I chose this cruise because I wanted to experience what international travel was like before the advent of modern air travel. I wanted to enjoy an Atlantic crossing a la vintage Hollywood. I wasn't disappointed. The Viking Sea is luxurious. Her crew and the entire staff were magnificent in every respect. From a good nights sleep to a snow bath, comfort and convenience was the order of the day. There were six dining venues to accommodate every atmosphere from casual to elegant. The food quality was excellent and catered to most every taste. Some of my favorites were the foods that were unique to the country we visited that day. And, there's a well equipped gym to help work off the excess calories! What more could one ask for!
Entertainment and activity opportunities while aboard afforded passengers an almost endless variety of things to do. If one got tired of the spa, pool, hot tub or wistfully staring out to sea there were several libraries, the Viking Museum, movies under the stars, high teas, dance classes, fashion shows, live music, resident lecturers and port call briefings to occupy the day.
The cruise originated from San Juan Puerto Rico and ended in Barcelona Spain with eight full days at sea. Boarding and disembarking were professionally executed and effortless. Port calls included Phillipsburg on the island of St Maarten, Funchal on the island of Madeira Portugal, Tangier Morocco, Cadiz Spain and Valencia Spain. The shore excursions were well planed, fun and took us to the heart of these fantastic cities. Our passage through the Straights of Gibraltar was at 2330 in a thunder storm that produced a spectacular lightening display. One could barely make out the floodlit "Rock". What a welcome to the Mediterranean!
My cabin was amidship on the fifth deck, port side. It was well appointed and comfortable in every respect. The bed and pillows were great, there was plenty of storage space and the bathroom efficient. The shower was among the best I've ever used. The veranda was a great place to relax and bond with the Atlantic (we were blessed with great weather) and was a perfect platform for photography in port and at sea.
Old San Juan is a treasure, hurricane damage not withstanding.
Beautiful and spacious historic city with spectacular modern architecture.