We have taken several Viking River Cruises and were delighted with our experiences on those cruises. We have also taken more than 15 ocean cruises including two transatlantic trips. We have enjoyed our ocean cruises and were intrigued when we saw the opportunity to travel with Viking on one of its new cruise ships. Our other ocean cruises were aboard larger ships than the Viking Star and we were wondering how traveling on a smaller vessel would compare with the larger ships. We were trilled with our trip on the Viking Star and don't think there will be more trips on the bigger ships in our future. Te ship is magnificent. It is sleek and modern but comfortable and homey The cabin, the common areas, the theater, the specialty dining facilities the World cake and the restaurant were all terrific. The spa and the fitness center were not crowded and offered a chance to relax or work out in an almost private setting. The food offered something for everyone. There was wonderful variety and even in the World cafe the staff was there to prepare items for for our personal taste. We can't say enough positive about the staff and crew. They were attentive, knowledgeable and always there to make our experience more enjoyable. The guest lecturers were all interesting and informative and kept us looking for more sessions throughout the cruise. Entertainment was excellent .and eve included a passenger guest choir that worked with the professional entertainers to put on a wonderful show at the end of the cruise. We met wonderful people and were sad to have to leave the ship when we reached Barcelona.