This was the Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona. We had done two prior river cruises with Viking and were so impressed with their service that when this trip appeared, it was a must do. We like small ship cruises and were a little concerned about this larger ship (900 passengers), but liked it very much. We had some problems with our arrangements before the cruise and getting signed up for some optional shore excursions and concluded that Viking Ocean Cruises was probably not the same people as Viking River Cruises, and they were having some growing pains. Everything on the ship was absolutely perfect. It is a beautiful and comfortable ship and as with the river cruises, the staff just can't do enough to help you. They are all first class. The rooms are very comfortable, the public areas are wonderful, the food was fantastic, and the varied entertainment was great. We could find no fault with anything on the ship. Our only complaint was that some of the shore excursions were not as good as we had come to expect from the river cruises. Some of the local guides did not speak very good English, especially in Italy. In particular, those excursions run by Trumpe Tours were not all good. But we also had some excellent shore excursions, particularly in Croatia.

My wife and I have shied away form the big mega-cruises, but can't wait for our next Viking Ocean Cruise.