Nearly a year and a half prior to our anticipated retirement, we began discussing retirement plans and how to celebrate the event. Travel was first on our list. After a brief "where to go" moment, we decided on a river cruise on the Rhine. A quick review of several travel advertisements and feedback from friends, and we booked on Viking's "7 Night RHINE Getaway".

Over the course on the next 16 months, we added front and backend extensions in Lucern and Amsterdam, shore excursions, dining reservations, and many other of the Viking offerings. With the help of a couple of tour guide publications and past Viking reviews, we put together a very active, fun and interest nearly 2 week trip. The 2 month wait to the start of our trip proved to be the longest 2 months ever.

On June 13th, our trip began with a flight to Zurich (didn't sleep much the night before in anticipation). Once in Zurich, Viking rep's greeted us at the baggage claim carousel, guided the Viking travelers through Customs and out to our Viking tour bus (yes, Viking has their own tour buses). Luggage and passengers loaded, we start our journey to Lucern. As we roll away from the curb, a gentleman our age and traveling with a group of 14 North Carolinians, reached across the aisle to say "hi" and introduce himself and group to us Northerner's. At that moment, our trip just got even better! Our "group" now numbering 16 and having the same itinerary, travelled together, eat meals together, partied together, and are now planning our next (2108) Viking trip together. Who knew Viking was a matchmaker! Read more