Istanbul Cruise Reviews

We scheduled this trip, with two other couples, 18 months in advance. We wanted to explore eastern Europen countries that we had yet to experience. Though we didn't get to see much of Istanbul, due to enhanced security, we were impressed that Viking called us to hear our input regarding other port destinations. We arrived just before sunset. We heard the call to prayer as we passed views of ...

We chose this cruise as it had all the destinations we wanted. We explored Istanbul in advance on our own and always felt safe, however, I certainly understand Vikings choice to take the tours off the schedule. I wish we had added more than one additional night in Venice. Way to much to explore in a day. Very much enjoyed receiving champagne on embarkation. The cabins were well appointed- ...

We have been on over 20 cruises and I have to say this was the best overall. The ship was more like a 4 star hotel then a ship. The dining was one of the best even the buffet was great. They had Snow Crabs and Sushi every night plus the same food they had in the restaurant. The specialty restaurants were wonderful, great service and food. This is also included in the price of the ...

Wanted to go on a Viking ocean cruise and experience all it had to offer. I had previously experienced 2 Viking River Cruises. Viking never disappoints. Everything was perfect. Ship, cabin, excursions, food and of course the wonderful Viking employees. Love the excurs ions with the local tour guides who were most informative and very proud of their home lands. Viking cruises are elegantly ...

The ship was very new. Excursions, tips, and beer and wine were inclusive and we had wifi in our cabin for free. All cabins had a balcony and we wanted a luxury cabin to be pampered. Our Explorer Suite was phenomenal and the service throughout the ship was stellar. The walk in closest, bath with a view, and heated towel racks were some of my personal favorite unexpected highlights of the room. ...

Past positive experience on Viking River Cruises led us to sign up for the Ocean going Viking Star..The cabin set-up was excellent. The food service was very gracious and was able to properly prepare my husband'sspecial diet (Celiac - Gluten Free). The Food Service Manager and his staff were the very, very best.The public areas of the ship were grandly furnished. The swimming pools, hot tub, ...

Initially it was the route we wanted. The idea of a Viking ocean Cruise was new to us, but the ship facilities looked excellent and turned out to be superb. The plan had been to spend a day and a half in Istanbul, but the political situation meant that we were immediately coached to the ship and sailed away. An interesting visit to Troy was introduced as a replacement which although a shame was ...

We wanted to see new destinations in Turkey, Greece and the European eastern Adriatic, and follow it with areas of Italy and the Riviera ending in Barcelona. We have enjoyed Viking River Cruises and thought the small ocean cruise ship was right for us. The ports were beyond our expectations and the included shore excursions were very informative and allowed ample time for further exploration on ...

Absolutely fantastic. We stayed in Istanbul for two days before the cruise on our own and three days in Venice at the end of the cruise. My evaluation would be to tour the Blue Mosque and Sofia Mosque in Istanbul, and spend a few days getting to know Venice at the end of the cruise. Overall we are very pleased with the cruise and the ship. Absolutely and totally perfect in the ship's ...

Having conducted 2 Viking River Cruises we were looking forward to our first Ocean Cruise of any sort and were not disappointed. Initially concerned when we read reviews of the early cruises any problems had been sorted by the time our cruise took place. Staff were friendly and approachable; food was excellent and so much choice; tours were well planned and ran smoothly with disembarkation and ...