We reserved early on a V1 level cabin so that we could indulge in the Tuscan 3 night pre cruise extension, and other non-included excursions. The Tuscan extension was three nights at Villa Il Poggiale near Florence. It was an outstanding experience. Trumpy Tours handled this extension and our other shore excursions in Italy. All were well thought out and executed.

The Viking Star is an excellent ship. The ships crew was excellent. The Main dining room service and food was excellent. Staff training and service at the buffet dining on the 8th deck was spotty. Beverage service in common spaces, away from the bars, was non existent. If you pay for the beverage package, you won't get the all-ship service that you are used to on premium lines like Crystal, Seabourne etc. Our cabin service and housekeeping were flawless. Overall, Viking offers a high value, education oriented, experience for mature travelers. We just booked our third Viking Cruise.