This was our second Viking Star cruise, first the Inagural year Venice to Istanbul. We arrived in Athens three days early an toured on our own. Once we boarded the Star, we felt we had arrived home. The most welcoming part was several of the bartenders remembered us from two years prior. When you are addressed as Mr. Lang and welcome back, that was it, this was going to be a great trip.
Tours— Highly recommend Mykonos by 4X4 vechicle trip, Nazareth & Sea of Galilee Shore Excursion, and last and most memorable From Naples The Vistas & Villages of the Amalfi Coast Shore Excursion. The last one stops in Sorento shipping and Delightful 3 Star restaurant lunch. The road trip along the coast were as advertised most scenic, I finally got the Amalfi Coast off my bucket list after 3 prior visits.
Food— My favorite Restaurant is Manfredi’s, memorable fine dining, Chef’s Table was disappointing both trips, the Restaurant is better. My breakfast and late night treat was Mamsen’s in the Explorer Lounge on Deck 7. Interesting note the Executive Chef David McDonald is the only cruise chef I have ever seen throughout the ship we’re food is served- “inspecting the troops”, so to speak, everyday. He has the time to talk to guests- a mark of a true professional.
Simply delightful, the planning that went into these room is amazing. Technology has brought us large 42 inch flat screen TV’s — they are in room coupled with a On-Board system that has all the hotel type stuff plus live video of where the ship is heading, route maps, billing information, and appropriate info on destinations and tours. I love the bathroom heated floor and mirror, although the shower mixing valves can be a bit touchy. The desk even has a refrigerator drawer. The basic room with balcony is 270 square feet as are all the rooms except suites etc one larger size room. The only thing that changes is deck level, higher more expensive.