Viking’s COVID policies are the reason we cruised again and felt safer. Daily PVR tests and tracking devices would allow any positive test to be identified. The daily testing were quick to complete as well as daily questionnaires and temperature tests. Vaccine requirements also impacted our decision to cruise with Viking.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation slow at Port Everglades due to port security understaffing, Once we got past that backup, Viking personnel move things right along. Once we boarded ship we had 1:1 muster drill education, then straight to cabin. We choose Viking because of their higher attention to COVID. Once in our cabin we provided saliva sample for PCR testing done right on ship. (This was in addition to pre-cruise testing.). A small snack of sandwiches and desserts waiting in our room. Not allowed to leave room until onboard PCR tests back which took longer than we expected. We ordered room service for dinner until we were all cleared. Most of our luggage was in room on our arrival with last piece arriving shortly thereafter.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The main restaurant was wonderful. Most of our meals were there although we did try them all the venues. We tended to eat early during opening hours so most time had great window table.
Two specialty restaurants on board -the Chef’s Table offers a 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings. The menus were not known when we made reservations. We didn’t want to miss the times we wanted so we hoped for the best. Once on board we were able to verify the menus. We didn’t need to change our reservations. The other specialty restaurant is Manfredi’s Italian. Large portions and wide variety of choices. Great thing about specialty restaurants is no charge for them (unless you want to upgrade wine pairings at Chef’s Table and you don’t have Silver Spirits package)
AllViking cruises offer complementary wine and soft drinks during meal service.
World Cafe is buffet we ate there on shore days as Resurant not open. Similar food to restaurant week. Much better than most other cruise lines
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Game table with variety of puzzles and games such as Solitare, mahjong and Backgammon. Lots of art work to look at . Lots of quiet reading sitting areas. Very serene
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Great guest lectures on variety of relevant topics related to cruise location such as Christopher Columbus and Panama Canal. Loved the fact that all these were available to watch in our room on demand if we missed something. Live music slows streamed live as well in evening
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Wonderful. Everyone went over and beyond.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very dedicated to cleaning protocols. Room services at least 2 times per day. Room has multiple outlets and USB ports. In room coffee maker. Minibar in room with snacks, soft drinks and alcohol, replenished daily. Loved the makeup mirror in desk with storage. The PV room have great storage.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Absolutely loved it. In room coffee maker, minibar with daily replenishment. King sized bed very comfortable with luxury linens. Room very quiet. Except for balcony door opening next door we never heard our neighbors no we had them on both sides. Our room had a door to balcony, others do have sliders. If that matters ask when selecting cabins. Bathroom good size. Loved the heated floors!
Ship tip
We booked shore excursions before our cruise so we got our top choices. The website offers nice description. At least one free excursion every port. If you have mobility issues some may not be for you. Depending on room category will determine how far in advance you can reserve excursions and dining. If you are looking for a cruise jam packed with nonstop activities to make yo stay busy, this is probably not for you. If you want a cruise that is relaxing, peaceful, makes you smile, challenges your thinking- then this is the cruise line for you. Viking advertises that this is a thinking man’s cruise, we did not miss tripping over crowds, loud groups, scraping deck chairs, etc.
A bit slow again due to Port Everglades staffing. We had plenty of time due to later afternoon flight so no issue. Need to be out of room by 7:00 am but buffet open for breakfast or room service.
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