Ok cruise experience

We chose this cruise for the itinerary, but 5 of 9 ports were skipped (2) or significantly delayed. Shore excursions were just ok, even the ones we purchased were just ok.

Most of the staff and crew were excellent, friendly, and bent over backwards to please.

Public areas were overcrowded at events or activities.

Food was very good to excellent in main restaurant and especially Manfredis.

World Cafe , pool grill, and Chefs Table just ok.

Cabin was roomy enough but very limited drawer space in Deluxe Veranda. Bathroom was nice.

A lot of people like the stark Scandinavian decor, but we found that the abundance of hard surfaces and minimal softening features made the restaurants and public areas very noisy.

We chose the post cruise Montreal stay (Westin) and are very disappointed with the hotel.

Waited 5 hours for room to be ready. Room looks into windows of adjacent building, have to keep drapes closed all the time. They refused to change the room.

The flight Viking booked leaves at 8:30 am but the transfer leaves at 4 am. Airport is only 30 minutes away. Just adds to the misery of the Montreal experience.

By contrast, the pre cruise in Oslo and Bergen were wonderful.

We tried to book business class but Viking said they only have economy for this cruise. We found out later this was not true. We are too old for the discomforts of economy flights ( even though we managed to upgrade to premium economy through the airline) all the way from the west coast. It's definitely a deal breaker on any future cruise.