Adults seeking superior sea or river sailing experiences might want to consider the many appeals of the Viking Line. With cruises designed especially for them, Viking makes extraordinary efforts to personalize and acknowledge service requests and is unfailingly gracious in everything it does.
This opinion is based on a two-week-long venture aboard the 930-passenger Viking Star—commencing in Montreal and terminating in Fort Lauderdale—during which the line’s unique assets were constantly on display.
Balcony cabins are comfortable, public spaces are many and varied and the general mood is one of calm. Welcoming spaces ideal for reading or contemplation abound. And travelers who relish these places are part of the reason Viking enjoys an enviable rate of passenger loyalty and repeat bookings.
What’s not here is also critical. There’s no casino, and the only evident onboard gambling seems limited to personal card games. Also absent are facilities for children or teens. However, there is a definite emphasis on ensuring the comfort and accessibility of all passengers, whatever their age or degree of mobility.
Another asset is that dress is very casual. Not only are there no formal nights, but sports jackets for men are rarely seen.
Dining is one of the ship’s highlights. The Restaurant, the primary destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner, offers varied daily options plus staples such as Caesar salad, New York strip steak, poached Norwegian salmon and roasted chicken, all beautifully served. Here, as at all the onboard dining spots, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at no extra charge. Even better is the absence of extra fees to dine at Viking specialty spots.
The best of these is Manfredi’s, an extraordinary Italian gem where the menu features everything from crisply fried calamari with a balsamic dipping sauce, osso buco and seabass to bistecca alla fiorentina and veal scallopini. A well-spiced ribeye steak and seafood shellfish melange are also memorable. Skillfully prepared pastas and traditional favorites are always available.
Intriguing is the Chef’s Table, where menus rotate every three days to feature a different riff on international favorites. For adventurous diners, it’s a perfect change of pace to sample clever cuisine that’s often surprising, and wine is paired with each course.
Another welcome option is Mamsen’s, featuring authentic Norwegian open-faced sandwiches. Also here are fine soups, pastries and delicious waffles. Afternoon tea is served in the Winter Garden, a particularly lovely space. The continental mood is set and enhanced with classical music performances.
Then there’s The World Cafe, the ship’s buffet center but far above the quality most would associate with that term. Superb breakfast omelets and a constant parade of tempting salads make this an ideal option for casual dining, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Viking offers a free tour in every port of call. One of the best on our trip was a long stroll through the re-creation of Old Quebec City, followed by time for individual exploration. Similarly pleasant was an examination of historic Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island.
Charlottetown played a critical role in the formation of what today is Canada. Here, in 1864, delegates from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland met to discuss a potential joining of then British colonies in North America, which began the process that led to the July 1, 1867, formation of the Dominion of Canada. Travelers can visit several critical structures that were involved in the 1864 landmark event.
Also available are more specific or focused small-group excursions. Typical was a historic walk through Newport, Rhode Island, with in-depth discussions of numerous major sites.
Every day, Viking also offers a choice of live lectures that range from history and politics to highlights of upcoming port stops. Held in the comfortable main theater, these are also broadcast via the ship’s internal television network to all cabins to be viewed whenever convenient for the passenger. The same theater also hosts twice-nightly variety shows that feature singers, dancers, comedians and other shipboard staples.
The pool, under a retractable roof, is another fine spot for those wanting peaceful exercise or relaxation. Nearby is the pool grill, where along with hotdogs and hamburgers, grilled tuna is available during daytime hours.
