Go to Downton Abbey with Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is a travel success story as much as “Downton Abbey” is a television one.

The line’s sponsorship of MASTERPIECE and by extension, the show contributed to its current reputation and now that the series has concluded, the company is presenting “Downton Abbey” The Exhibition in New York City.

I had the opportunity to visit it while in town for the Travvy Awards. Sure, the show always spoke to me as a cruise traveler because it opens with the news of the Titanic’s sinking, but well beyond that initial conceit, the abbey itself mirrored a ship in my mind. The affluent family members living out their agendas in the luxurious palace above and the servants tending to their every need in the meager corridors below is not unlike a cruise ship. The interplay between the two worlds proved to be a dramatic display that pulled many into its fascinating narrative.

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Viking Cruises offers tours of the actual Highclere Castle that served as the filming location for “Downton Abbey” in Hampshire, England, but for those who can’t make it in person yet, the exhibit is the next best thing.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it’s truly a marvelous display. In what looks to be a former department store building at 218 W 57th Street, three levels have been occupied by all sorts of sets and memorabilia from the production’s six seasons. The lobby floor welcomes guests with a green screen photo-op for those desiring digital insertion into a scene.

Beyond that, is a waiting room and video introduction from Mr. Carson who amusingly questions visitors’ modern attire before calling on us to enjoy the fineries. The production quality is excellent as projections animate tableaus throughout. You may turn the corner to find Mrs. Hughes preparing for the day with a bouquet of flowers, for instance.

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The standout of the exhibit, though, is definitely the full-size reproduction sets, theatrically lit to appear as they would on television. Best of all, photos are encouraged for personal use. However, videography is not allowed.

The first to be encountered is Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen complete with steaming pots and pans. Also included are costumes on mannequins to further realize the spaces once only seen on screen.

Interspersed among the production labels—in true Viking Cruises enrichment style—is contextual historical information. No detail is missing and I definitely needed more than the hour I allocated to see everything. In fact, two or three would be ideal.

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Next up was the servants’ dining room and Mr. Carson’s office before I ascended to the grand dining hall and bedrooms above. Here, I found bounties of beautiful jewelry, dresses, hats and other accessories featured on the show.

As someone who has toured many active sets and warehouses in Hollywood, I can say this exhibit rivaled the best I’ve ever seen displayed, yet the third floor had even more.

I wish my wife and fellow “Downton Abbey” fan was with me to share in the experience, but at least I was able to finish off at the gift shop to buy a souvenir for her. Viking includes a cruise brochure in every bag that patrons leave with, encouraging everyone to consider a trip to the real deal.

In the meantime, “Downton Abbey” The Exhibition is in New York through April 2, 2018, and a tour is anticipated. No other locations have yet to be announced, but those interested in being informed can sign up here: https://www.downtonexhibition.com/#tour