Reviewed by: Meg Hill

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Itinerary: Barcelona to Rome

Size of ship: 47,800 GRT

Passengers: 930

Year Built: 2014

Where the ship cruises: World Cruises, Europe

Currency onboard: USD

 

Embarkation/Disembarkation: After a short transfer from our Barcelona hotel, we arrived at the pier for embarkation at 11am. Local porters took care of our luggage and we were guided into the terminal for check-in which was completed quickly and easily. It was then a short walk through security and onto the ship where we were warmly greeted by the ship’s crew with trays of cold champagne and ushered upstairs to the Wintergarden – a beautiful light-filled conservatory with an exquisitely sculpted canopy of blonde wood. Our cabin was not going to be ready until 1pm so we elected to leave our carry on bags with the staff at Guest Services and we headed back into town for more sightseeing and a little shopping. Others stayed onboard and enjoyed drinks by the pool and lunch in the World Cafe.

Main features: Viking Star, like its sister ships, radiates sleek Scandinavian style and contemporary, uncluttered calm. Expect most of the usual shipboard facilities including a la carte and buffet dining, two specialty restaurants, several bars and lounges, a main show lounge and smaller movie theatre, midship pool with a retractable dome, gym and shops. More unusual features are the infinity pool cantilevered off the stern and Nordic spa complete with Snow Grotto. Oh, and there is no casino onboard!

 

Most suited to: Couples and singles aged 55-75 years who are looking for an upmarket international travel experience, but with the familiarity and comforts of home.

Atmosphere: Extremely relaxed and comfortable. Many of the public areas are like oversized lounge rooms, with generous sized sofas and armchairs, set around a coffee table and bookshelves displaying quirky knickknacks and beautiful picture books.

Encounters with Service Staff: We were greeted by smiling, friendly, enthusiastic and attentive officers and crew at all times and every turn. We could not fault the service, personalisation and engagement we experienced with the Viking staff!

Staterooms: All staterooms and suites onboard Viking Star feature a private verandah. Our Penthouse Verandah (338 square feet / 31.5 square metres) featured a sitting area with sofa and armchair, a king size bed (convertible to twins) with luxury linens and a beautiful cashmere blanket, a generous sized bathroom with walk-in shower and heated floor (what a luxury!), robes and slippers, flat screen television with complimentary movies on demand and a complimentary mini bar, restocked daily.

  

Dining options: No matter where you dine, expect lots of fresh, locally sourced, in-season produce. We enjoyed a lovely three course a la carte dinner in The Restaurant and also dined at Manfredi’s Italian restaurant and The Chef’s Table where the five-course degustation menu changes every three nights. It was a treat to have breakfast delivered to our cabin to enjoy on the balcony and we also dined casually at the World Cafe. Another daily specialty was high tea in the Wintergarden, complete with a classical trio, ribbon sandwiches, macaroons and scones with jam and cream!

Entertainment: The onboard entertainment is understated. One night we saw a local Spanish flamenco performance, we also attended an extremely interesting lecture about the Napoleonic era. A string trio provided background music in the Explorer’s Lounge most nights.

Activities: Viking include one shore excursion in each port of call for all guests. These are usually local half day tours. In addition, there are a variety of other half and full day tours to select from (at an additional cost). Alternatively, sit in on an enrichment lecture or port talk, head to the atrium for a quiet game of chess or scrabble (on beautiful wooden boards), join a yoga class in the gym, take a stroll on the 360 degree Promenade deck or relax with a book in the Wintergarden or the Explorer’s Lounge.

  

Family Facilities: Viking‘s cruises are an adults-only experience with a minimum age requirement of 16 years

Inclusions: Virtually everything is included on a Viking cruise. You won’t pay extra for onboard gratuities, house wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water at all times, speciality dining in most restaurants, shipboard WiFi, 24-hour room service, an included shore excursion in most ports and use of the onboard Nordic spa facilities.

Exclusions: In addition to the included shore excursion in each port, it is possible to choose from a selection of other tours that vary in price from approx US$79 to US$300 per person per tour. It is also possible to upgrade to a Silver Spirits beverage package for less than $20 per person per day. This covers access to premium wines, spirits and cocktails at any time throughout the day. Minibar replenishments are also included.

Self Service Laundry: Most passenger decks on the ship feature a self-service laundry room equipped with three washing machines, three dryers, two ironing boards and irons. These facilities are provided for guests free of charge.

Insider Tips: The dress code onboard Viking is relaxed and understated. Whilst people tend to dress up for dinner there are no formal nights so expect to see people wearing smart casual or cocktail attire. Of course, during the day the dress code is resort casual. Onboard costs are charged in US dollars and you’ll need an American adaptor to use or charge any electrical devices.