Our first cruise experience, several years ago, was a Viking River Cruise (Romantic Danube Cruise) and we loved it. So when we saw that Viking was going to "scale up" that kind of experience to an ocean cruise... as opposed to "scaling down" a big ocean cruise line experience... we jumped at the chance to buy tickets for a cruise in the Viking Star's maiden season. We're so very glad we did! In the time between that river cruise and this Viking Star voyage, my wife and I cruised on three other lines - all top notch experiences. But we are very sure the Viking Ocean Cruise we just returned from was the best of all. The multiple ports with multiple shore excursion options... the multiple dining options... the size and comfort of our cabin (with a veranda!)... the entertainment... and most of all the wonderful Viking staff... all of these were simply fantastic.

We do have suggestions, however. The production shows that were held in the atrium or the small lounge should have been held in the theater, so more passengers could comfortably enjoy them. Use of the other venues was interesting, but impractical - and didn't allow for the full use of the extremely talented performers.

The Italian-themed restaurant was absolutely the best dining experience on board, and the buffet was also fabulous. But the service in the Dining Room was disappointingly indifferent - not making it a special event. And the Chef's Table's choice of only one menu per evening was too limiting for diners who are either not very interested in wine or who wish for more choices due to health concerns or just taste. A "steak house" themed restaurant to replace the Chef's Table would be a big success, we think. Read more