Beautiful Ship and Itinerary

Viking Star Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Viking Star

12 Night Mediterranean Odyssey Westbound (Venice To Barcelona)

Sail date: April 10, 2017

Ship: Viking Star

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6005

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Favorite part and the reason for selecting this one was the cities it stopped at to visit.  Improvements on this itinerary would be (1) Notify early on that a Gondola Ride would be available on the first evening in Venice.  Had a frustrating time trying to find out how we could get one on our own.  And then when it was announced on the website, it was more frustrating making a reservation as it indicated space available but wouldn't accept the credit card.  Finally, after numerous tries, we were confirmed.  (2) Included excursions/tours were not very desirable.  When Florence is listed on the itinerary, one would expect an included tour there.  The included tour of Toulon was a waste of time.  We bought more excursions than anticipated.  It was a very good cruise but recommend not going over Easter weekend as the crowds are overwhelming; example, impossible to walk through the streets of Corfu on Good Friday.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Some excellent and some have had better. Liked the variety. Not impressed with Chef's Table as its menu changes every 3 days and ours was for Asian cuisine. Peking Duck a disappointment.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Liked the presentations on our next port-of-call.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Most were held too late for two seniors to stay up for.

Children's Programs

No young children on the ship!!!! Not conducive to anyone under 16.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
They were ALL great and earned that $15 per day, per person.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Exceptional!!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
This was called a Junior Suite and as much room as hotels. It was nice to have coffee/tea service in the room; however, it was difficult using the machine and the coffee was bad. Room service begins at 6:00 am and very prompt within 15 minutes. Good size bath with glass enclosed shower. Closet and drawer space very ample. In-room safe and mini-bar. Balcony equipped with table and chairs. Tip: Make sure balcony door is closed securely or during the night you will think a violent storm is raging.

Ship tip

A beautiful and clean ship. Read carefully the excursions and make sure they cover what you are interested. This itinerary is not conducive to wheelchair/walker use (unless you plan to stay on the ship at every port).

Ports of call

Venice, Italy

5 out of 5
Going inside the Doges Palace. This was an included excursion. Many steps up and down. Viking has a water shuttle back and forth from ship to old town.

Split, Croatia

5 out of 5
This was a good included excursion covering the old town--many narrow uneven steps. Ship docked near the town with walking ability.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5
A good included excursion with a knowledgeable guide. More steps on narrow streets but surprises of street performers at the end.

Corfu, Greece

1 out of 5
This would have been better if not on Good Friday--could not move in the streets. So glad to return to bus to go back to the ship.

Naples, Italy

1 out of 5
The included excursion. Liked the monastery gardens and museum, inside a cathedral. Guide tried his best but difficult to understand. Disappointed Viking didn't provide an excursion along the Amalfi Coast.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

1 out of 5
On the included excursion not much choice--stopped at Circus Maximus and inside the Vatican (not the building). Plan ahead and pay for what interest you.

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

5 out of 5
Taking the Art and Architecture tour and a great lunch included with the paid tour. Pisa was not included. It's an hour's drive or more to and from Florence.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

5 out of 5
The included excursion was good with a knowledgeable guide. Many steps and escalators to the palace to see the changing of the guard. Beautiful view from the ship.

Toulon, France

1 out of 5
Not much. The included excursion was a waste of time. Plan your excursion--you have all day.

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5
Breath of fresh air to walk the wide even sidewalks. Our paid excursion to the La Sagranda Familia Basilica was exceptionable in spite of the crowds and to other Gaudi works. Guide was knowledgeable. Advise to take extra days here, if possible.

Traveler Photos

Entrance to the balcony on the left. Mini bar on right plus another desk-like to the left. Sofa plus king size bed
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