Viking Star Review

5.0 / 5.0
2,051 reviews

Venice to Athens

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Star
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TSFCRUZE
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
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Sail Date: May 2019

We chose this cruise to see some new countries and some areas that are more difficult to get to than be sea. The ship was immaculate and the food and staff outstanding. This was our first time on a Viking Ocean ship and we enjoyed the having a LOT more options or locations for socializing with our group or on our own. This gives you time to skip a day on the cruise and just relax while finding plenty of time and space to work out, have a meal on your schedule, or find a quiet place to read and just watch the scenery wherever you are docked. We purchase the silver spirits package and pay for gratuities ahead of time. This makes it truly "all inclusive" and we never think about how much our bill is going to be at the end of the cruise. The spa treatments are excellent but very expensive - though not out of range for what you'd pay at an upscale hotel. Compared to what you'd expect to pay at home in your own town, the cost is double. Gratuities for the spa staff are not included as part of the pre-paid gratuities (didn't expect them to be) so factor that on top of the cost too.

The fitness room is a little small but since most people head out on the tours, you can find time to work out. They have a small work out area outside on the forward deck that is not maintained as well (probably because it is exposed). One thing that is disappointing about the ship design is that there is no deck that you can simply walk circles around like a running track to get a longer walk. You have to navigate stairs (or elevator) to make the loop.

Food on the ship was excellent and we were able to get more reservations at the Chef's Table and Manafredis after we boarded by constantly checking back as people change their plans regularly. The menu at the Chef's Table changes regularly and many people did not care for the "adventurous" items on the menu (it's a set menu). I think this is more of a demographic issue around the passengers and many prefer more "traditional" menu fare. The wine selection as part of the Silver Spirit Package was better (and worth it) than the included selection but not as nice as the River Cruises. On the River Cruise it seemed to be exceptionally rare that bottle of wine or drink was not included in the Silver Spirits Packages. On the Ocean Cruise, this is not the case. There were still many wines and high end liquors that were above the price-point of the Spirit package This was not an issue for us as we don't typically drink that at home but be aware.

Cabin Review

Cabin was wonderful. The bathroom is well appointed and pleasantly large for a cruise ship. The veranda was awesome. Because we were sailing with friends who were in adjoining cabins, the staff opened the dividers between our verandas (when not sailing) and we could all move about between rooms during social times which was fun.

Port Reviews

Venice

We enjoyed exploring Venice on our own. The city was not flooding (it does in the autumn) and the weather was pleasant and cool.

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