We sailed on the Viking Star "Empires of the Mediterranean" cruise starting on September 24. It was preceded by 3 days in Venice. The entire experience was fantastic! The service was totally beyond reproach. The entire staff was friendly, courteous and attentive to one's every need. It turns out that when Viking was interviewing staff candidates they ranked personality over experience. And it paid off!

The food was wonderful also. One could either dine off the buffet in the World Cafe, in The Restaurant off of the menu or by reservation in one of the two "special menu" restaurants, Manfredi's or the Chef's Table. The menu selections in the latter were excellent, well prepared and delicious! Tea was served every afternoon at 4. Snacks could be had at Mamsen's most of the time. Mamsen's is a Norwegian style delicatessen.

There are comfortable lounges everywhere, and, despite the fact that there were 900 passengers, we never felt crowded. There was plenty of first rate entertainment including a classical trio (flute, cello and violin), a pianist, a guitarist, an ensemble (keyboard, bass and drums), a female singer, and a very talented group of actors (sang, danced and acted). In addition there were a series of fascinating lectures on various subjects, both historical and scientific. Every night there was a current movie on the pool deck with free popcorn. The room stewards tended to the staterooms about three times a day. Fresh linens every day.