For Tully Travel Designer Mary Grace Lucciantonio, experiencing a cruise firsthand is never simply about seeing a ship, but rather understanding how every detail translates for her clients. On a recent FAM voyage aboard Viking Sea, sailing from Athens to Istanbul, she immersed herself in Viking's destination-driven philosophy, beginning with a few pre-cruise days in Santorini, long on her personal travel list.
We sat down with Mary Grace to reflect on the experience, from suite life to standout shore moments.
You began your journey in Santorini before boarding. How did that shape your overall experience?
Whenever possible, I encourage clients to arrive early. Greece deserves to be experienced at a slower pace. Santorini was the perfect introduction, with its caldera views, soft Aegean light, and the slow rhythm of the island. By the time I boarded the Viking Sea, I already felt immersed in the region, transforming a cruise from point A to point B into a true journey.
You stayed in a Penthouse Veranda. What stood out about the accommodation?
My Penthouse Veranda felt genuinely spacious, with a true sitting area, vanity, heated bathroom floors, and thoughtful storage. Plush bedding with pre-selected pillow preferences elevated the comfort, while touches like a welcome bottle of wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and binoculars reflected Viking’s quiet attention to detail. The Scandinavian design palette felt refined, never ostentatious.
Viking is known for its culinary program. How would you describe the dining experience?
Very thoughtful and very well executed. There’s open seating, no reservations required for most venues, and no surcharge for specialty dining. Manfredi’s was exceptional, with the osso buco and tiramisu being standouts. The Chef’s Table offered rotating five-course tasting menus themed to different regions.
I also appreciated how the main restaurant
integrates regional dishes based on where you’re sailing. Enjoying moussaka while in Greece felt authentic and connected to the itinerary! And for early excursion mornings, room service at 6:30am was prompt and reliable.
The Nordic Spa is often highlighted. Did it live up to expectations?
Absolutely, the Nordic Spa is one of Viking’s defining features. The heated tile loungers, hydrotherapy pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and Snow Grotto create a full hot-cold circuit experience. I didn’t expect to last long in the Snow Grotto, but I surprised myself! Alternating between heat and cold was incredibly rejuvenating.
This was a busy, no-sea-day itinerary. What were the most memorable shore experiences?
The included excursions offer a strong introduction to each port, while the premium small-group experiences elevate the journey even further.
Standouts included a hands-on baklava workshop in Istanbul, a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Greek lunch in Rhodes, and, most memorably, a hospitality experience at a family-run winery in Crete. There, we sampled local wines with bread, olives, and cheese before sitting down to a farmhouse feast beneath the grapevines, ending the afternoon learning traditional Greek dances to live guitar — an experience that felt genuinely authentic.
In Athens, I would recommend scheduling the Acropolis climb early in the morning, as the afternoon heat can be intense and the visit involves a fair amount of walking.
How would you describe the onboard atmosphere in the evenings?
Calm and cultured. There are resident musicians, piano performances in the Atrium, trivia in the Explorer’s Lounge, and dancing in the Viking Piano Bar. There’s no casino and no Broadway-style productions. Bars wind down earlier (typically before midnight) because most guests are preparing for early excursions. Also important to note: no guests under 18, which creates a very relaxed, adult environment.
The Tully Perspective
With its clean Scandinavian design, culinary depth, wellness-forward amenities, and quiet sophistication, it’s easy to see why Viking has been voted #1 for Oceans, Expeditions, and River by Condé Nast Traveler, and why it remains a favorite among our clients.