Viking Orion Review
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Chose countries I was interested in exploring...Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
I have traveled on Viking Riverboats twice before, and I was disappointed in the ocean cruise experience with Viking compared to other lines (I have traveled on Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Silver Seas). Overall, I felt the excursion experience lacked attention to the travelers, as excursions sites were poor, and we spent most of the time on the bus driving around. The local tour guide companies were less than well experienced, and the guides themselves were simply not helpful beyond the script they read to us.
I realize that several ports were primarily for commercial travel with few amenities geared to the passenger ships, but Viking did little to compensate for that. When we exited the ship there were no personnel in the 'tents' at the bottom of the gangway, and as a passenger you were on your own to find your way to the terminal or to the buses (somewhat dangerous in an unknown country). The preparation for off-board travel lacked useful information also.
Cabin Review
Cabin was fine, our stewart was great.
Port Reviews
Bali
Port of disembarkation for me, and this was the most upsetting part of the cruise. It was raining steadily as we disembarked, and the Viking staff was not helpful at all. I had to insist on help down the wet, metal gangway and request and umbrella to shelter from the rain. The staff seemed more interested in getting us off the ship quickly rather than safely.
The buses took us to a delightful resort, where the entire staff treated us royally. The accommodations and luncheon were great. I wished I had booked the resort to stay longer.