The Viking Star is truly a magnificent ship with first class crew and staff. With one or two exceptions, everyone went out of their way to provide excellent service. Logistics for connecting with shore excursions and guides were efficient. Guides I experienced were knowledgeable and friendly.

One of my favorite places to visit on the ship was the Explorer's Lounge. One lasting impression was the dramatic entry through the Marmara Sea to the Istanbul harbor. The blue sky and blue sea were wonderful backdrops to the expanse of Istanbul on the horizon. Thanks to Viking for having a speaker aboard who narrated what we were seeing as we approached the city. Free champagne was also a very nice touch!

However, there were a few "bugs" that needed to be worked out on this "maiden voyage." We disembarked in Istanbul at 3:15 a.m. and never received an accounting of our "on-board charges". This was promised and it never happened. The computer set-up for obtaining Turkish visas was also chaotic. The one printer set up to service the bank of computers was not hooked up properly and personnel needed to assist with printing visas and boarding passes from another printer. There was insufficient staff to help with the dysfunctional set up. Additionally, some staff became impatient with senior passengers who were not particularly computer savvy. The whole set up was not "passenger friendly." Read more