Prior excellent experience with Viking River cruises and disappointment with the pricing structure and size of other ocean cruise lines were the primary reasons we chose Viking Star. I appreciated having included shore excursions at each port (and they were excellent tours). The optional excursions were also excellent. There was never a wait for seating at meals. Variety and quality of food was excellent.

Entertainment was low key and high quality. Appreciated that there was no casino and no ship's photographer hounding us. It was nice to not pay extra for water! On board lectures were interesting, but could have had more focus on the history of the areas we travelled through, especially the Balkans. The ship was a nice size with all the amenities we enjoy. It never seemed crowded. The cabin was roomy but could have used more storage space for clothing. The bathroom was excellent - much larger than previous ships we have been on.

Our flights over and back (arranged through Viking) were inexpensive and excellent. Non-stop Seattle to Paris, an easy change to the short hop to Barcelona (service on the Delta leg was decidedly better than the Air France leg. Returning was smooth, except for an endless process to get through customs in Atlanta (avoid at all costs). Viking arranged to fly us back from Munich, rather than Venice (we took the train from Venice to Munich - a lovely trip (puts US train service to shame). Read more