Initially, we chose this cruise because it had a stop in North Africa (Tunis). At the very least we would have bragging rights in my immediate family for being the first to (a) travel to an African country and (b) travel to a Muslim country. We would also be traveling on the Viking Star, Viking's first ocean-going ship, on a voyage in its maiden season. However, it was not to be. Although we would be on the Viking Star's maiden cruise, alas, the part about Tunisia was not to be thanks to Arab militant unrest in that country . Viking did not feel that it was equipped to go up against a bunch of wild AK-47s (and I don't blame them), and instead of Tunisia, this particular tour would spend an extra day in Sicily in Messina. That was very nice, but there are no bragging rights to go along with this change. In Messina we enjoyed the complementary excursion that ended at the ancient bell tower at Noon when the structure comes alive. In addition there is a food tasting next door. Otherwise, the cruise was pretty much as advertised. We originally travelled with Viking on a couple of their river cruises, and for the most part, this ocean cruise was similar in many fortunate respects. All of the stops had several excursions to choose from including at lease one free-be as part of the cruise. I (Charles) am a person of limited abilities (I must use a wheelchair), so that necessarily limited which excursions I could participate in. However, my wife (Isumi) can get around quite effectively, and she did. All the excursions by either one or both of us were fun, entertaining, adventurous, and worth while. Isumi's favorite excursion, without any doubt, was to Vatican City after dark. She, the guide and about 20 others were allowed exclusive access to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. Isumi says this was the best excursion of the cruise. Not only were they the only ones on the premises, but the guide was one of the most knowledgeable. On down the coast of Italy, we arrived in Naples where Isumi took the tour of Herculeum. One of Charles regrets was that he was not able to make it to Herculeum do to his condition. Isumi's report just made him for envious. Isumi also enjoyed the trip to Majorca because she plays the piano, and because Chopin once lived in Majorca. It was homage to Palma de Majorca for her. They both enjoyed the excursion in Sardina to the folk music and dance venue that came complete with localwine and pastry tasting. Charles and Isumi both thought Valencia and Barcelona were going enterprises, with all the wild architecture, but La Sangrada Familia was the church not to be missed in Barcellona.

Although this report is mainly about the excursions, which Charles and Isumi generally like to do, they also enjoyed the Viking Star very much. It was comfortable; staff was helpful and friendly, and the accommodations and food were outstanding. Wheelchair assistance was made available to Charles any time on board. And the food! Oh the food!! What can we say? It was world class. We enjoyed all of the food venues, but, truth be told, "The Restaurant", the ships main dining room, was excellent, needed no reservations, available for breakfast and dinner. For lunch Isumi liked the World Café (Buffet).