exploration, which are detailed in an audio tour available through Viking’s mobile app.

Spa lovers, like me, should enjoy the ship’s deck 2 sanctuary; I found it a heavenly haven after spending hours ashore. The wellness area is filled with traditional Nordic hot-and-cold therapies, including things such as a jetted pool, stone thermal beds, a “snow grotto” of constantly falling shaved ice, an ice-bucket shower, and a sauna. There’s also a badestamp , or hot tub, with a window permanently open to the ocean, for sightseeing while you soak.

Polaris also has an impressively large fitness center, one side equipped with cardio machines, the other a spacious wood-floored studio for yoga, meditation, or weights. (I was able to seamlessly stream Peloton workouts on my phone in the gym, thanks to the ship’s strong Wi-Fi.) The ship also has a hair salon and, on deck 3, a small boutique with sundries — and much-coveted Viking Antarctica jacket patches that my fellow passengers had to have.

This isn’t a ship for kids: all Viking cruises, including those on the Viking Polaris, are adults-only, with a minimum age of 18.

Two Nordic Junior Suites on Deck 4 comply with ADA regulations. That said, Viking requires all passengers headed to Antarctica to present a doctor’s attestation that they are healthy enough to travel on such an expedition, with no pre-existing conditions that could require the sort of advanced medical attention that’s unavailable in this remote corner of the world. Because all Antarctica landings are “wet,” with cruisers climbing from the ship to an inflatable tender then onto shore in water up to the calves, some people with limited mobility may not find these trips to be practical, in spite of the accommodations on board.

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10 top christmas cruises for 2024 & 2025.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

Top Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the world?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale in the South Pacific Ocean, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Find your perfect cruise

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Getty Images

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark touts as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of the new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie "Countdown to Christmas."

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers more than a dozen itineraries to visit the Christmas markets in 2024 and 2025 along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube and Rhone rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna , Budapest, Amsterdam and Prague. Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted medieval squares and fairytale markets. Enjoy the chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The river cruise line's seven-night Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary sails from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , along the Danube. It features a visit to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt – one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip hot mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle (a red wine and rum punch) and sample savory specialties like Nuremberg bratwurst, flammkuchen (pizza) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss (also known as schokokuss), a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, cookie decorating, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like children in Europe find on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day at sea in the South Pacific Ocean during Celebrity's 2024 New Zealand Holiday cruise on board Celebrity Edge. This round-trip 13-night itinerary embarks on Dec. 20, 2024, from Sydney . It includes seven ports of call and five sea days. After ringing in the new year sailing between the Bay of Islands, New Zealand and Sydney, guests will disembark the ship on Jan. 2, 2025.

If you'd prefer to travel to the Canary Islands to celebrate Christmas and usher in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea in 2025, then reserve a stateroom or suite for Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco & Spain itinerary. The 12-night voyage sails round-trip from Barcelona , embarking a few days before Christmas 2025 on Celebrity Infinity. The festive voyage features eight ports of call, including island of Gibraltar; the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier; three destinations in the Canary Islands; and Malaga, Spain.

On the ships, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails along with other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2024 voyage departs Dec. 20 on Azamara Quest and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes. For a once-in-lifetime experience, reserve a spot on the Safari 4X4 Hippo Cruise in the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. This protected park is a white rhino sanctuary, home to South Africa's "big five": lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards.

If the Land Down Under is at the top of your list of places to visit, plan ahead for next year to spend the holidays aboard Azamara Pursuit in 2025. The line's 21-night Australia Intensive Voyage will set sail on Dec. 14, 2025, from Singapore . This extended sailing features 10 ports of call in three countries, with two overnight stays, before travelers disembark in Melbourne, Australia , on Jan. 4, 2026.

Guests on board the holiday cruises will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ships and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2024 and 2025. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 and older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the chic boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the regions, including Champagne, Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer. In Cochem, Germany, you'll want to sample white mulled wine and regional delicacies produced from the red vineyard peach.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ships with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

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Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises from November through December in 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a three-night sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas . For a weeklong getaway, consider the line's seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on board Disney Fantasy that sails round-trip from Port Canaveral. Ports of call on the itinerary include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the cruise line's private island , Disney Castaway Cay.

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the 24-foot-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities on Disney Cruise Line include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carol singers, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a bucket list getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . On this voyage, you'll set sail a few days before Christmas 2024 aboard the 312-passenger, all-suite yacht Star Breeze for Windstar's seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise. The round-trip sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, includes stops in the islands of Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahea (Tahaa), Bora Bora and Huahine. In Bora Bora, guests will be treated to a special evening Windstar Destination Discovery Event with dinner under the stars and traditional Polynesian fire dancing.

For an extended European holiday in 2025, the line's Star Collector: Winter in Spain and the Rivieras cruise sails from Malaga, Spain, to Rome on Dec. 13 aboard the intimate Star Legend. The 14-day itinerary includes ports of call in Spain, France, Italy and Gibraltar. During the cruise, you can visit must-see attractions like Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence and explore the historic Roman theater ruins in Cartagena, Spain. Cruisegoers will also have a chance to sample wines from the famed appellations of Tuscany in Italy and Andalusia in Spain, and taste culinary specialties like bouillabaisse in France.

On board the ships, guests can join in the holiday spirit with festive Christmas trees and decorations as well as holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyages includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses – and check the Panama Canal off your must-visit list – for a tropical holiday aboard Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem. The line's 11-day cruisetour begins Dec. 9, 2024, and includes three days to see the canal that some consider the "eighth wonder of the world" and visit vibrant Panama City. After embarking on Dec. 11, you'll transit the canal and then sail to ports in Costa Rica; Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, before disembarking in Miami on Dec. 20.

Plan ahead to Christmas 2025 by reserving accommodations on Norwegian's newest vessel – and the first in the Prima Plus class – Norwegian Aqua. The seven-day Caribbean round-trip voyage from Miami on the new ship (scheduled to launch in April 2025) will set sail on Dec. 21, 2025. The cruise includes tropical ports of call in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's vessels vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Celebrate the Christmas holidays in Hawaii during Holland America Line 's round-trip Circle Hawaii Holiday voyage from San Diego on the ship Zaandam, embarking on Dec. 18, 2024. Guests aboard this voyage will sail to Honolulu, Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Kahului, Maui . You'll also get to enjoy scenic cruising at the Kilauea Volcano; visit Ensenada, Mexico; and join in the holiday festivities on the ship during relaxing days at sea.

If you've been dreaming of visiting far-flung destinations in Asia, such as Halong Bay, Vietnam, or Bangkok, Thailand – or seeing Komodo dragons in the wild in Indonesia – the 28-day Far East & Indonesian Holiday Collector itinerary will be an adventure of a lifetime. The voyage on board Westerdam embarks in Hong Kong on Dec. 7, 2025, with exotic ports of call in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. On Christmas Day, guests will visit the picturesque port town of Probolinggo on the coast of East Java in Indonesia. On New Year's Eve, the ship docks in Semarang, Indonesia; here, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, home to an impressive Buddhist temple site dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries.

Back on board the ships, holiday celebrations include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, a midnight mass, a Christmas concert, special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a New Year's Eve Party and countdown. There are Hanukkah festivities with candle lightings and latkes served in the Lido. Guests will also enjoy viewing the holiday villages around the ship created by Holland America's culinary team.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of the White Continent. The 10-day round-trip expedition from Puerto Williams, Chile, on Silversea 's Silver Cloud sets sail a week before Christmas in 2024 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers on this Antarctica cruise to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands the day after Christmas.

If you're planning ahead to 2025, consider a longer adventure where you'd fly the infamous Drake Passage one way from Puerto Williams (saving two days at sea) and land on King George Island in Antarctica. This 15-day expedition aboard Silver Cloud begins on Dec. 21, 2025, and features four days of excursions in Antarctica and three days in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. You'll also spend three days in the Falkland Islands, where you'll have more chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters with black-browed albatrosses, fur seals, Commerson's dolphins, imperial cormorants, and adorable rockhopper and Magellanic penguins.

Festive touches on the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Best Themed Cruises
• The Best Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

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• River Cruising

Viking Moscow to St. Petersburg: Safety??

By uilleann , September 20, 2018 in River Cruising

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We are looking at doing the Viking Moscow to St. Petersburg river cruise in 2020. When I checked the US State Dept. They classify Russia as a “Consider another location” due to increased terrorism against American Tourists. I would love to hear peoples thoughts as I have never been to Russia and this cruise looks like fun?

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I can't answer your question specifically. I have done a similar cruise (another line) and I have done a land trip there. If I was to advise people, I would tell people to find a land company and just do St. Petersburg and Moscow. Stay downtown and not clear out where the river boats stay. I was bored with the ports between and wish I had spent more time in Moscow on the river boat (like I did when I was on the land trip.

Again, not the answer to the question you were asking. I personally would have no hesitations going back.

My sister-in-law just did the Viking trip, St, Pete to Moscow, with no problem at all. She reacted as I did -- greatly enjoyed the longer day time sailing of this itinerary, which she found relaxing and peaceful, and the ports quite interesting. (I was on another line, too, a few years ago). I've seen the State Dept. warning but think the cruise lines put a premium on the safety of their PAX and would withdraw their tours if safety was a concern, such as when river cruises on the Nile were shut down. We did a cruise there after they were reinstated and were a bit apprehensive, but we felt safe with the security provided there and had a great time as well.

We did this trip five years ago. We found St. Petersburg and Moscow extremely interesting, but we really enjoyed the ports during the cruising part of the trip. We loved sailing through the countryside and seeing the smaller towns. President Obama was actually in St. Petersburg for a summit the same time we were there, so Americans were treated fine. However, this was all only a few months before the Sochi winter olympics and Putin was on his best behavior. We all know what happened immediately following the olympics. But then we went to Egypt this past January and we're going to Cuba this coming winter, so we're not easily put off by state department warnings.

chicchic325

That area is generally safe. That said, there is no love lost between Russians and Americans. Most of your everyday people will be fine. You will stand out as an American, good/bad/indifferent. Most of the terrorism problems in Russia are further south than Moscow

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... there is no love lost between Russians and Americans.

I don't find it to be the case.... While the governments do indeed have a hard time finding any kind of common ground to start talking, this has not - in my experience - translated into any kind of problems on a person-to-person level.

If anything, I'd encourage the OP to extend their stay on both ends of the trip, via Viking extension or otherwise and explore both cities on their own.

There aren't too many reviews of Vikings Russian River tours here on CC, but to get a general understanding of overall safety and other issues you might also want to check reviews of other cruise companies (AMA, Scenic, Uniworld, Vodohod) and aggregators (Gate 1 cruises, etc) offering the same route - the itineraries are virtually identical.

As far as State Dept warnings go - they have unfortunately become a political tool rather than a useful resourse for travelers.

Host Jazzbeau

I don't find it to be the case.... While the governments do indeed have a hard time finding any kind of common ground to start talking, this has not - in my experience - translated into any kind of problems on a person-to-person level. If anything, I'd encourage the OP to extend their stay on both ends of the trip, via Viking extension or otherwise and explore both cities on their own. There aren't too many reviews of Vikings Russian River tours here on CC, but to get a general understanding of overall safety and other issues you might also want to check reviews of other cruise companies (AMA, Scenic, Uniworld, Vodohod) and aggregators (Gate 1 cruises, etc) offering the same route - the itineraries are virtually identical.   As far as State Dept warnings go - they have unfortunately become a political tool rather than a useful resourse for travelers.

AMA stopped offering cruises in Russia, reportedly because they couldn't deliver the quality of their European and other itineraries.

AMA stopped offering cruises in Russia

Very true, but past reviews should still be available - and could be helpful in overall assessment of things to expect on that route. Like I said, the itineraries are virtually the same (coincidentally, stern State Dept warnings haven't changed much over the years, either).

OnTheJourney

Would love to go to Moscow....and so I've looked at the "Waterways of the Tsars" Viking cruise quite often. When we arrived in SPB, that morning you could just feel the tension onboard the ship. Everyone just seemed keyed up and slightly nervous. NOT the usual feeling like in the Windjammer down in the Caribbean! Anyway, one of the days we went through border patrol they left my wife go right through, but I was questioned rather sternly and at length about why I'm arriving so early before my tour excursion started and what I intended to do. It was a bit uncomfortable. After a bit of jabbering in Russian among the border patrol agents, they finally let me through. Telling them that I was going to go shopping with the extra time before the excursion started seemed to win some points :)

This is because they never really tried. Ours had 2 AMA employees - the rest were Vodohod employees. It was a Vodohod cruise.

Relax & ignore uptight fellow passengers.

Viking Ocean Day One at St Pete we go to the border officer. Stares & glowers at us for something like 2-3 minutes. Then stamps our passports forcefully and bruskly waves us thru.

Day 2 at St Pete. We arrive and are promptly waived thru right away. But no smile.

Two very elderly folks on our same tour were held up at least 15 minutes as we all waited for them. Talked to them and they were both ex-military and had worked at the Pentagon. They surmised that the Rooskies knew this and had some concerns. They were laughing and thought the entire experience was a hoot. Day 2, no problems.

Yeah...we had no problems the next day we went through.

My sister and BIL just returned from the Viking trip from St. Pete. to Moscow. They said the onboard experience wasn't as good as on the European Longships but they thoroughly enjoyed the trip. They too reported the local people they met were a very warm and friendly.

We arrive and are promptly waived thru right away. But no smile.

Just out of pure curiosity (plus in the interest of identifying cultural differences) - why do you think a smile would be in order?

From my point of view: tourism is an economic plus for any country, so officials involved should be customer-focused.

The scowling old Babushkas monitoring in the Russian museums are apparently not in order.

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Suggest you try the Sampsan from Moscow to St Petes.

There is a four seat compartment at the very front of the train, excellent service, and great views.

Very safe even for Americans !

The scowling old Babushkas monitoring in the Russian museums are apparently not in order

Indeed, wouldn't we all prefer the cheerful young babushkas!

In fact, having spent a bit of time in SPB over the summer, I have a new appreciation for the scowling old type - the only time I've seen them spring back to life, in a soccer-goalie pounce, was to stop a fellow tourist from touching the private parts of a marble statue or leaning against the tapestry-adorned wall in the Hermitage :-)

When I was a Russian History major in the late '60s there was a wonderful story from the days of Stalin about an old Babushka who used to take the subway to Red Square every morning, trudge painfully across the square to the wall of the Kremlin where the front page of Pravda was posted in a glass case, look briefly at the paper and sigh, and then trudge back to the subway. One day the guard asked, "Grandma, why don't you just buy the paper? It only costs a penny." She said, "I don't want to read all of it. I'm just looking for an obituary." The guard said, "But the obituaries aren't printed on the front page!" She answered, " This one will be."

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