Viking Sky Review

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Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Sky
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Senior2004
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Apr 2017

What started out to be a Viking River Cruise for us morphed into a Viking Ocean Cruise after a series of changes, flip-flops, and renditions. My wife wanted to visit Europe with her 81 year old mother, and neither had ever been. I had been to most of the ports we hit, but on Navy ships as a young Sailor, so let's just say I didn't have the good taste or cultural awareness then that I have now. My MIL's gentleman friend was also well-travelled in Europe, but mostly on short-term business trips. So we all hammered this idea out between us until what we decided on was the Mediterranean Odyssey on April 3, leaving from Venice.

I have to say in a nutshell that Viking Cruise Lines and this cruise in particular exceeded almost all of our expectations greatly, and we feel like we have had the trip and vacation of a lifetime. Not perfect, but pretty darned good. The two things I didn't care for were the front man at Manfredi's, who was too pompous and self-important for my liking, and that Viking Air hooked us up with the flight schedule from hell on the way back to the US from Barcelona. No way should we have had a 5.5 hour layover in Paris. My fault for believing what the agent on the phone said, instead of having all the flight schedules in front of me to begin with. Other that those two things, no complaints.

Special kudos to JoJo, Ruby, our cabin steward (whose name slips my mind), and all the other stellar crew members we came in contact with. They were top-notch employees, and made our stay aboard superb. The ship was immaculately clean at all times, in good working order, and quiet and comfortable. Understated elegance! The food was good, the shows were good, and the spa was OUTSTANDING. We managed to vegetate down there several times. Loved hanging out on the pool deck and in the Explorer's Lounge too. We took advantage of both the free and paid excursions, and used my previous port knowledge to tailor what tours were best for us. Favorite excursions were Amalfi, Florence (David/Uffizzi), Nice/Eze, and the Flamenco show in Barcelona. Least favorite was Corfu, but it would have been Toulon if I didn't know better already and had gone on that free port excursion. We opted for Cassis instead, which I was able to return to after 38 years. Still as awesome as in 1979!

Cabin Review

Cabin Deluxe Veranda

Cabin was wonderful but a little tight if two people were trying to get around the bed or in the closet at the same time. Bathroom was best ever, with the fogless shower and heated floors. We felt like we were in a 5-star resort. Our cabin steward knew our names by the 2nd day and was more attentive than I ever expected. Our location was near both the steps/elevators and laundry room, so very convenient.

Port Reviews

Split

Walked around on our own. Great time. Up Marjan Hill for the view and ate grilled Sea Bass at Konoba Marjan. Highly recommend.

Dubrovnik

Marina gave us a great City tour, and then we walked the wall with some great folks from Cary, NC.

Corfu

Interesting island tour, but Corfu just isn't that great a port to hit, in my opinion. Our tour guide left something to be desired. Would rather have gone to Kopor.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Rode the free bus to Rome to see the highlights, then got off at the Vatican and wandered from there to Termini train station, stopping at the Pantheon, Forum, and many other historic sights along the way. Back to Civitavechia by train that night.

Naples

Can't go wrong with lunch in Sorrento, a trip to the inlaid wood store, and a ride on the 1800 curves of the Amalfi Drive! Our driver was a STAR. Did things with a bus I didn't think possible.

Venice

Boat tour and Operatic performance. Fabulous! Great way to start the cruise.

Florence (Livorno)

Walked down the Firenze equivalent of Rodeo Drive

Monaco (Monte Carlo)

Eze is where my wife wants to live. Nice is nice, but the flowers for the victims of the terrorist truck incident and the soldiers on patrol bring you back to reality. Monte Carlo also fabulous - oozing with wealth!

Toulon

Toulon is an armpit. Take the trip to Cassis like we did. Great boat ride to the Calanques.

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