We chose this cruise based on the itinerary and our desire to get out of the Northeast in the late winter. It was also a plus to have a short flight to Florida and to stay in the same time zone. One of the things Viking does best is to get their passengers and luggage to the ship easily (assuming you purchase air through Viking). This was the case for this cruise. However, there was a huge back-up at the cruise terminal because the Sea was delayed getting back to port due to bad weather, and there was a delay getting passengers off the ship. The situation also delayed the crew's being able to start prepping the ship for new passengers. Our cruise passengers stood around in the terminal for several hours without chairs or benches to sit on nor were there any updates about when we would be able to get on board. So much for having a cabin category with early access to it!

This was our seventh cruise with Viking....four ocean, three river. The room and ship amenities are at a very high level. The staff is friendly and professional. Many options for snacking, relaxing and general hanging out on the ship. Each ship (either ocean or river) is laid out similarly so unless it's your first Viking cruise, you know where to find things. Two pools, several bars and quiet areas offer choices for things to do. Programs during the daytime and at night offer interesting options. Movies, variety shows, talks and overviews of upcoming stops/tours are some of the activities offered. There is a nightclub and also a library so a wide selection of activity is available. Windows everywhere to enjoy the view!

Both the included tours as well as those tours booked at an additional cost are done well. This is especially true with the guide and (included) tour we had in Cozumel. The two extra tours we booked - both were spend-a-day-at-the-beach events - one was outstanding (sail to Van Jost), and the other just okay (Barbados). The included tours on the other islands were mostly just okay. Not all was the fault of the tour guides; the islands were (and are) still recovering from hurricane damage, particularly from Hurricane Maria. Damage of infrastructure and island daily living is apparent and widespread. A couple of the tours were designed for tour participants to buy, buy, buy. This is not the fault of Viking but perhaps of the individual island tour companies. As always, spend what you want and where you want. Read more