This cruise was chosen based on the itinerary as was well as our previous experiences on Viking River cruises and the Viking Star. Booked our own air and arrived one day early in spite of missing our connection in Paris. After a beautiful evening at a rooftop restaurant in Rome, we took a cab to the port around noon. No line at to check in. Went straight to the buffet for lunch and enjoyed the views until they announced cabins ready around 1PM - an hour earlier than originally promised. These new ships are very technologically forward-looking in all respects, although there are still quite a number of opportunities for additions and enhancements in that area.

Our cabin was very nice, as expected based on Star experience, with a few upgrades (more USB ports, for example) having been added. Bed was very comfortable. Stateroom steward was flawless and fulfilled every request promptly.

Food and service in the main dining room was considerably better than on other lines we have recently sailed. Never had to wait for a table and always had our choice of table for two or group seating. Did not use the specialty restaurants on this trip, but were well pleased with those on the Star. Entrainment was very good and upscale; fewer activities than you would expect on larger ships. Also, unlike most larger ships, Viking did not stagger that breakfast/lunch changeover in the buffet, leaving periods of an hour our two when nothing was available there. See notes about excursion timing below. Read more