Our cruise was wonderful and all we have come to expect from Viking. It was an experience of a lifetime and one to share with family and friends.
The precruise trip to Tuscany was another story. The Villa we were assigned to was changed three time although we booked the cruise almost a year in advance. This made is a chore to keep family apprised of our whereabouts. The Villa itself, Villa Barronci, was lovely with beautiful country side. However our room could only be described as awkward. There was a step immediately on entering the room then another within three feet of that into the main bedroom area. There was nowhere to place a suitcase to open it outside of putting it on the floor. This awkwardness made it not up to what I would expect from Viking.
The staff was friendly and the food excellent.
As for the excursions they were exceptional, especially the winery and farm and San Gimignano, except for the excursion to Florence. It was disappointing and pedestrian. I expected a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and was disappointed.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were met at the baggage carousel by a Viking representative and driven to the Villa. After our stay at the Villa we were taken by coach to Venice and a seamless and speedy transit to the Viking Star.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food and drinks were not only of quality but beautifully presented and served by pleasant and efficient personnel. Occasionally the items on the buffet were not as hot as would be expected.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I wish I had had more time to use the spa. The one occasion I was there was wonderful!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
I appreciated the pianist and other musicians playing in the atrium. Due to exhaustion from a day of touring I did not see as many of the evening performances as I would have liked. Those I did see were enjoyable.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
My room stewards, Riski and Mark, were excellent. The room was kept clean and tidy seemingly by magic. All of the personnel were friendly, helpful and efficient.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Viking Ocean ships are beautiful and just the right size. They are kept spotless.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This is the second time I have been in a Penthouse Veranda cabin. There is more than ample room for our clothing and other belongings. The room is spacious and well appointed. I'd choose it again.
Ship tip
Take advantage of all the advantages this ship and this cruise line has to offer - from Spa to specialty restaurants to included tours. There is probably more offered than is possible to make use of.
I've been here before so did not take the included tour but wander around the small town and did some shopping and found the Baptistery, a very old and beautiful building. My husband walked on the city walls after taking the included tour.
I took the Paleokastrisa Monastery tour. The bus ride was long, the monastery was lovely and the country side looked very poor. My husband took the tour by mountain bike, he raved about it. He has done many bicycle tours in the past, many 100 miles or so and is still involved in an annual tour in the mountains of Pennsylvania, he said this was the best organized with the best staff he has ever been involved in. This was the highlight of his trip.
We took the Ancient Olympia and Archaeological Museum tour. It was wonderful and our tour guide was delightful and exceptionally knowledgeable. This is one of the reasons I chose this cruise. I wish we had another day to explore the area.
Although Santorini is a lovely place, and this seems silly to say, there were too many tourist to appreciate it. We did the Summits and Countryside tour.
This is the main reason we signed up for this cruise. We took the Full Acropolis Experience tour on the recommendation of a Viking Representative. It we beyond my wildest dream. The tour guide was excellent and the museum was exceptional. The acropolis was a climb but worth every step, it was magical.
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