Beyond Expectations

Viking Star Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 71

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5
Verified Review
Viking Star

14 Night Panama Canal & Central America (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 10, 2021

Ship: Viking Star

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Excellent. Only really negative things was that they could have communicated better about what was going on with the ships dr and covid and about the cancellation of Key West. Food, cabin, service, ship, simply amazing. Also covid protocols were great. PCR tested every single day and trackers. It will be hard to go back to those big ships. We were totally spoiled.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Plane got in very early, but Viking reps where there to meet us. Very organized and smooth. Staff checking in were very friendly and actually took the time to chat with us! They had 2 bottles of sparkling wine and anniv cake and birthday cake in our room.in

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Amazing. Restaurants were not crowded, food was excellent, beautifully presented and buffets were the best I ever had. Crab legs on Buffet, lobster at restaurants several days, stunning choices of options. Pool bar burgers, salad, ahi tuna, wings etc just great! Also, every day different sorbet or gellatto. What a treat!

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
We were told alot less activities because of covid. Like karaoke and dancing and yoga. Would have liked that, but we are ok with simply chilling. We did trivia and name that tune every time offered. The lectures were amazing! Such gifted speakers. What a treat. That was new to us

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We only saw the Ships Performers, but they were excellent. Not alot of them, but the talent was amazing. Also loved that you could watch most from your stateroom if you were getting ready or just feeling like staying in.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
There is not enough space to say how amazing they were. Always there ready to get you a drink, top off your water or wine and get you something. They were all so friendly and positive. Really really nice young people.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Loved, loved loved the small footprint. Just like big ships I have been on, but smaller. Didnt take forever to get anywhere. Loved that there are laundry facilities on every floor. Only suggestion is to keep the indoor pool area a bit cooler.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Spotless. Great size bathroom. Very comfortable. Only suggestions are, a bit more drawer space, a few more hangers, a few more hooks and please allow announcements in the cabin. Loved the fridge in the room (though ours didnt work) Umbrella in the room and beach towels brought to your room that you didnt have to keep track of. Also liked the reading lights and the night lights built in

Ship tip

Dont bring so many clothes as its very easy to do your laundry. Also, dont bring wine on the ship, they give you so much with every meal and will top you off before you leave to go to a show.. Book air with viking, so if anything happens, they can help you out!

Ports of call

Key West, Florida Did not visit port

so disappointed that we didnt go here, was not satisfied with reason of 'on going regulations' as there was nothing online I could find about that. I even called and wrote to viking. No responseeaeae

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
Liked included excursion. Port was crazy crowed because alot of ships, but we got to excursion early so it was good. Didnt like the port area and always being yelled out to buy something. Though there is an 'artist store' that was lovely and you were not harassed. arsv

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5
Did the myan temple tour. Was very very interesting

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5
Not a great day. Rained so our tour of snorkeling and kyack was cancelled. Went on rainforest tour, but it was pouring, so only got to see a tiny bit. But viking was right there ready to schedule us for the included tour when our main tour was cancelled

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
did the Beach and rainforest tour. Bring your swimsuit and get in the lovely Water!

Colon, Panama

5 out of 5
Did the tour of the Native tribe. Great experience.

Panama Canal (Cruise Into Canal)

5 out of 5
Very very interesting. Loved that we could also see it from our rooms on tv

Montego Bay, Jamaica

5 out of 5
Did the Dunns River Falls. Great. But this should be listed as demanding. One lady had to be brought down. You have to be totally stable on your feet. Bring your closed toe water shoes.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Great. Our 1st flight was cancelled, then our second was cancelled, and we were re-booked on Christmas morning at 6am. We needed to get home on the 24th. So because we booked air with viking. Viking got us re-booked to get home on the 24th.wBECAUSooo b.2 2
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4 Comments

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Appreciate your detailed review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. My important is Key West is still not allowing cruise ships to dock there.

izrgreen    2 years ago

Thank you for taking the time to write a review.

javawoody    2 years ago

Appreciate the update

cruising2004    2 years ago

Thank you for sharing your experience.

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