Changed my opinion of cruises: now I love them!
Viking Sea Cruise Review by mgounaris
- Sail Date: Nov 2016
- Destination: the Eastern Mediterranean
My husband loves cruises, but it has never been my favorite form of travel. Viking ocean cruises have changed my opinion and I am looking forward to another Viking Ocean cruise. He, too, found this to be an excellent form of cruising so we are now happily in agreement for future travel.
The ship is brand new and designed beautifully for those who want nooks and crannies to quietly enjoy solitude, or gregarious meeting spaces for times that you wish to enjoy the company of others. The itinerary and many on-board experiences are wonderful for thinking people. So much art, culture, history are available during shore excursions, enrichment lectures on-board, TED talks, talented musicians and entertainment. This cruise also had a fascinating Munch exhibit. The spa is beautiful and free (massages & facials extra charge.) The entertainment was not cheesy, but excellent quality.
Our veranda cabin was comfortable, spacious enough for 2, and well appointed. To be arriving in ports early morning while watching from your veranda is a gorgeous way to start the day! This was especially true of our arrival in Naples.
The dining was better than expected. Dining room and cafe (buffet) were both excellent. The 2 specialty restaurants (no extra charge) were delightful changes of pace.
I liked that there were no casinos or shopping malls onboard. There are a couple boutiques, but not overwhelming. Swimming pools & hot tubs were very good.
Best of all were all the helpful, friendly crew members, the efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes.
Cabin Review
Port & Shore Excursion Reviews
enjoyed an ubfirmative guided tour of the new Parthenon Museum. The museum is not at the Parthenon, but below, so travellers should be aware. We have been to the Parthenon before, so that was ok for us.
View All undefined undefined ReviewsWas amazed at Delos, and so grateful that Viking had our tour led by a retired archaeologist who was knowledgeable and personable.
View All 97 Island of Delos Reviewswas great for me, but a little difficult for my husband (activity level was a bit hard for him).
View All 24 Grand Master Palace ReviewsCyprus! Never thought about visiting Cyprus. Viking needs to change the itinerary and stay 2 days, not one. Randomly chose Paphos out of the many shore excursions. It was an excellent balance of antiquities, time in the town on your own, and a beautiful coastal drive.
View All 2 Paphos Walking Tour ReviewsThis tour actually went to an important Baha'i site and beautiful gardens outside of Haifa (not the large Baha'i temple in Haifa). Thenon to a kibbutz to see how they are run today, followed by an intersting visit to some lovely grottos on the Israel-Lebanon border.
View All 12 Acre Walking Tour ReviewsLong day but worth it. Interesting for Christians and those interested in cultural stories.
View All 26 Nazareth and Galilee Reviewsa must see for those who are either religious, and/or historically interested. It is a bit of a challenging walk for some. The excellent Viking rep on the tour kept my husband company while I was more free to explore. The only reason not "excellent" was I didn't appreciate being taken to the designated shop for purchases.
View All 14 City Tour Reviewsincredibly moving and beautifully done. This was a part of, not separate from, the city tour.
View All 3 Yad Vashem Memorial ReviewsHave been to Crete before and seen the sites. Since I have relatives who live there we opted to visit instead. Big port so can't easily walk into town if you are on your own. Fortunately a shuttle bus is available to get you to the taxi stand.
afternoon after morning tour to Pompeii. Had to return to ship instead between tours. Viking should coordinate this better so you don't waste time like that. Actual tour was fine.
View All 79 Herculaneum Reviewsmorning tour prior to afternoon Herculaneum. Had to return to ship instead between tours. Viking should coordinate this better so you don't waste time like that. Actual tour was fine.
View All 505 Pompeii Walking Tour ReviewsWe have been to Rome before (not to say Rome isn't worth repeated visits) but had this opportunity to see something we were not familiar with. Excellent guide! Very interesting tour.
View All 21 Etruscan tour Reviews