Look Who’s Joined BayCare Medical Group Ileana M. Acevedo, MD | Internal Medicine Education: Doctor of Medicine – San Juan Bautista School of Medicine; Caguas, Puerto Rico Residency: Internal Medicine – University of South Florida; Tampa, Florida Fellowship: Infectious Diseases – University of South Florida; Tampa, Florida Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease 12780 Race Track Road, Suite 300 | Tampa | (813) 792-9541
Krunal Patel, MD | Hospitalist Education: Doctor of Medicine – University of St. Eustatius; St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles Residency: Internal Medicine – The Wright Center; Scranton, Pennsylvania Board Certifications: Internal Medicine Morton Plant North Bay Hospital | New Port Richey | (727) 815-7207
Pascal Spehar, MD, FACS | General Surgery Education: Doctor of Medicine – University of Kansas Medical School; Kansas City, Kansas Residency: General Surgery – University of Kansas Medical Center; Kansas City, Kansas Board Certifications: General Surgery 1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Suite 100 | Plant City | (813) 708-1312
If you’re a primary care physician or a specialist, we have exciting opportunities for you. Whether you’re a new or experienced physician, if you’re looking for a new professional home, consider BayCare Medical Group. To learn about employment opportunities, visit BMGPhysicians.org or contact a recruiter at (813) 586-8237. 19-720339-0419
Contents 6 8
8
Understanding Marketing Healthcare to Millenials
12 18
7 Reasons to Create Physician Partnerships
Hoaxes, Scams, and Your Medical Care
4
22
5 Reasons to Take a River Cruise to See Europe
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
From the Publisher Feature Understanding Marketing Healthcare to Millenials
10
Feature 7 Tips for Marketing to Millenials
12
Feature 7 Reasons to Create Physician Partnerships
14
Feature Optimizing Testosterone Levels Affects More Than Just a Man’s Sex Drive
16
Feature Steps to Maintaining a Well-balanced Life
18
Feature Hoaxes, Scams, and Your Medical Care
22
Feature 5 Reasons to Take a River Cruise to See Europe
Advertisers BayCare Medical Group Jason Skeldon Artwork JW Marriott Long Ash Cigars The Meridian Club Opes Health PNC Bank Point Grace Rebuilt Meals Viking River Cruises
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Issue 2, 2019
From the Publisher
www.doctorslifetampabay.com
W
elcome to Doctor’s Life Magazine! We appreciate your readership and continued support. DLM has been in circulation since 2008. Our goal has always been to provide Tampa Bay physician’s content focused on the current medical news but primarily cover areas targeted on business, legal and lifestyle. Each issue of Doctor's Life Magazine contains a wide array of relevant information for physicians in and out of their practice. DLM publishes articles that highlight leading physicians, a variety of medical, business and legal topics with a focus on lifestyle content for after the white jacket is hung up for the day. Our issues are filled with topics in Wealth Management, Real Estate, Travel, Fitness, Food and Wine, and other areas that promote life outside of the practice.
TAMPA BAY
™
Published by
We are always striving to be better and to stay current on the trends. Our contributors continually search for topics, solutions, and areas of interest in lifestyle to provide articles that are relevant to our readership. The DLM success has been based on our readership feedback which assists our staff in the development of our future content direction. DLM would love your input, suggestions or ideas regarding articles of interest. DLM works with a diverse group of contributors and their opinions are not always the opinion of Doctor’s Life Magazine.
Tampa Headquarters 1208 East Kennedy Blvd. Tampa Fl, 33602 813-867-0916 Group Publisher Ed Suyak publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com
If you would like to become a contributor or receive a media kit for advertising rates, please contact our office by email or phone. (813) 867-0916 or publisher@mashedmediagroup.com
Creative Director Rob Stainback Editorial Director Danielle Topper
Be well,
Associate Publisher CJ Cooper
-Ed
Advertising Account Executive Ryan O’Neil Contributing Writers Nick Hernandez MBA, FACHE Eduardo Maristany, M.D. Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD
Ed Suyak Group Publisher publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com
Doctor’s Life Magazine’s mission is to provide physicians content and information that may assist in creating a better professional and leisure life. Our focus is to provide articles that can help to better your practice and your lifestyle outside of the white coat. We want to be your source for inspiration and content on living a good life. Doctor’s Life Magazine wants to know about extraordinary physicians and staff, upcoming events, and article ideas or contributors. Please email us if you have an event, idea or know of a doctor making a big difference. We want your suggestions and feedback. For all comments, ideas, advertising inquires or to request a media kit contact publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com. Doctor’s Life Magazine, Tampa Bay does not assume responsibility for advertisements or articles published, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. Reproduction of articles and photographs, in whole or in part, contained herein is prohibited without expressed written consent of the publisher, with the exception of reprinting for news media use. Doctor’s Life Magazine is considered a form of entertainment and should not be deemed as medical, legal or business advice without consulting the appropriate professional regarding the specific subject matter. Printed in the United States of America.
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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2019
MARKETING HEALTHCARE UNDERSTANDING
to Millenials
A recent report from Nielsen provided some insights on millennials and their attitudes toward health.
Why are millennials a force to be reckoned with? 77 MILLION STRONG Millennials are 77 million strong, on par with Baby Boomers, and they make up 24 percent of the U.S. population. This represents significant opportunity for brands that understand who Millennials are, where they live and what they watch and buy. In order to truly understand Millennials, however, they must be put in the context of the other generations. While there are varied definitions of the generations from the past century, Nielsen defines them as follows:
Greatest Generation (1901-1924) Silent Generation (1925-1945) Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Generation X (1965-1976) Millennials/Gen Y (1977-1995) 8
-- Younger Millennials (18-27) -- Older Millennials (28-36) Generation Z (1995-Present)
Tech-savvy, Narcissistic, Open-minded What does being a millennial really mean? If you are not in the Gen Y population you may shrug or roll your eyes when the word millennial is brought up. Truth be said; most of us from earlier generations do not understand the Gen Y’s or perceive them as entitled. Millennials are often passed off as internet-addicted voyeurs and provided little credit for their entrepreneurial spirit. There are Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
as many millennials as there are baby boomers and they represent a savvy and extremely connected population with a large diversity. If you Google search baby boomers (born 1946-1964) they are often placed in similarly unflattering ways, offering: “baby boomers are to blame”, “selfish”, “the worst generation” and “entitled”. Although the Gen Y are often accused of being lazy, self-involved, politically apathetic narcissists, who aren’t able to function without a smartphone and incapable of commitment; they are to be taken serious. Nielsen released a report, Millennials – Breaking the Myths, and it sheds light on this diverse generation and how they Issue 2, 2019
consume media. Understanding their habits and thought process is the key to creating conversation and developing marketing that actually works.
Here are some of the findings from this report: Millennials care about their well-being When Chipotle announced that they would no longer use genetically-modified ingredients, social media exploded with millennial enthusiasm. At the same time, millennials are 28% more likely to smoke. So while they’re interested in opportunities for living a healthier lifestyle, they aren’t totally committed to it.
Younger millennials like to be connected to their physicians According to Nielsen, younger millennials are more likely than their older Issue 2, 2019
counterparts to like check-in calls from their health providers with reminders for appointments and health advice. Younger millennials are much more open (and 40% more likely than average) to spend on alternative medicine, while older millennials are 32% more likely than average.
Many millennials remain uninsured Despite Health Care Reform, many millennials remain uninsured. 34% of younger millennials and 27% of older millennials are uninsured — higher than the overall average of 25%.
Millennials as healthcare consumers In light of these statistics, it’s important to take into account how these millennials are consuming media. Where other generations are more likely to trust Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
brands, millennials trust their peers and celebrities. The millennial generation wants to be a part of a larger conversation. They want to make individual contributions and be connected and woven into a larger discussion. In healthcare marketing, calls to action need to inspire engagement, rather than robotic consumption. For millennials, editorial content that is valuable and sharable may be more effective than traditional advertising. Through your hospital’s marketing, provide millennials with opportunities to take control of their well-being , build relationships with their physicians and start a conversation about health insurance. Gen Y wants to be informed but they often receive information best when it is not provided in the way their parents (Baby-Boomers) dictated to them growing up. Millennials like to feel like they figured it out.
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7
TIPS FOR MARKETING TO MILLENIALS
1.
Optimize your content for social media and create products that are Instagram-worthy. Socialmedia presence is your badge of acceptance.
2. Focus on word of mouth. When
millennials receive recommendations from friends or colleagues, they are more likely to try a product or service than if they just happen upon it in advertising.
3. Provide them instant responses.
Gen Y seems to have strong BS detectors. Authenticity is key and almost demanded. The content needs to be real. Misleading advertisement or content will be skipped over faster than a Tinder profile without a photo. Marketing extends beyond the ad, too. Millennials will ask questions on social media and expect an instant response or they move on to something else.
4. Appeal to FOMO and frugality.
Offer unique experiences, events, or special promotions, to tap into their drive for being involved and staying in the loop. Gen Y tends to be frugal, so special coupons, deals, and product or service trials delivered on social channels and apps resonate well with millennials. Sharing a sneak peek of something that's trending and timely also works. Snapchat and Instagram are the platforms of choice for Gen Y and are great choices for promotions and to generate your buzz.
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5. Reviews Matter! Social proof is very
important to the Millennial. However, at all cost avoid confrontation. It is the fastest way to see an army of Gen Y attack and destroy.
6. Seek out relationships with social
media influencers. Millennials are not waking up reading the newspaper to Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
get their current events--they're reading their Instagram feed. Millennials put extreme trust into the recommendations of influencers.
7.
Listen to them. Millennials are amazing at telling you what they love... and what they hate. If you truly listen, it can be incredibly helpful in how to approach and treat them. Issue 2, 2019
7
REASONS TO
CREATE PHYSICIAN PARTNERSHIPS
Physician partnerships are often a great idea providing you give thought to how you will structure one and why you wish to create a partnership. Sometimes, physician partnerships aren’t so successful—so it is crucial to choose your partner well. This is somebody who you’re going to spend a lot of time with and who, like your spouse and your family, will probably see all sides of you, in full Technicolor glory! This person is going to get into your head and there will be arguments and misunderstandings. While some great practices have been built by partnerships, others have been eroded by them. Although your practice may be doing fine now, there may come a point where bringing in a partner could make sense, particularly if he or she has skills and experience that complement yours, and can assist with achieving the growth and health of your practice. If you are a solo-preneur, perhaps you know the feeling of being a bit stuck creatively or having way too much on your plate. If that’s the case, you may want to consider enlisting a partner, someone who can share your ambitions and help you reach your full potential. Sure, it can be a vulnerable experience to invite someone into what you are doing, but it can also be totally worth it.
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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
By Nick Hernandez MBA, FACHE CEO and Founder of ABISA (www.abisallc.com)
Here are seven reasons to create a partnership:
1. Your partner has strengths that you lack, and vice versa. Great partners band together to compensate for each other’s weaknesses, so that individually they can focus on using their strengths. Not only are you able to get more done, but tasks are done more efficiently because people have different skills and areas of expertise.
2. Partnerships promote greater creativity and can spur innovation. It’s hard to brainstorm alone. Most people’s creative juices flow more freely if they can bounce ideas off others. And things get really interesting when you have partners who bring their own ideas and perspectives to the party— that’s often when the biggest leaps of innovation occur. A physician partner means more ideas coming from a different background.
Issue 2, 2019
3. A partner’s perspective can help you break free of your old way of doing things. Sometimes it takes another physician’s perspective to shake a successful practice out of complacency and see an old practice in a new way. A physician partner can help you narrow down the list by offering unique perspectives and opinions that you yourself may not have been able to think of. This is a good thing and can save you time and money later on.
4. Partners can help you take greater risks. A good partner can challenge you to take the kinds of risk that will help your practice grow. Partners also can encourage each other to be more daring simply because each partner figures the other will be there to pick up the pieces if the risk doesn’t pan out. Great partners help you attempt big things and pull you out when things go wrong.
Issue 2, 2019
5. Partners also can serve as a restraint in keeping you from risking too much. A good partner will tell you when an idea is misguided and keep you from taking on too much risk. When it comes to developing a business, it can be difficult to assess which ideas are strokes of genius and which are total dead ends. If you’ve selected a good partner, then chances are they will be honest with you.
6. Working together for a common goal is a lot more fun than working alone. The business side of practicing medicine is a lot more fun when you can share it with someone else. There’s something exciting and exhilarating in facing challenges together, and if you’re blessed with a partner with a sense of humor that meshes with yours, work becomes like play.
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
7. Try playing good cop/ bad cop when it’s just you. Managing employees and a practice is exhausting. On the days when you just need a break, your partner is there to pick up the slack. A physician partner provides motivation and support. Not only can you ask each other questions and bounce ideas, but you can encourage one another and pick each other up in difficult times. Also, by having a partner, you will most likely work harder because there is pressure to perform and to not let the other person down. Even if you’re not looking for leverage now, think about what a physician partner might do for you. What holes could he plug, what opportunities could she open up? Rugged individualism has its limits. Just be sure to enter into any partnership with care and caution, doing your research and knowing the full picture of what you are entering into. Otherwise, you may regret your decision down the line.
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OPTIMIZING TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST A MAN’S SEX DRIVE By Eduardo Maristany, M.D.
Testosterone levels often are associated with a man’s sex drive, and only his sex drive. Many men suffer from low testosterone, particularly as they age, but few recognize that it impacts more than just libido and erectile function. Other side effects, according to the American Urological Association, include fatigue, memory loss, depression and mood swings, changes in body composition, difficulty sleeping and reduction in bone density. It even can lead to higher rates of mortality and diabetes, according to a 2006 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers have confirmed that testosterone levels are dropping across the board by up to 1% annually, clear evidence that there’s a problem. 14
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2019
With June being Men’s Health Month, it’s an ideal time for men of all ages in Southwest Florida to think about the one hormone that affects us in so many ways. A simple blood test can confirm testosterone levels, and for those with low numbers, urologists often provide treatment through prescription drugs or injections. Older men may pop a Viagra to fix erectile disfunction, a side effect of low testosterone, but it doesn’t actually resolve the overall issue of low testosterone. As is the case with many medications, prescriptions for low testosterone also come with potential side effects: headache, upset stomach, muscle pain, nausea, abnormal vision, skin rashes, acne and even heart attack and stroke. When prescribing medication, many urologists aren’t looking at the patient as a whole – their course of treatment is isolated to one specific condition or concern, oftentimes erectile dysfunction, and that’s what they treat. The manner in which many urologists treat patients is a core principle that separates traditional medicine from functional medicine, a medical practice whereby physicians determine how and why disease, illness and pain are occurring, and restore health by optimizing a patient’s body and organs through an evidencebased, holistic approach to medical care. For patients with low testosterone, I start with a thorough physical examination and complete a detailed health history analysis. Oftentimes, I suggest additional testing to measure biotoxin markers, glucose metabolism, nutritional deficiencies and more. My goal is to develop a scientifically and genetically
complete profile of a patient, which often points to factors that interrupt or inhibit the development of testosterone. Most patients I treat can experience immediate results in their testosterone numbers by making changes to their diet and lifestyle. Here are some natural solutions I often suggest: •D iet: Cut out sugar and junk food like french fries, cheeseburgers, potato chips, soda, candy bars and pastries. Increase your intake of lean protein and healthy fats from natural foods like fish, nuts and avocados. • I ntermittent fasting: Eat healthy, well-balanced meals in a condensed period of time, ideally over eight to 10 hours, to allow your organs to rest and balance hormones.
Free Lecture: • Topic: Testosterone Levels – What Men Need to Know • Featured Speaker: Dr. Eduardo Maristany • Date: Wednesday, June 19 • Time: 6 p.m. • Cost: Free • Location: Naples Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette-Frank Road, Suite 270, in Naples
•V itamin D: Vitamin D is readily available by stepping outside, and it’s also one of the most popular supplements on the market.
•E xercise: Intense or moderate training with weights and resistance machines is a natural remedy for hormone production and is good for your overall health.
•Z inc: Meats like beef, chicken and pork, as well as nuts and beans, help replenish zinc and boost testosterone production.
•S tress reduction: Overcome workrelated stress by taking a brisk walk, making time for family activities and hobbies, and taking a minute or two for deep breathing.
Patients who seemingly do it all right – eat healthy, exercise and generally take good care of their bodies – still can experience declines in their testosterone levels because we’re constantly being bombarded by environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. My goal is to help patients optimize their testosterone levels. It’s a powerful brain stimulant, but also is a powerful body regulator. Every individual is different, which is why I spend hours delving into patients’ medical histories and concerns before drafting a to-do list that, if followed, can reduce or eliminate many of their health concerns. As always, consult with your physician prior to making dietary and lifestyle changes.
•S leep: An ample amount of sleep each night – at least seven hours for most people – helps the body recharge naturally.
About the Author: Dr. Eduardo Maristany is a board-certified internal medicine physician who specializes in functional and integrative medicine, genetics testing and men’s health at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine. For more information, call 239-649-7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com. Issue 2, 2019
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
15
STEPS TO MAINTAINING A
WELL-BALANCED LIFE
Take a time out:
Create unplugged time.
Set aside dedicated time every week to unplug and examine your work/personal life scale. Make an appointment with yourself as the CEO of your life to create a plan to assess your activities to see if they are balanced to your satisfaction.
Take time to be present and don’t lean in to your devices. Have them adjust to you, instead of you adjusting to them. Build better awareness without distractions.
Mind your body intuition:
Build your priority map: Create a list of all the priorities in your key areas of your life. From your health, career and relationships to relaxation, fun and personal growth, put your priorities on your calendar first. Having your priorities and desires clearly mapped out in this way greatly assists you to stay balanced and move in the direction you really want.
Make agreements with yourself: The balanced life you desire should be written out and followed as if it was a legal contract. If you keep 50 percent of your agreements, you will get 50 percent results.
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Listen to your body when making decisions. If your body says “no” to a busy project, listen. When your body lines up with your perfect life plan, it becomes a reliable barometer that can remind you to make choices in every moment that will give you energy and the balanced life you seek.
Exercise and stretch: Take hourly stretch breaks. Stretch your neck up and down and sideways, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. Get up and shake out any tension or stiffness to create more body-mind balance. A consistent weekly fitness program will increase your energy level and endurance.
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
Issue 2, 2019
S E X A O SCAMS H AND YOUR MEDICAL CARE
Hoaxes and scams have been dominating the news lately. We have a marginally known actor faking a hate crime supposedly to raise his Hollywood profile. His attempt to claw his way to the middle could have resulted in race riots, injury, and death. His punishment? All charges dropped.
T
By Marilyn M. Singleton, MD, JD
he scandal about Hollywood and other elites buying their children’s way into top-rated universities really hit home. I remember when I had tutored some recent Vietnamese immigrants for a debate contest to win a scholarship for college. I could only hope that their hard work was rewarded and not wiped away by special favors bestowed on the “haves.” Now we continue to have a slew of healthcare hoaxes: corporate stakeholders, legislators, and government agencies promise everything and have no accountability for their failure to keep their promises. Take the large health systems’ claim that hospital consolidation and buying up physician practices would benefit consumers with cheaper prices from coordinated services and other unspecified savings. A major study of California hospital mergers found just the opposite. The analysis showed that the price of an average hospital admission went up as much as 54 percent. When the large hospital systems bought doctors’ groups, the prices rose even more. There was as much as a 70 percent increase in prices of medical services in geographic areas with minimal competition. This finding seems obvious to any of us who has the choice of shopping at Walmart or CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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Issue 2, 2019
Ad
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One Heart Magazine
www.heartbeatsaveslives.org
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
Target or Costco. Logic aside, some legislators believe that having the government take over medical care would solve our access and cost problems. Single payer means no competition whatsoever. The single payer plans (H.R. 1384 and S. 1804) that abolish private insurance leave patients with an empty choice. Patients can contract with a physician to pay cash for government medical services covered by the government. But if the physician contracts for such services he cannot be part of the government program for any patient for 2 years. Realistically, these single payer bills make it financially unfeasible for physicians to privately contract with patients. Thus, only well-heeled patients, along with independently wealthy doctors, can buy their way out of the system. There are variations on the theme of government involvement that allow buy-ins to Medicare, Medicaid, or iterations of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. All of
20
these all have the same defect: expanding the government healthcare monopoly. The opioid crisis is an example of the unintended consequences of intervention by oversight agencies not directly involved in patient care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now the Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits more than 20,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the U.S, is for all practical purposes a government surrogate. In 2001, JCAHO declared that pain was the “5th vital sign” that had to be addressed or face consequences. The Federation of American Medical Boards told physicians that “in the course of treatment,” large doses of opioids were just fine. Moreover, Medicare has a hospital payment formula that relies on patient satisfaction surveys. If the patients are satisfied, including being so zoned out on opiates that they can’t taste the bad food, the hospital is paid more. The hospital is penalized for a bad rating. And now to deal with the opiate issue, the government has issued guidelines that
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
have been found to be harmful to some patients. One-size-fits-all restrictions have caused physicians to fear being flagged as over-prescribers by the medical board. Consequently, some physicians are tapering patients off opioids more quickly than they would ideally like. And in the public eye patients have been transformed from objects of compassion to criminal drug addicts. Individualized medical care must not be reserved for the chosen few. Patients need physicians who are empathetic, thorough, and not married to a medical cookbook written by disinterested third parties. Perhaps this is why Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones chose to have his heart surgery in the U.S. and not with his British homeland’s National Health Service. Central control is not a good idea. Period. Do not believe the hoax perpetrated by the ruling class who will never have to live by their own rules. It is highly unlikely that Venezuela’s President Maduro is starving along with his people.
Issue 2, 2019
Imagine a private island with a spectacular two-mile, white sand beach and the only footprints are yours. Such a place really exists. Just 13 beachfront units and several private rental homes. No cars, no crowds, no hassles. It will win your heart.
Elegant cuisine and as much or as little as you want to do. Daily Snorkeling Trips Bone, Reef, Deep Sea Fishing Off-Island Excursions New Spa Services
The Meridian Club on Pine Cay Turks and CaiCos islands For inFormation 649.941.7011 reservations@meridianclub.com meridianclub.com
post-excursion stays at the start and end points of your voyage let you explore the area for a few extra days.
3. Ample time to engage and explore:
River cruising lets you spend a lot of time in many towns and cities along the river. Typically, each day of the journey begins in a different port. Just step off the ship, join your chosen excursion and start learning and experiencing.
4. A rich, cultural sampler:
5 REASONS TO TAKE A RIVER CRUISE TO SEE EUROPE Travel with ease and class on a river cruise for the best ever vacation.
A
n international trip is the experience of a lifetime. If you're looking for a travel option that offers up-close interactions with a cross section of countries - but without the hassle of planning and executing that level of detail yourself - a river cruise may be the option you're seeking. Unlike an ocean cruise, which typically docks farther away, the size of a river ship allows guests the opportunity to port in small, lesser-known towns and sail into the heart of iconic cities, such as Budapest and Amsterdam. Each destination offers extensive time to absorb and experience landmarks, cuisine and cultural offerings. Whether exploring castles along Europe's Danube River appeals to your wanderlust or making your way through the rich and complex history of France's Bordeaux wine region is more your speed, river cruising offers the perfect opportunity for those with a hunger to expand their minds and deepen their cultural enrichment. Before you plan, here are some of the most important features and benefits of an international river cruise. 22
1. Less hassle, less stress:
A river cruise offers a greatly simplified mode of travel. Once you step aboard your river cruise ship, you unpack once and spend the rest of your trip focused only on enjoying the journey. Some cruise lines feature inclusive pricing, so things like your meals, Wi-Fi and lodging are already settled.
2. Craft your own journey:
Many river cruise packages offer flexible options to help you design the journey you've always imagined. You can select from a variety of port excursions, putting you in charge of your perfect day out. While land excursions are an additional cost in most cases, Viking's river cruise itineraries offer one free shore excursion in each port along with additional optional excursions to book based on your specific interests with knowledgeable local guides. Also, pre- and
Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay
If you're eyeing grand destinations like Central Europe and France for your travels, you're probably the kind of person who is hungry to learn about the art, cuisine, history, daily living and other fascinating aspects of culture. Viking has not only developed engaging and culturally immersive excursions, but also created programs onboard the ship to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the places you visit, from home visits to Privileged Access excursions exclusive to the cruise line. Before you embark, be sure to avail yourself of the many online resources available through Viking. From online videos, to reading and film lists, you'll find plenty of enriching content to help you feel prepared and excited for your journey.
5. Enjoy the riches of the river life:
Of course, a host of pleasures await that only a cruise down the river can bring. On your journey, expect scenic views of cities, landscapes and architectural features not easily seen while taking a traditional land tour, as well as alfresco dining and relaxing on the deck. Once you experience a river cruise in a new country, you'll discover what an enriching experience a vacation can be. To learn more about the destinations and offerings from Viking, visit vikingcruises. com.
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AFRICA
ASIA
EUROPE
LATIN AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
NORTH AMERICA
&