After many years of cruising, primarily on luxury cruise lines, we decided to try the very highly publicized Viking Ocean Cruises. We were anticipating a big anniversary, so opted for the Explorer Suite, one category below the Owner's Suite. Viking arranged our air, though we paid a supplement to choose our own travel dates and flights. No problems there. On the day of embarkment, we got to the ship to be greeted by a girl in native costume, and no one else. We found our own way to our suite, and again found no notes of welcome or general information. Granted a booklet had been mailed to us with information, but we had expected some greeting and proof of the onboard credit we were to receive from our agent. Nothing. There was a bottle of sparkling wine in the frig, but that was it. No fruit, no welcoming canapes, nothing. After some time one of our cabin attendants came to introduce himself. We went down to the Explorer's desk and they had no idea of our onboard credit or our upcoming anniversary. After many attempts, and phone calls, this was never resolved. Our agent, who we called directly, and who spoke with Viking's main office, could not get them to accept the money from her credit card, so we never got the onboard credit. Not a great start.

The suite: disappointing. A livingroom with more furniture than should have been put into it. A loveseat, 2 opposing chairs, a table with four chairs, a huge coffee table, and a desk with frig inside. Sounds impressive until you have to walk around it. Many bumped shins here.

A small crooked passage led to the bedroom. King bed, two nightstands. A walk-in closet with makeup dresser and mirror. TV on the wall, and door to the balcony. Tight. We had to step aside to pass each other. More like a balcony cabin. Read more