MS Maribelle
Viking River Cruises
from MS Maribelle Photos
Cruise manager
Marc Sullivan was the cruise manager on the MS Maribelle's
2003 "French Vineyards & Vistas" itinerary. The passengers got a kick out of the
dry British wit that he exhibited during port briefings and lectures. (Marc is
an old hand at dealing with American travelers; before joining Viking River
Cruises, he worked summers as a leader of escorted tours in France and other
European countries.)
During one of our afternoons of cruising down the river, Marc
presented a lecture on French government. His observations were enlivened with
anecdotes from his own 12 years as a homeowner in France.
On another afternoon, Marc gave the best one-hour language
lesson that I've encountered anywhere. He taught the basics of what might be
called "shopping French" in a real-world context. Instead of just teaching
phrases like "Bonjour" and "Merci," he gave a cultural lesson on
how to enter shop, exchange pleasantries with the owner, make your purchases,
and show the proper courtesies when leaving.
Along with his fellow crew members, Marc Sullivan is one reason
why the MS Maribelle was the top-ranked ship in Viking's fleet during
2003.
MS Maribelle
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