The embarkation was a little awkward for us. We did not use the Viking air travel & hotel, instead making our own way to the dock. There was a red Viking awning with a stack of bottled water, a number of suitcases, and a couple of people chatting. There was no sign with the ship's name on it despite the fact that there were a number of other ships at that same dock, none of which were a Viking ship (ours was outboard of the others and couldn't be seen). We had to approach the Viking employees and inquire if we were in the correct place. I feel a sign with the ships' name would have helped a lot.

The cabin was ready for us even though we arrived a little early. The check-in was quick & smooth.

There was a bottle of champagne and a flower arrangement in our cabin when we arrived, and another bottle of champagne arrived the next day, even though we hadn't drunk the first bottle yet. We have no idea if either bottle or the flowers were from Viking, or a gift from friends or family. A card with a brief message from Viking or whoever provided them would have been helpful. I know the extras that I ordered via fax never arrived, but I was not charged for them, so I don't know what happened. Read more