weak itinerary

Viking Star Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Viking Star

10 Night Classic Panama Canal Passage (Panama City To Ft. Lauderdale)

Sail date: February 11, 2023

Ship: Viking Star

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 7010

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We are big fans of Viking but this trip was very disappointing. Two ports were cancelled with no explanation, and one was cancelled due to rough weather. Lack of communication left many guests complaining. Some compensation in the form of vouchers was offered by Viking customer service after I made a call, but the disappointment remains. Fortunately they had a great library. Viking seems much more at home in the Mediterranean than the Caribbean Sea.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Panama City is a new location and there was lots of staff for a smooth embarkation. Construction all around.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Food aboard Viking is always very good to excellent. Particularly enjoy the pairings dinners at the Chef's Table specialty restaurant. I am not a big fan of buffets but the food variety and quality on Viking is great at the buffet too.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Infinity pool is beautiful and fairly quiet. Gorgeous spot to be in the water and looking out at our wake. Only two yoga classes and 2 morning stretch - not enough on a ten night cruise.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Popular entertainment was good but it got repetitive - same entertainers in a different location. String duet and pianist were exceptional and the Atrium is a beautiful setting. The guest violinist Lindsay Deutsch was fabulous.

Children's Programs

there are no children on Viking

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Always exceptional service with Viking. Absolutely everyone offers a smile and a greeting.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Very clean and well-maintained. Fitness center and spa are on deck one and I prefer them to be up top.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
I love the location on deck 7. Low traffic and easy access to the Explorers Lounge and Mamsens, with spa directly below on deck one. Deck is big enough to accommodate lounge chairs but they are not provided.

Ship tip

Expect great company and easy conversation with a passenger group of largely well-travelled retirees.

Ports of call

PANAMA CITY (FUERTE AMADOR), PANAMA

5 out of 5
very good local tour with an enthusiastic guide

Cruise Gatun Lake (Inside Panama Canal)

4 out of 5
no excursions available but the cruising is pleasant

Colon, Panama Did not visit port

Port cancelled for unknown reasons

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

3 out of 5
Took an optional excursion to the rain forest that was quite weak

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras Did not visit port

Cancelled due to weather

Belize City, Belize

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
LONG bus ride to ruins

Cruise Gulf Of Mexico

4 out of 5

Key West, Florida Did not visit port

Cancelled for unknown reasons

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
smooth transition with abundant help available
Was this review helpful? 29

6 Comments

ddme    1 year ago

Thanks for your review. Sorry that you missed some of your ports but it sounds like most of your trip was good. We have done 2 Viking ocean cruises in the last year and have missed several ports but have also had a couple of ports added.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Oops sorry 😞 thanks

GriffFamily    1 year ago

I would love to try a Viking cruise one day. Thanks for the review.

javawoody    1 year ago

Thanks for the review

angie007az    1 year ago

I have never cruised on them. Thanks for the review.

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Glad you still enjoyed your cruise even though you were disappointed.