Overall, we enjoyed the cruise. We very much liked all of the different stops along the way and the excursions and Viking does a very good job of making sure everyone is well taken care of on them with golf carts taking folks to the buses (which are all super nice and comfortable) and definitely accommodating the elderly crowd. The boat itself is super nice, clean, modern and just nice to be on. The river is something to look at as well. Most importantly, the staff is amazing. They really make the cruise so much better. We cannot say enough good things about the service and the staff. All them. Yes, every one of them.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was great. We arrived at the Culinary Institute and were greeted with a super friendly staff. They took our luggage and told us it would be in our room by 3 PM. A very nice lunch was made available by the students at the institute. Where we were was just a short walk to the WWII Museum. We took the bus to the boat and sure enough, luggage was in our room.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Did not use the restaurant given the buffet has similar menu items and was more convenient. The quality of the food was good, not great. Don't expect a five star experience when it comes to the dining. In addition, the variety of items at the buffet was a bit lacking. No specialty nights (e.g., maybe an Italian night, maybe an Asian night, maybe a Mexican food night). In addition the breakfast was pretty much the same every day. It was good, the food was cooked well, but no variety or mixing it up. The two bars were fine. There were plenty of drinks available and the bartenders were great and friendly. Could have used a much better beer selection. Standard beers and no craft beers. That was disappointing.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The ship is smaller and onboard activities are limited. One big negative is THERE IS NO FITNESS CENTER. Not even a couple of treadmills. Nothing.
the only exercise is to walk around the promenade deck or go for a run after docking. This was extremely disappointing. We very much enjoyed the sun deck and plunge pool. Unlike most cruised, chairs were readily available and the pool was very refreshing. The living room, where most folks gathered, was very comfortable with table games and puzzles. It was a nice lounge. The front lounge/bar was also nice to sit and relax. To be sure, this is not a very activity filled boat. Excursions are key to enjoying the trip (or at least getting off the boat to explore).
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The standard entertainment in the living room was the Viking Trio (piano, drum, base). They were ok. Provided background "lounge" music. Every night there were different entertainers and for the most part they were either very good or excellent. There was a different theme each night. We especially enjoyed the jazz trumpeter with his wife playing the clarinet and the blues singer.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
By far, the best part of the trip. The service and staff were amazing!!! We cannot say it enough ways. Always polite, super friendly, patient, professional. Always with a smile. Always helpful. I don't know how they do it. They are totally wonderful. From the woman who took care of our room, to the waiters and bar tenders, to the cruise director staff and even the general managers. The staff and service were just truly outstanding. Five stars is not enough!!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Overall, the ship's layout is very good. Because the ship is smaller, everything is close by and easily accessible. Plenty of elevators and stairs. Having most of the important items on the first floor with the buffet, sun deck and pool in the rear of the fifth floor works well.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room was great. It was well appointed and just a very nice place to be. The bathroom was also large enough with a good size shower. This made the trip much better.
Ship tip
Beware there is NO FITNESS CENTER. So you will need to figure out your exercise routine or skip it.
The best part was visiting civil war battlefield. Amazing tour. The town was nice to walk around and good history. Not nearly as picturesque as Natchez
What can be said. The boat is smaller with not a lot of activities. Spent the day lounging on the sun deck and in the plunge pool. This day was a bit boring.
This was done well enough. Bags ready by 10 PM for pick up. Needed to be out of the room by 8 AM and off the boat by 10 AM. We did not use the cruise line for transportation as we were staying one night. The luggage was under the tent where they said it would be and the Lyft driver was able to pull up close enough so we could load it.
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