Kelly Murray Hoff, right, joined me on a weeklong Viking “Lyon & Provence” cruise. (Source: Claudette Covey)
When sailing on river cruises, suffice it to say I’ve met a plethora of first-time passengers. But it’s one thing to become acquainted with first-timers when they are fellow guests and an entirely different thing to travel with one.
Which is what I did when a friend whom I’ve known for eons, Kelly Murray Hoff, joined me on a weeklong Viking “Lyon & Provence” cruise on the Rhône River.
It was an eye-opening experience to witness her reaction.
Kelly loved the cruise, and any preconceived notions she had were quickly debunked.
“I am a wife, mother and grandmother, and instead of me being the giver, Viking gave me time to sigh and accept being cared for and pampered! I took it willingly!” she said.
One of Kelly's favorite excursions was an evening cruise aboard a small boat in Lyon. (Source: Claudette Covey)
One of the biggest surprises? The friendliness and efficiency of the staff and crew. “They all were upbeat, attentive and professional,” Kelly said. “Our room was tidied up twice a day – and like a good parent would do for their kids.”
“An additional surprise, and a bit of a relief, was the friendliness of our fellow passengers,” she added, noting that guests were down-to-earth and intellectually curious. “Everyone was there to bask in the river cruise experiences and the ports of call.”
Kelly was also impressed by Viking’s roster of excursions, many of which were complimentary, and sometimes several in one day. “The guides blended history, humor, culture and literature during the tours,” she said, adding that her favorites included an evening excursion in Vienne, one of France’s oldest towns, and a Lyon night cruise aboard a small boat.
One of the destinations we visited was Viviers, which was founded during the 5th century. (Source: Claudette Covey)
Sometimes it’s the smallest of details that delights travelers. “I would say my secret favorite thing was the availability of pushing a button and having a decaf cappuccino or cup of tea with a cookie at all hours of the day or night,” Kelly said. “Self-serve! Guaranteed to put on five pounds by the end of the cruise!”
Kelly was also impressed with the lectures, which included a talk on Lyon and French Resistance and a silk-screen printing demonstration – so much so that she wished there were more of them.
Would she sail on a river cruise again? Yes!
“Who doesn’t want to be treated like a pampered child exploring the world?” Kelly asked.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
