Viking Jupiter Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We are not new to the Viking Ocean ships and amenities. Our familiarity with the vessel and outstanding service was the reason we chose to explore South America with Viking.
Although we have had good service with other cruise lines, Viking hospitality is without a doubt the best we have experienced. The constant smiles, interaction, friendliness, and "bend-over-backward" service enhances the pleasure of the voyage, and takes the edge off any unforeseen "bumps" that may come along (weather?). Viking hires a diverse crew and staff which gave us the opportunity to learn and enjoy cultures beyond the ship's itinerary. Housekeeping was stellar and a "can do" attitude made the living quarters a pleasure and a" home" to which we enjoyed returning after a day of exploring.
Viking does a great job of finding the best guides available for the tours. As an example,our tour group had a guide that lived through the Falkland War and gave a first hand account of the action and progress as the British retook the island from Argentina. Not only were we physically at the locations on the Falklands in which the conflict turned, but we had a primary source that made the group feel as though they were living in that historical moment.
Cabin Review
The cabin was wider than most with ample room for a king bed. Tha extra width gave us room to get around without bumping into one another. The living room was divided from the "bedroom" by a cloth curtain which also served to keep light out during the long days in the South Pacific during summer. The "entertainment area' had a couch, coffee table, and two chairs for guests, which as handy. Restocking the refrigerator each day was a nice perk, especially when we chilled local wine from a visiting port. The veranda was wide with comfortable wicker seating. We truly enjoyed our time drinking our beverage of choice while watching port activities, scenery, and the ocean. Another nice perk was having laundry done each day. It really cut down on the amount of packing and we enjoyed fresh laundered and ironed clothing at all times. The WiFi and Television were nice entertainment and informational outlets of which we regularly took advantage.Within a few days of sailing, we felt right at home in our cabin.
Port Reviews
Punta Arenas
This hiking tour had us traversing creeks and boulders. Beautiful vistas, many birds, and a walk through rainforest.
Stanley
Not a very long street to visit, however, great interacting with the residents. Sent postcards from their tiny post office. Museum wa worth the effort.
Stanley
Tim Miller guided our group. He was a farmer on East Island when the Argentinians took the island. He was a first hand account of how the war developed and how it was eventually won by the Brits. Great!
Buenos Aires
City tour took us to La Boca District where we were able to walk around, shop, and takie in the music and culture. Friendly people. Very brightly colored paint on the houses made the small district really stand out.
Buenos Aires
A mix of Louisiana Bayou, 20th Century river life, modern mansions on the delta. Our group was in a cabin holding 20 with air conditioning. Recommended.