PORTS AND EXCURSION -WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER 12/4-12/16, ROME TO LISBON

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER ON THE VIKING SKY

We were 2 couples (65+) on this wonderful cruise. Having 5 countries and 11 ports & cities to visit was amazing. Previously we had been on 3 Viking River Cruises and 1 Viking Ocean cruise. We all agreed it was a great trip. Viking handled everything from beginning to end perfectly. It was an amazing itinerary. The Sky is a great ship, with excellent dining, an exceptional crew, and rating by us of 9.5/10!!

Some tips-things we learned. Being in the lower Veranda Deck cabin meant we had the last choice for selecting Included Excursions. Knowing this I got on-line at 3 p.m. EST when the day arrived for us to book the Included Excursions.

TIP- Check every day for included excursion openings and changes.

DINNER RESERVATIONS AT SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS. Our cabin V-2 Veranda did not have pre-cruise reservations.

On board the first night we did make reservations for Manfredi’s and the Chef’s Table in person at the front desk of the World Café. Better yet, use the on screen capability in your cabin to make reservations. It also gives the daily menus for all dining venues. We had 1 visit to each specialty restaurants. There were a number of tables that never got occupied.

Suggest you go directly to the venue you want and see if they will seat you.

Dining- You will not go hungry on this cruise. The World Café (deck) is causal and buffet. The wait staff supply drinks and table clearing. Always there. The Restaurant is a fixed menu with a more formal sit down service. The selection of entrees at dinner from the World Café is large. It also has a nice Sushi selection, good size shrimp and crabs legs. You will see all this when you get there. It’s all very good. Recommend Chef’s Table the “Asian Panorama” menu. At Manfredi’s try the bistecca fiorentina-rib eye steak.

ENJOY AND HAVE FUN

IN GENERAL-

• We booked in advance with SPAIN DAY TOURS for Barcelona (1/2 day), Seville, and Granada.

If interested more information and booking can be found at their website. Use the following link www.SpainDayTours.com

• Our cruise had a roll call on Cruise Critic of about 25 participants. Some very active who also arranged other tours and posted them on CC. The Meet and Mingle had a sign up of 60.

• Hope this helps and happy cruising.

BruceB NYC