We particularly choose this cruise because of the itinerary, which included at stop at Nordkapp, the top of Europe. We were eager to try Viking Ocean as we had previously been on a Viking River cruise which we found to be the opposite of our experiences most recently on the Viking Star.

On Viking River (Danube) the included tours were outstanding with very knowledgeable guides in amazing ports. We found the food to be just marginal and the cabins incredibly small. The staff was just ok and the "lecture" and entertainment "single pianist" barely passable.

By comparison, the Viking Star staff, food, lectures, cabins, entertainment, not to mention the Viking Star itself, were amazing, surpassing every expectation! Our only reason for not giving a full 5 on the ratings were the included excursions in the ports. They were beyond lame. On one bus tour, the guide said we'd be making three photo stops on our tour where we could get off the buss and take a picture and get back on and that was it! Really? Why bother with the big buss cattle movers to make three stops .....not for a glimpse into culture, not for historical information, not for a feel of the town we were visiting....but to take three photos. The clientele on this ship was educated, curious and obviously desirous of learning more about the country we were visiting. There should be more than just photo ops! Read more