Viking is the best
Viking Sea Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 94
10 Night West Indies Explorer (San Juan Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 13, 2021
Ship: Viking Sea
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 years ago
Review summary
A classy experience. Not for foodies, high quality.Embarkation
We arrived at the embarkation desk at 6:30 PM and were asked to sit in a holding area. There were 2 other couples ahead of us so we had to wait approximately 15 minutes. However, the process was efficient and quick. We were processed within 30 minutes and were on the ship by 7:15 PM.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The main dining room food was excellent. We dined at a table for two and also shared a table for six. Service on the last night was a bit slow to take our order but once it was taken the process went quickly.
Speciality restaurants- please note that Viking does not charge extra for speciality dining. We ate at the “Chef’s Table” and the food and service was as good as it gets. This speciality restaurant keeps the same menu and theme for three days then changes to a different theme. The three themes while we were onboard were (1) Asian, (2) Mexico, and (3) California. We chose the Mexico theme and the food was phenomenal. Please note-the quantity of food isn’t what you find on other cruise lines (foodies and buffet lovers will be disappointed) but the quality and service makes up for it. We also ate at the speciality restaurant “Manfredi’s and again the food quality was phenomenal. We misunderstood the reservations process and I made a comment regarding the process. Within 24 hours I had a food service officer contact me and help in getting the reservations we needed. Service from the top down was extraordinary.
Buffets- while this is in no way a negative comment please know that typical buffet lovers will be disappointed. The variety of items offer is limited. However the quality is excellent. The buffet often mirrors items on the main dining room menu.
Onboard Activities
Viking caters to a more subdued group so most activities are laid back and not as active. I did use the gym and found it to be extremely clean, equipment was high tech, in good working order, clean and safe.
Entertainment
One night was the Viking singers and dancers performing songs by the 70’s group-Abba. The singers and dancers were good 3-4 star. The cruise director -David- doubled as a magician/comedian one night and the jokes we’re witty and the magic tricks a bit common or elemental. I would give a three star rating. The other entertainment made up for the other to. Minda Larsen performed 3 nights and I must say was beyond excellent. She was a trained opera singer who has transitioned to jazz and her voice is beautiful. While one may not favor opera or jazz the quality of the music was extraordinary. The band that played for Minda was also exceptional. This performance deserves a five plus star rating.
Service and Staff
Viking is most likely the most customer centric cruise line in the industry. They respond immediately to request, comments and customer needs. Example: as previously noted I misunderstood the reservation system for the speciality restaurant Manfredi’s. Mid way thru the cruise (note it was while we were still on board not some days after we had departed where they could ignore the comments/complaints), I received a comment card asking for feedback. I provided the perceived issues with the dining reservations and within 24 hours I received a call from the dining officer Angelia. She explained the system and how to get the reservations I wanted and assured me all would be fine for the rest of the cruise. The next night and each night we ate at Manfredi’s it was without any incident whatsoever. Mid way through the meal Angelia came by our table and checked on us. What a pleasure to know they care.
Ship Quality
Prior to the pandemic every ship we were on seemed to have cleanliness issues, small bits of food all around the dining area, and small bits of trash in other common areas. Not so with Viking. It was spotless from the moment we arrived and during the trip. It certainly met and exceeded my expectations. Thank you Viking.
I might note that the layout was a bit challenging for us -it just didn’t seem to be as user friendly in terms of navigating our way around. On most prior cruises after the second or third day we had the ship pretty much figured out. It was a bit more difficult on this ship. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and can’t remember my way around-ha ha ha. 🤣🤣😜
Ports of call
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Disembarkation
After we vacated our cabin we were held in our assembly area and 10 minutes after our designated assembly time we were exiting the ship. We proceeded directly to the bus and left for the airport. Outstanding experience.
7 Comments
floridagirl3 2 years ago
javawoody 2 years ago
izrgreen 2 years ago
AuntPinkie 2 years ago
natelorip 2 years ago
cruising2004 2 years ago
hollysmomtravel 2 years ago