What a wonderful experience my husband and I had aboard the Viking Star. This first of three planned ocean-going vessels from Viking was beautiful! Light colored woods and lots of open spaces created great ambience. Our cabin was spacious with plenty of storage space. The stairways were decorated with reproductions of the Bayeux Tapestry, retelling the story of the Viking Conquest of England by William the Conqueror. Outside the main Dining Room, an exhibit of ancient Viking artifacts help tell the Viking story.

The Dining Room was light and airy. The food was delicious with many regional dishes on the menu. Other dining venues had many tempting dishes. I particularly liked Mamsen's, an area just off the Explorer Lounge where Scandinavian Styled Breakfast, Lunch and Late Night Snacks were served. Tea in the Winter Garden is not to be missed. Dinners at the Chef's table were gastronomically unique and delicious, and Manfredi's offered a great Italian menu. Each evening in the Explorer Lounge, as it became dark, the constellations would magically appear on the ceiling. Also not to be missed is the spa with its Snow Room.

As with the Viking River cruises, the staff was proficient and more than accommodatingly friendly. Service was excellent. At ports there was always an option for an included local tour in addition to optional (fee based) tours. We used both options and were not disappointed, especially with our 2 day tour in St Petersburg which included 3 Palaces, the city, the ballet and 2 traditional lunches. Read more