We had not been on an ocean cruise for many years, although we have done 3 River Cruises with Viking. Flying to Europe from Australia is a long haul and we like to stay overnight in Asia to break the trip up into manageable "chunks". While Viking booked our flights, we had to find our own accommodation and transfers.
Because of the flight schedules, we arrived in Istanbul 2 days ahead of our ...
This was our first cruise so I do not have a comparison. However it met or exceeded all my expectations. Our cabin was well appointed with adequate storage space. The bed and chairs were very comfortable. We had access to laundry equipment which we used as we were traveling after the cruise. Our attendant, Arya was very thorough in keeping our cabin clean and well stocked. In fact we were ...
Viking is new to the ocean cruise business, but is catching on fast. It's crew are enthusiastic, young, and approachable. And even they admit they will be better as they get more experience on the seas. We sailed from Istanbul to Venice, and enjoyed the experience very much. Of particular interest for those of you shopping cruise lines is that almost everything is included. No hidden fees for ...
The interior designers of the ship deserve an A+ rating. They really gave great thought in details. Tastefully decorated decor, many secluded comfortable areas to relax and enjoy the surrounding, read a book or take a snooze. Never over crowded.
The ship had a smooth, steady sailing motion, even during fairly rough waters. However, the shipbuilders must have underestimated the negative affect ...
I rated this cruise as Very Good only because we had no other cruise to rate it against.
The Viking Star was great.
Our cabin was surprising in how spacious and comfortable it was.
Embarkation and disembarkation was very painless.
The Staff were all very friendly & obliging.
The service was very good, nothing was too much trouble and any little "wrinkles" were ironed out very ...
The magnificent new ship, the Viking Star, was a luxurious travel experience. There are so many areas to gather and socialize or wonderful spots to sit and quietly read or doze. The two-level Explorer's Lounge is a particularly comfortable location for relaxation with its bar, easy chairs and sofas and soothing nighttime musical entertainment. Perched high at the bow of the ship, it gives one the ...
The Viking Star cruise "Empires of the Mediterranean " was a pleasure from start to finish. The ports and excursions were wonderful with good guides and well planned tours. The ship itself was amazing: so well designed and comfortable. Love the aesthetic and the many ways to relax, learn and have fun from the pool, the restaurants and bars, the theaters, talks, places to sit and read or play ...
We have taken 6 Viking River cruises but this was our first ocean cruise with them. Cabins and public areas are lovely; free Laundromat is wonderful; Wi-Fi works well; staff was very polite; entertainment and lectures were fist class; food fabulous. However, time in ports especially Athens and Istanbul is VERY limited. If you have not been to these cities, (or Venice) extend your trip in Istanbul ...
I will cut and paste my daily log.VIKING STAR APRIL 2015
For the past two years I have been planning this cruise. I read about Viking River Cruises planning to construct an ocean going cruise ship, and get into the ocean cruise business. I went on line and booked the maiden voyage of the yet to be built ship, the prices were cheap but we were required to pay for our cruise in full when I ...