Top 10 Musical Destinations

From traditional folk songs and Caribbean beach beats to the classical chords of Europe’s grand cities, music is a wonderful soundtrack to our travels. We’ve chosen 10 of the most inspiring places to tune in to some sensational sounds.

1

BERGEN

Best known for his Piano Concerto in A Minor and Peer Gynt suites, Norwegian Edvard Grieg was a leading composer of the Romantic era. During your stay in Bergen on our Viking Homelands cruise, you can explore the life and works of Grieg on an optional excursion that takes you to his home. You’ll also be treated to an exclusive recital of Grieg’s music—an unforgettable experience.

Exclusively yours on our
Viking Homelands cruise

2

THE WEST INDIES

In the Caribbean, music festivals such as carnivals take place throughout the year, and every island has its own genres. From the steel pan drums in St. Kitts and salsa in Puerto Rico to calypso in St. Lucia, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Dance to the rhythm on our
West Indies Explorer cruise

3

ST. PETERSBURG

Russia’s musical culture is so precious to its people that even during the Soviet era, theater companies such as the Bolshoi and the Kirov (now called Mariinsky) were protected. On our Waterways of the Tsars river cruise, you can enjoy a sensational performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, with champagne served on the balcony during intermission. Unforgettable.

Be mesmerized on our
Waterways of the Tsars journey

4

BARCELONA

Spain’s most creative city is home to a feast of exciting music. And few music genres are more exciting than flamenco. Our Romantic Mediterranean ocean cruise includes an overnight in Barcelona, and the opportunity to feel your spirit soar with an authentic foot-stomping, hand-clapping, heart-racing flamenco performance. Olé!

Get your toes tapping on our
Iconic Western Mediterranean cruise

5

BERLIN

This trendy city has influenced many great names in music. But Berlin is perhaps best loved for its classical heritage and on our Elegant Elbe river cruise, a two-night hotel stay on our pre- or post-cruise extension enables you to book concert tickets ahead. Why not visit the sumptuous Charlottenburg Palace for a wonderful performance by the Berlin Residence Orchestra?

Take your seat on the
Elegant Elbe cruise

6

XIAN

It’s not the first name that springs to mind when you think of great music, but Xian was China’s capital for 12 imperial dynasties, including the Tang Dynasty, and boasts a glorious cultural legacy. On a Viking journey through China, you can enjoy an outstanding optional performance of ancient music and dance that brings to life the rich culture of the age.

Step back in time on our
Imperial Jewels of China journey

7

PORTUGAL

Born along the waterfront, the dramatic songs of fado (literally “fate”) speak of life, struggle and passion. The genre originated in Portugal in the early 1800s and quickly took its place as the music of the country. In 2011, UNESCO recognized fado on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Experience this soulful music as you dine overlooking the beautiful Douro.

Stir your soul on our
Portugal’s River of Gold journey

8

VIENNA

Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna is a must for classical music fans. Many of the greats lived and worked here, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Strauss, Mahler, Haydn and Schubert, and the city holds annual festivals to celebrate their music. Feel your heart sing at an optional exclusive performance in a Viennese palace on our delightful Danube cruise.

Vienna waits for you on our
Romantic Danube cruise

9

DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town is especially magical at night. And on our Mediterranean Odyssey journey, you can book an optional excursion to the spectacular Sponza Palace where you can take your seat in the 16th-century cloistered courtyard for an exclusive performance of traditional music and dance. Dressed in colorful national costumes, the award-winning troupe will thrill you with their talent and energy.

Be spellbound on our
Mediterranean Odyssey cruise

10

SIEM REAP

Carved onto the temples of Cambodia’s UNESCO Site Angkor Wat are Apsaras, mythological female spirits of the clouds and waters. Their graceful movements are immortalized by today’s Apsara dancers, and during your stay in Siem Reap, you’ll be treated to one of these uplifting performances.

See the amazing Apsara dancers on our
Magnificent Mekong journey