Most of this cruise was pretty wonderful. We were so glad we chose to spend a few extra days in Venice before embarkation, as inexplicably, when we got to Paris, the last leg of the journey had been "cancelled" and our bags taken off the plane. Air France got us back on the plane, and assured us our bags would also be put back on the plane, but that did not happen. We had to scramble through the lost bag process in Venice. Fortunately, the bags were delivered to our door late the same night.

Viking provides a free boat-shuttle to and from Hotel Molino Stuckey and St. Mark's square, which is quick and easy. We knew we wanted a room with a view, so we upgraded as soon as we got to the hotel, and it gave us great joy. We loved the Guidecca location, and found the shuttle and vaporetto rides a to of fun.

Embarcation was annoying. We had to meet at 10:30 a.m. to transfer to the ship (we could see the ship from our room), stand in a long line to get on the shuttle, then a long walk, then a long line to process, wait in the Atrium lounge to get into our cabins and participate in a fire drill at 5. Why not schedule several smaller transfers, allowing Venice pre-stays to actually enjoy another full day in Venice? Why not take the bags and allow passengers to process in at their leisure - morning, afternoon, evening, when the ship isn't leaving until 11 p.m.? Read more