Excellent cruise with some changes due to covid

Viking Star Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 198

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Viking Star

17 Night Panama Canal & Coastal Holiday (Ft. Lauderdale To Los Angeles)

Sail date: December 24, 2021

Ship: Viking Star

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: GRT

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

The treat is to just be on a Viking ship; always consistently excellent service, food and the best staff on the seas.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
2 hrs in line however, everyone was tested before allowed to board, I understand the need but didn't expect it, very stressful since we had to test 2 days prior

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The food was the highest quality I've ever experienced, preparation and display were exceptional. Glad we were served in the buffet and not self serve.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
would have liked more trivia

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Viking band were all excellent musicians, singers were great, seen them before along with Mr. King, very good and seen him before

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everyone, and I mean everyone, was professional, pleasant, courteous and willing to go the extra mile for each guest.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
All the Viking ships are beautifully decorated, love the design, colors...like they are all designed the same. Holiday decorations were beautiful, tasteful and sophisticated, not tacky as I've seen on other lines

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
4090 excellent ....linens first class, decor, large showers we love. Room stewards Gede was excellent

Ship tip

dress appropriately and FOLLOW THE RULES. SO many guests would not wear masks and talk back to staff who tried to make them comply; even ignoring 'don't sit here' signs ....I saw unbelievable behavior and would like Viking to try other strategies to deal with guest who refuse to follow the simple rules

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
Had been to the ruins before, nice cool day, good guide Dante

Colon, Panama

4 out of 5
Colon is desperately poor, no traffic lights or stop signs? Then we drove the hour to Panama City, well, couldn't be more different. All the money seems to be on the west side of the country.

Panama Canal Transit

4 out of 5
Drove thru the city then out to a resort, which was ok. TOO long on a bus

CORINTO (LEON), NICARAGUA Did not visit port

canceled due to covid cases

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5 out of 5
Nice port, bus to Los Cabos, which was nice.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
long line, over 45 min to get off and thru customs; no taxi's had to wait for Uber; suggest an arrangement with taxi services. We were there in Oct on Princess and there was a taxi line and service to help
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7 Comments

SuperDav3    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

PiratesWorld    2 years ago

Thanks for the info

izrgreen    2 years ago

Thank you for taking the time to write a review.

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience

javawoody    2 years ago

Appreciate the update

cruising2004    2 years ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Sorry you had fellow passengers that were rude. Glad you enjoyed your cruise in spite of them!