After dreaming about a Viking Cruise for years, my sisters and I finally cruised on the Viking Star in January,2018. We chose the winter time see we wanted to enjoy touring tourist sites in the Mediterranean without the summer crowds. This dream came true, for the most part. The weather did not cooperate and we were unable to go ashore two of the days, so we made the most of this lovely ship.

We really appreciated all of the small details that Viking did so well. From the daily newspaper, the high tea, the quick room service, the stocked mini fridge, the towels everywhere, the spa with heated recliners, champagne at the captains' farewell, the attention from staff, I could go on...

A few exceptional details that I really appreciated related to health. We all know the reputation for cruise ships and illness, Viking goes out of the way to try to encourage health. each restaurant had a (luxurious) hand washing station at the entrance, along with staff to encourage the use of hand sanitizer at the restaurant entrances, the restroom doorways, the entrance and exit of the ship. The outside spaces had ample room for exercise and the spa encouraged relaxation and health. I greatly appreciated the attention to detail for special dietary needs. I have celiac disease, and while I couldn't enjoy all of the baked goods, the gluten free items on the buffet were all clearly marked, there was always a gluten free dessert or two, and every day the restaurant supervisor would find me and give me the dinner menu for The Restaurant so I could choose the appropriate meals. We had looked forward to high tea in the Wintergarden, and I hadn't expected to be able to eat there-but there was a gluten free selection every day-which after the first day the staff recognized me and brought right away. I ate very well:) Read more