A luxury sailing on the Viking Star is the perfect way for destination-oriented travelers to cruise the Mediterranean and tour Europe’s great port cities.
It is no secret that I love river cruises. Ocean cruises are great, too, but my heart always gravitates back to the rivers.
Viking Ocean Cruises invited me to join them as a guest for the Romantic Mediterranean cruise during the maiden season of their first ocean liner, the Viking Star. Since then, Viking has added eight more ships to their ocean fleet.
I never questioned whether I would love sailing the Mediterranean with Viking, but I did wonder whether the many features I enjoyed on river cruises would also be present on a Viking ocean cruise.
As if . . . .
The Viking Star did not disappoint. Viking has infused every ounce of their river cruise standards into the design and operation of their first ocean cruise ship. Perhaps that is why the Viking Star was named Best New Cruise Ship by Cruise Critic’s 2015 Editors’ Picks.
So, herein I give you 18 reasons to cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking Star based on cruise amenities, my demographic, and destinations.
Table of Contents
- 1 Cruise Amenities
- 2 My Demographic
- 3 Destinations
- 4 Final Thoughts
- 5 More Viking Content on Backroad Planet
- 6 We Would Love to Hear from You!
- 7 Pin This Post!
- 8 13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience
- 9 Cruising with NCL: An Insider Guide
- 10 15 Things to Know About the NCL Bliss Cruise Experience
Cruise Amenities
1. My Viking Journey
After my cruise was booked, Viking sent me a link to My Viking Journey, on online cruise planner that allows passengers to personalize their cruise itineraries. I was able to book excursions, make dining reservations, and explore onboard activities. The best part was being able to cruise the Mediterranean and view my daily schedule at a glance.
Note: There was an IT issue that caused the daily calendars to disappear from the web site once the cruise began, so I ended up having to verify my dining reservations onboard. I recommend printing out daily schedules prior to departure as a backup.
2. Small Ship Feel
The main reason I love river cruises is that the ships are small. These ships are built to certain specifications in order to navigate the locks, bridges, and rivers they travel. My most recent river cruise was the River of Gold through Portugal on the Viking Torgil, carrying only 106 passengers.
As ocean liners go, the Viking Star is classified a small cruise ship. Her passenger capacity is 928, plus 550 crew members.
I know . . . I’ve done the math. No wonder Viking staff provides such exceptional service.
Still, I wondered if the small-ship feel of Viking’s longships would translate to the company’s first ocean-going vessel.
It did.
Perfectly!
The ship was easily navigable with plenty of elevators and electronic signage, and I never felt overcrowded in any of the public gathering spaces.
3. All Veranda Staterooms
Simply put, there are no inside cabins on the Viking Star, which means EVERY stateroom has the luxury of a veranda.
4. No Days at Sea
As luxurious, comfortable, and well-appointed as their fleet may be, Viking is a destination-oriented company. I enjoy creature comforts as much as the next person, but when I cruise I am more interested in where the the ship will take me. As Viking ocean cruises expand their routes, there may eventually be days at sea on some itineraries, but you can rest assured putting passengers in port every day is a Viking priority.
Even now I hear the echo of the narrator’s voice from the Viking-sponsored Downton Abbey episodes: “Spend less time getting there, and more time being there.”
5. Excursion Freedom
One of the things I love most about Viking Cruises is the freedom to schedule land activities, and there are several options. It’s not like a school field trip (and God knows I’ve led plenty of those in my former life) where everyone has to stay together. You can choose between Viking’s included and optional paid excursions in every port, or you can go with another tour company (like I did in Rome), or you can do self-guided tours. While the ship is in port, you are free to spend any or all of the allotted time doing your own thing. The only caveat is that you have to be back on ship prior to departure, which is usually around midnight.
6. Dining Options
Another thing that distinguishes the Viking Star from its sister longships is the number of dining options. Before the cruise, my plan was to try all of the restaurants. It did not work out that way, but I was not disappointed.
The primary dining options aboard the Viking Star are:
- World Café
- The Chef’s Table
- Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant
- The Kitchen Table
- The Restaurant
- Mamsen’s
- Room Service
Manfredi’s has gained quite the reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants afloat. One of my travel blogger buddies, Jeff Titelius from EuroTravelogue™, had advised me not to fail to make a reservation at Manfredi’s, and I was able to do that on My Viking Journey before leaving home.
The Kitchen Table is the only dining option for which there is an additional fee ($199). Typically offered only once per cruise, The Kitchen Table experience includes a fresh market shopping excursion in port, as well as a hands-on cooking demonstration led by the head chef in a state-of-the-art test kitchen outfitted with the latest culinary technology and a plethora of HDTVs.
The experience led by Chef Anthony Mauboussin, includes countless courses, a private sommelier, and a souvenir Viking apron.
My favorite dining option, however, is the World Café. Although I have an appreciation for fine dining, I prefer the World Café’s casual atmosphere, the wide array of freshly-prepared selections and cooking stations, and the freedom to serve my own plate. I highly recommend the made-to-order Caesar salad and pasta for lunch. For dinner, don’t miss the tiger prawns, shrimp, and snow crabs (pictured above) for appetizers or as your meal, and be sure to finish with a selection from the gelato bar. Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Room service is available 24-hours at no extra charge. I ordered room service breakfast twice due to early departure times on the day we toured Rome and the day of my flight home.
7. Aquavit Bar
Located directly behind the World Café on Deck 7, the Aquavit Bar became my favorite hangout. Half sheltered and half alfresco, and with plenty of seating, it was the perfect place to eat, drink, and meet friends at the end of the day. Unlike Jerry, I am not the most gregarious traveler, but I made several new friends on excursions, and after we discovered this amazing location, we gravitated there for the remainder of the cruise.
My Demographic
Viking Cruises fit my travel demographic perfectly. Here’s how!
An onboard deer-in-the-headlights selfie.
8. Age 50+ Clientele
As an unofficial Viking Ambassador, I have had many conversations with people who remark that Viking caters to the “older crowd,” . . . as if that’s a bad thing. Well, frankly my dears, now that Baby Boomers have joined the ranks, I qualify, and I can’t imagine a better group of people to travel with. Most Viking passengers are retired from their first careers, they are educated, they are well-traveled, they have a lifetime of experience and amazing stories to share, and (unlike me) they have money to spare. If that’s an indictment, then I am proud to be guilty as charged!
Oh, and by the way . . . the “older crowd” does know how to party!
9. No Children
I love kids! I dedicated 35 years of my life to public education as a middle school teacher. But just because I love children does not mean I want to travel with them. Over the years, I have taught many well-behaved, intellectual young people I would be proud to take on a European field trip. Still, it is nice to cruise in peace with no chance of screaming, wild and wet, swimsuit-clad brats swarming the buffet.
If that’s your thing, there are cruise lines that cater to that demographic, as well. But the minimum age to cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking Star is 16.
10. No Casinos
I have nothing against gambling, if that’s your thing. It’s not mine, basically because I have nothing to gamble with. And I can truthfully say, I don’t miss the stench of stale smoke and the jingle-jangle of slot machines while cruising with Viking.
11. Casual Dress
As a Native Floridian, my year-round dress code is shorts, T-shirts, and slides. I try to always look presentable, but I clearly favor comfort over style. Even though Viking caters to a more upscale clientele, my fashion statement is perfectly acceptable virtually everywhere on board, including the World Café. For men, slacks and a collared shirt are more appropriate for the fine dining restaurants, but there are no formal nights or venues on board, and no jackets required. I am not qualified to advise female passengers on dress code for dinner, but the Viking FAQ states: “Suggested attire for ladies includes a dress, or a sweater or blouse worn with a skirt or slacks.”
12. Understated Onboard Entertainment
In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the Viking Star, onboard entertainment in the Star Theater, Wintergarden, and other venues are not overly-produced showstoppers. They are, however, enjoyable if you enjoy decade-specific musical revues and classical string trios. Additional entertainment options include port-specific lectures, nightly movies, board games, shuffleboard, various libraries, and the Viking Heritage Museum. Sorry, no parasailing, water slides, or rock walls!
In summary, much of what makes Viking the perfect choice for my demographic is what it doesn’t have. If you have children, like to gamble, or crave constant entertainment, Viking may not be the best fit for you. But Viking fits me like a glove!
Destinations
Image Credit: Viking Cruises
13. Barcelona, (Catalonia) Spain
When I visit a destination for the first time, I almost always select a tour that gives an overview. I scheduled all of my Romantic Mediterranean excursions in advance using the My Viking Journey web site, and first up, the included “Panoramic Tour of Barcelona.” Part coach drive and part walking tour, this excursion took us to the Christmas markets and the Barcelona Cathedral and other city highlights . . .
. . . but not to the most visited landmark in all of Spain!
That is why near the end of the tour I split from the group, along with another like-minded couple I met on the spot. We got our bearings and set out to find Antoni Gaudí’s Basilica de la Sagrada Família. I like to believe I am not the typical tourist, but when it comes to first-time visits near iconic sites, I am one.
14. Toulon, France
Toulon was our port city on the French Riviera, but I chose to take “A Day in Aix-en-Provence,” an optional tour. The drive on major highways between the two towns was not the “lush Provençal countryside” as described in my cruise documents, and definitely not the fields of lavender I had envisioned. Not sure whether our driver chose to avoid the backroads that day or what, but the rest of the day was spectacular. Our first stop was at Atelier Cézanne, the painter’s 1901 studio furnished with his original tools and preserved in its original state. Back in town we stopped for an excellent lunch of roast chicken and potatoes. We also did a part guided/part independent walking tour of the lovely city, complete with fountains, flower markets, the Aix Cathedral, and most unexpected . . . an Apple Store with free Wi-Fi!
15. Monte Carlo, Monaco
This is the view from my stateroom veranda the morning I awoke in Monte Carlo. My limited prior knowledge of Monaco was royalty, casinos, yachts, and James Bond. I found it to be all of those things, and so much more. Even though this postage stamp country is a rendezvous point for the rich and famous, I felt strangely at home. I had chosen the included morning “Monaco Walking Tour” that led us through Fontvieille Park to the St. Nicholas Cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace Kelly and other members of the royal family. We also witnessed the changing of the guard at the Place du Palais and inhaled the panoramic view of Port Hercule from “The Rock.”
After lunch aboard the Viking Star, I hooked up once again with my new partners in crime, and we took a late afternoon train to Nice, France. We hopped on the city’s southbound tramway and exited a couple of blocks from Ponchettes Beach. We didn’t have much time to tour the city, but we witnessed a Mediterranean sunset before heading back to Monte Carlo and the Viking Star. We arrived exhausted after dark, but our afternoon adventure was totally worth it.
16. Ajaccio, (Corsica) France
The next port on our Romantic Mediterranean cruise was Ajaccio, on the French island of Corsica, included for the first time on a Viking Star itinerary. I joined the included “Panoramic Tour of Ajaccio” that carried us on a drive down the coast toward the Sangunaires Islands and gave us a view of a 16th-century Genoese Tower.
The walking part of our tour took us to key sites relating to Ajaccio’s fame as the birthplace of Napoleon, including Casa Bonaparte where he was born, the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral where he was baptized, and to monuments and statues honoring the famed French emperor. The walk back to port carried us through the lively Place Foch market and past recently unearthed Roman ruins.
17. Pisa & Florence, Italy
I highly recommend taking the optional “Florence & The Leaning Tower” excursion. This full-day tour is the best way to visit these centers of the Italian Renaissance. Pisa was the first stop on our drive from the port city of Livorno. As I entered the walled Piazza dei Miracoli, I was not prepared for the breathtaking panorama that unfolded before my eyes. The overwhelming sensation felt when visiting an iconic landmark for the first time defies description. Even though we did not have time to tour inside these architectural treasures, the pleasure of just seeing them was enough for a first visit. I was especially happy with the way the caretakers of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have cordoned off the grassy areas, allowing an unobstructed view of the buildings and the opportunity to take excellent pictures without too many tourists in the way.
The drive to Florence through the Tuscan countryside, again on major highways, took about an hour. Our walking tour led us first to the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (above) and its adjacent Baptistery, then on to the the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive array of statuary. From a distance, we saw the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops, the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II bombings.
The end of our walking tour led us to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and other notable Italians. The prominent Star of David high upon the facade of the cathedral, caused me at first to mistake the building for a synagogue. It was, however, merely the design of Jewish architect Niccolo Matas.
I stopped to enjoy a sidewalk lunch at the Finisterrae Pizzeria, with a great view of the church. But all the while I was orchestrating my next move. I already knew how I would spend my free time. Earlier in the tour, our guide had pointed out the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, but we did not stop to visit the famed art museum. There was no way I would leave Florence without paying a visit to her most renowned resident. I paid my check, grabbed my daypack, and set off to find Michelangelo’s David.
The city of Florence was packed with people on the day of our visit, yet there was no line at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Later, I would find out why.
Visiting David for the first time was another one of those overwhelming travel moments. I turned the corner into the galleria, and suddenly, there he was in all his marble glory.
Note: I’m quite proud of my photograph of the David. Just sayin’!
The reason for overcrowding on the day of our visit to Florence was because everyone had come to town for the opening of the Holy Doors by Cardinal Giuseppe Betori at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. This was the scene as I made my way back to our meeting point.
18. Rome & Vatican City, Italy
Our Romantic Mediterranean cruise ended in the port city of Civitavecchia. I had been invited by LivItaly Tours to participate in a guided small-group walking tour of Rome, so on the last day I opted out of Viking’s included 10.5-hour “Highlights of Rome” tour.
Walking Rome was an incredible experience, and you can read all about it (including my detour to Vatican City) in my article The Best Way to See Rome in A Day.
Final Thoughts
Photo Credit: Viking Cruises
The Romantic Mediterranean cruise on the Viking Star was an unforgettable experience for many reasons, far more than I could enumerate here. I did not take advantage of many ship amenities for lack of time. I could easily have enjoyed the Snow Grotto and sauna in The Spa, named one of the “5 best cruise ship spas” by Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016, but I would have had to forego a port excursion or the opportunity to hang out with my new best friends.
If I were on a relaxation cruise, I would have loved to curl up with a book in one the ship’s many nooks and crannies. But destinations always trump relaxation for me, and I am proud to say Viking Cruises has carried me to more destinations than I can count in eleven European countries so far.
Whether by river or ocean, I adore small ships, and the Viking Star is peerless in her class. She is a thing of beauty, and her sister ships are equally as lovely.
Here’s hoping you find a reason to cruise the Mediterranean with Viking . . . .
More Viking Content on Backroad Planet
Learn more from our first-hand experiences sailing with Viking Expeditions, Rivers, and Oceans at the links below.
Viking Expeditions
- Explore the World with Viking Expeditions: An Insider’s Guide
- The Viking Great Lakes Explorer: An Expedition Travelogue
Viking Rivers
- 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips
- Top 11 Viking River Cruise Ship Amenities
- Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue
- 4 New Viking Mississippi River Cruise Routes Announced
- Portugal in Panorama: A Viking “River of Gold” Annotated Photo Gallery
- European Panoramas: A Viking “Grand European” Annotated Photo Gallery
Viking Oceans
- Viking Ocean Cruises: A Guide for Planning a Voyage of a Lifetime
- Viking Ocean Cruises to Norway & the UK: An “Into the Midnight Sun” Travelogue
- The Viking Sun Embarks on the Inaugural World Cruise
We Would Love to Hear from You!
Jerry and I enjoy dialogue with our readers, especially when they share insider tips and little-known stories from destinations around the world. If you have already had the opportunity to cruise the Mediterranean, what location intrigued you the most? And if you have a travel story to tell, let’s hear it! We invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond!
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Retired from a 35-year career as a middle school teacher, Howard enjoys spending his time on anything that includes mountains, waterfalls, dachshunds, gospel choirs, books, restored classic movies on Blu-ray, HDTV, autumn, sandhill cranes, hot springs, Florida springs, rain and other gloomy weather, log cabins, cracker shacks, abandoned sites, unearthed history, genealogy, museums, documentaries, To Kill a Mockingbird, scenic and historical sites, castles, cathedrals, the Civil War, cold sheets, National and State Park Passports, quotes, the Rambos, Dionne Warwick, Steely Dan, Doobies, Diet Pepsi, Fish City Grill, anything Apple, all things British, Jesus, and lists.
And on a random note, Howard is a fourth cousin once removed to Truman Capote.
I really enjoyed reading your review of this cruise. We are taking the same cruise with a slightly different itinerary in April. It was recommended that we definitely choose an additional shore excursion in Marseille, so I was happy to read about your experience in Aux en Provence. This will be our 3rd Viking Ocean cruise. (Venice-Athens & Caribbean were our other two.). After reading your blog, I’m very much looking forward to this itinerary. Thank you!
Thanks for your kind words, Carol! So glad you found our Viking content helpful. Have the best time on your Mediterranean cruise, and bon voyage!
Is Viking all inclusive?
Hi Kathy! The simple answer is yes, if you are talking about meals and excursions. you might want to elaborate on what you consider all-inclusive.
Thanks–this was very helpful. We’re doing a similar cruise on the Viking Orion starting next weekend that subs St. Tropez and Marseille for Ajaccio and Toulon.
Sounds, like an amazing Viking journey, Mark, and you get to enjoy the newest ship! Bon voyage!
We are booked on the Viking Sun for a December cruise of the Mediterranean (Rome to Lisbon). Our cabin is the V2 level. It is guaranteed, so there is a possibility of an upgrade. It seems that the bottom 8 levels of cabins are all the same except for the location on the ship. Is there any advantage to an upgrade, or did people seem happy with the V2 and V1 cabins? At this point the ship seems to have a number of empty cabins.
Thank you for the thorough and informative description of your journey.
Hi Janet, and thank for your kind words! I may not be the best person to answer your question, but I will say that I doubt you will be disappointed with your stateroom, especially since they all have verandas. I would imagine that the biggest difference in an upgrade would be the room square footage. That said, if an upgrade is offered, take it. Have a wonderful cruise, and please let us know how it goes!
This is a superb summary and, like one of the other folks who replied, it answered most every question I had. Even the replies are helpful…so thanks to all! My wife and I are taking our 30th anniversary cruise in June (Barcelona to Rome) on the Viking Star and our anticipation and excitement grows for this trip by the day. We were disappointed that Viking changed the itinerary unexpectedly after booking and we lose our one tour day in Barcelona (Palamos was substituted), but such is life I guess. Thank you, again, for this article, Howard.
Thanks for the affirmation, John! So glad you found this post helpful in preparation for your Viking Mediterranean cruise. I know you will love it! I am curious to learn the reason behind the Barcelona/Palamos switch, even though experience has taught me these things happen. Hopefully you will discover something amazing on your substitute excursion. Please keep us posted on your journey, and Bon Voyage!
Wow. We are going on the Viking Star soon and reading this review HAS ANSWERED EVERY LITTLE QUESTION I HAD!!! Thank you so very much. The most important to me were the dress codes, seeing the Barcelona Basilica, tours that provide the best overall stuff and best places to hang out. Will now review my tour reservations but did the dining reservations and they seem to fit well with what you said. Keep it up.
So glad to help, Pam, and thanks for letting us know our content is meeting the needs of readers and Viking cruisers. I know you will love your Viking journey as much as we have ours, and please keep us posted. Bon voyage!
I just found your blog and am really impressed with what I’ve read! We have done 3 Viking river cruises so far and leave for our first Viking ocean cruise on July 13, 2018, the Viking homelands cruise – we can’t wait… My fellow travelers and I share your love for all of the wonderful amenities that Viking offers, they truly make the difference between a great trip and a fantastic one! I will be returning often to your blog to learn more about your wonderful travels….thanks for sharing!
Deb
Thanks so much for all of your kind words, Deb, although I have to say I am so envious of you! The Viking Homelands is my DREAM cruise. Oh well, I know you will have the best time. Please keep us posted, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that dreams come true . . . .
We have taken many cruises over the years, and we always bring candy with us to give to the staff. It is amazing how this little act of kindness brings a smile to their faces. Be friendly with them and they will serve you well.
Some cruisers recommend tipping ship staff in advance. I am not sure which is the best method, but I know being friendly and treating everyone with respect is always appropriate.
Howard, Most enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.
Question for you and/or your faithful following: Has anyone experienced a Viking cruise around the Mediterranean in January? Thinking of booking one in 2018, but wondering if we should be concerned with weather, rough seas, closed sites along the way.
Appreciate any thoughts and insights!
Hi Neal! Thanks for bringing up this valid question. My Viking Mediterranean cruise was in December, but I understand that travel in January may be a different experience. Perhaps some of our experienced readers will be able to offer you some insight. Please stay in touch, and let us know what you learn and whether you book a cruise. Cheers!
What a beautiful site! My sisters and I are taking a Viking Star Cruise much like this, leaving January 11, 2018. Your blog and photos add to the excitement. Neal, perhaps I can let you know how our experience goes as far as a January cruise.
Thanks for your kind words, Gay! I know you will love your Viking Star cruise as much as I did, and we would love for you to share your experience with us upon your return.
Just returned from Viking Star Mediterranean Cruise in January. The pros of winter cruising were that we had no crowds when touring spectacular cities, museums, and one historical place after another. We walked right into museums, churches, and cathedrals. We were right up front to see the changing of the guards in Monaco, walked right in to see David in Florence, strolled the Prado Museum in Madrid, etc. The weather did not quite cooperate with us and we had rain and strong winds most days. Two days we were unable to go on shore because of extremely strong winds. The onshore excursions were cancelled and refunded. Some people were very disappointed and some people enjoyed more time to lounge and visit. The staff was quick to make more on ship activities such as lectures, dance lessons, etc. the night club was super fun and the entertainment good. The entertainers were extremely hard working, with the pianist, band and performers working more than overtime. This cruise is not for people who want show stopping entertainment, but if you like music there are several options. High tea was a nice experience. In warm weather we would have spent many hours on deck and in the infinity pool, yet we did enjoy the indoor pool and the spa. The food was incredible. Manfredis was amazing. The service was top notch. I have celiac disease and every day the restaurant supervisor handed me a menu for dinner to accommodate what I needed. In the buffet gluten food choices were clearly labeled. The pre extension in Madrid was very nice, I’d highly recommend giving yourself the time to adjust to jet lag and to meet some fellow cruisers. To sum it up, if you enjoy smaller crowds and don’t mind handling up, a winter cruise is nice. If you dream of lounging in the sun with a drink in hand, plan for another season.
Wow! What a detailed and balanced summation of your experience cruising the Mediterranean with Viking, Gay! I know your report will provide much-needed information about cruising during winter months and answer lots of questions for cruisers still in the planning stages. On a personal note, you are great writer, and we would love to publish your work on Backroad Planet anytime. Thanks so much for sharing your report!
HI Howard, Loved your review of Viking Star. I could travel with you because our list of what we like when we travel is just the same. Don’t need casinos, kids (although love mine) and rock climbing walls. We’re traveling next May on Vikings Mediterranean Odyssey. It leaves from Venice and ends up in Barcelona 13 days later. We can’t wait. Our cabin is on the back of the ship which we always try to get so you get a 180 view of wherever you are! We’re looking to book the pre-cruise trip to Tuscany/Florence. Do you know anything about that? Also, how do you get invited to special trips and cruises like you mentioned????
Hi Jane! I am so excited for you and envious of you at the same time. You are going to have a blast on the Mediterranean Odyssey. You mentioned booking a cabin at the back of the ship. That will place you in close proximity to the the World Café and Aquavit Bar, my favorite places to hang out on ship. I have not done the pre-cruise trip to Tuscany/Florence, but on the Romantic Mediterranean cruise we only had one day trip to Pisa and Florence. It was not enough. I could have easily spent a couple more days there. So, I would recommend that you definitely book the pre-trip if it is still available. Some of the optional excursions are available for booking online at My Viking Journey, and others may be announced after you are already on board the ship. No special invitation is needed. Thanks for stopping by, and please keep us posted on your travels. Bon voyage!
Did the Romantic Danube with Viking 4 years ago. My first cruise and I loved it. I’d do a cruise every year but my husband, a native Hungarian, prefers traveling on our own. Scheduled for our first ocean cruise, with Viking of course–Venice, the Adriatic and Greece, plus 3 days pre-cruise in Tuscany/Florence at the end of September. My choice to celebrate 70th birthday. Loved your comments about Viking cruises. Will follow your travels. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind words, Alexa, and for sharing your Viking experiences. Please keep us updated with your adventures. Safe travels!
I have only been on ocean cruises (will take my first Viking River cruise this autumn), on both Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, both of whom have smaller ships (in terms of number of passengers). The Silversea cruises did have a few non-Veranda suites but for the most part, on Seven Seas all are veranda suites and on Silversea, most are veranda suites, service is impeccable (both lines take very good care of their passengers), both lines have great dining options (Silversea had one with an extra charge – much less than Viking’s but no grocery shopping), both offer “My Journey” with your excursions, spa appointments, restaurants, etc. I was a solo traveler and Regent Seven Seas even made sure that I had a dinner companion every night – whether eating with ship’s officers, guest lecturers, entertainers, social hostess, etc. Excursions were included with several to pick from, but also some were offered for a charge or you can go on your own as I did in Lucca when we arrived in Livorno. Both cater to older crowds, hardly any children (and those that were there were older), but alas, they had casinos. i was actually a bit tuckered out from going every single day on Regent, but was bored on the one sea day with Silversea. Tip, though, for spas: book it for your first day aboard the ship – then you don’t miss any of the activities/excursions during the cruise and it’s often cheaper.
Hi Susan! Thanks for sharing your tips. I am not a casino or spa user, but verandas and fine dining are important amenities. Enjoy your Viking river cruise!
We are doing the 50 day cruise, Istanbul to Stockholm, in March 2017 on the Viking Sea. After reading your review, I am even more excited! One thing I wanted to ask–what are the laundry facilities like? Thanks in advance.
Okay, now I am REALLY jealous, Tricia! 50 days on the brand new Viking Sea??? Heaven! Okay, back to earth to answer your question. Although I did not use it, there were washers and dryers and an ironing board in a laundry room for passengers just steps away from my stateroom. I would assume there are more laundry rooms on other decks. Please keep us posted about your cruise!
although i have two young kids, i love that this ship caters to the older crowd! i would love to send my parents on a ship like this to have a relaxing time without their grandchildren! (i think they would also appreciate the casual dress code!) we would like to do some cruising in the near future, do you have a recommendation for families?
I apologize that I am not familiar with family cruises, Lindsay, but I would think either Disney or Carnival for starters.
Whats great about cruises is that traveling gets to be just as eventful as the trip, clearly seen here! The entertainment seems to be endless, and 24 hour room service sounds just about perfect. I honestly never knew about cruises only catered to adults, what else have I been missing out on!
I like Viking entertainment because it is low-key, Mar, but there is always plenty to do in ports.
You know, I was never really interested in the idea of cruises because I feel like it gives you such a limited time to explore, but if I’m looking for a balance between a vacation and seeing new places at the same time, this sounds like my kind of deal. You definitely had me at no children though. Love them too, but…well, you’ve explained it really well!
Thank you, Erica! I truly love kids, but I also love peace and quiet on my cruises. Haha!
I’ve been of several larger cruise ships, but never on a river cruise. I have to try it one day soon. The stateroom seems very large in the Viking Star, and the fact that each of them have a balcony is a plus.
Yes, there was plenty of room in the stateroom, Carmen. Hope you get to take a Viking river cruise soon!
I’ve cruised before but only on huge ships, wasn’t much of a fan. I like the idea of a smaller ship, no days at sea and no children. While I like kids I don’t always want to be stuck on a boat with ones I don’t know. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like we have the same taste in cruises, Megan!
Loved reading in depth about your trip. This looks like a fun way to travel and I love that there are few children on Viking, if any. The food looks delicious, staterooms nice, and itinerary a big thumbs up, but I love my at sea days. Not sure I would be willing to trade those in for just any cruise but on my one Viking cruise, it was okay since they don’t offer all those fun things like the big ocean liners do. Nice review. As usual. 😉 Can’t wait to see where you will be going next!
We definitely have different definitions of the word “fun,” don’t we Melody? Glad you liked the article, and here’s hoping we end up on the same cruise eventually! Hugs!
Wonderful trip!
However, I’m against cruises, because they use the worst, cheapest oil and horribly pollute the environment… 🙁
So, Maja, are you saying you walk everywhere you go?
(Except that you’re not supposed to take photos of the David statue!) Other than that, it is a great photo! I have yet to take a cruise, but it is moving its way up my list of things to do. I love that you were able to get off so much and explore!
Hmm . . . . Not sure where you got your information, Tami. I certainly did not see any signs in the gallery, and I was clearly not the only visitor taking pictures in clear sight of Accademia personnel. Either way, I will consider myself spanked. Hope you get to take a cruise some day!
When I was there many people were taking pictures. I certainly did not see a sign and apparently no one else did either. The personnel at Accademia were in sight, but I did not see any of them ask people not to take pictures.
I’m definitely more of a “destination-oriented” traveler. The Viking Star looks like a more intimate experience, without the typical amusements that can really make a cruise feel gimmicky. The itinerary looks fabulous. Corsica, Barcelona, and Florence are such Mediterranean gems!
Well put, Jackie! I did not use the word “gimmicky” when describing other ocean cruises, but it definitely makes a point.
So jealous! I’ve done over 100 “regular” cruises but have yet to do a river cruise. After your review, I definitely want my first river cruise to be with Viking.
The casual, no casino, no sea days, and all balconies is a huge plus!
Viking River Cruises are the best, Debra, but the Viking Homelands cruise of the Baltic Sea countries on the Viking Star is #1 on my list now.
I’m taking a Viking River Cruise this fall and I can’t wait. Your article has made me that much more excited. Great summary!
You will love your Viking River cruise, Penny! They are my favorites.
The “Viking Star” should fit us like a glove too! How nice you got to touch down in so many top destinations – like Barcelona and Monte Carlo. We’re also cruise fans and love river cruising and small ship ocean cruises. And now we’re excited to be experiencing our first Viking Cruises trip later this year! (We’re cruising the Baltic, also on “Viking Star”) And, yes, your photo of David is excellent :-).
So happy you will be cruising the Baltic on the Viking Star! The Viking Homelands cruise is #1 on my cruise bucket list, so I am only a tad bit jealous. Glad you love my David! 🙂
From your narrative, it sounds as though Viking has found the correct formula for “small” ship, blue water cruising. We did an Azamara cruise in SE Asia which sounds similar in terms of ethos although we did opt for the lower cost of an inside cabin. It sounds as though you made the most of your shore time. I’m glad you got to La Sagrada Familia. It’s hard to imagine that a comprehensive Barcelona tour would not have included at least a chance to see the exterior. Given the pace of excursions in which you participated , I think you probably could have used a relaxing day at sea . Write on!
Thanks for your excellent summary, Suzanne. You hit the nail on the head! We need to travel in Asia, and perhaps a cruise would be the way to do it.
Howard, thank you for this blog on the Romantic Mediterranean aboard the Viking Star. My husband and I are in the process of booking it. Your blog has enhanced our interest.
What time of year was your trip? Ours will be Feb 18. I am concerned that the time of year impact our ability to enjoy the Aquavit deck and other outdoor amenities.
We would appreciate it if you would share your thoughts and expand on any weather and attire related issues.
Thank you!
Lindsay and Jim Tobin
Mentor, Oh
Hi Lindsay! So great to hear from you. You will love the Romantic Mediterranean cruise on the Viking Star. My trip was in early December 2015, and although the weather was cool, it was refreshing and invigorating. My next Viking cruise will be the Rhine Getaway Christmas Markets cruise this December. Honestly, I do not know what the temps will be in February, but I know they are milder in the Mediterranean than on the continent. You should be fine. As far as attire goes, I think light jackets or sweaters would serve you well. You probably will not need heavy winter clothing. Hope this helps, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions! 🙂
Thanks for the detailed info Suzanne,
The Viking Star sounds like a really excellent cruise ship. Have to reread your blog now to make an informed descision.
Cheers Sharon…