It was clear after only one week onboard Viking Ocean Cruises luxurious Viking Star that it is, first and foremost, a home to its passengers. The designers have found a way to combine elegance and comfort, making the vessel not only a ship, but also a residence. When the 930-passenger Viking Star launched last year, most of the spotlight was on the ships hardware, as the line had promised to bring many features over from its river cruise operation.
Now, what stands out the most is the ships culture. Guests dont just cruise they move in.
Its hard to explain the ships combination of beauty and comfort.
And, as in many homes, food is a key feature that brings people together. Although the dining room fare is beautifully planned and delicious, it was the more informal food offerings that were the topic of conversation among guests. The word got out quickly about Mamsens, the onboard deli that uses recipes from the owners mother (oh, the waffles!), but it was the World Cafe buffet with its open kitchen that truly impressed cruise veterans.
One passenger confessed to me that she had requested made-to-order eggs Benedict from the buffet three times. There were similar responses to the evenings Peking duck, the cooked-to-order steaks and the nightly spread of fresh and gorgeous seafood crab, shrimp, prawns and sushi. A spread of tapas was also popular, and vegetarians devoured dishes such as mashed sweet potatoes, pastas, curries and soups. Dispensers in the buffet served beverages such as coffee, juice, lemonade, cappuccinos and a choice of still or sparkling water.
The room service menu, too, received high honors from guests, and featured dishes such as Angus New York strip steak, grilled chicken breast, Norwegian salmon and artisan cheeses, gravlax (salmon cured with salt, pepper and dill) and Reuben sandwiches. Cheesecake, apple pie, chocolate mousse and dishes with no sugar added are also available.
Although the destinations Viking visits are incredible, I found it difficult to tear myself away from my stateroom. All accommodations have private verandas, superb king-size beds and bathrooms with glassed-in showers, heated tile floors and towel racks and Freya toiletries. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen televisions, and guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi access. Complimentary self-service laundry is available on every deck, and pre-measured laundry detergent is offered at no extra charge.
And its not only the guests who are enthusiastic about what is offered onboard Viking Star. Service is excellent as well, and employees seemed genuinely happy. At the bar, a couple asked the server how the crews quarters were. “ We know how lucky we are, the server told them. They are much bigger and better than on the other lines where I’ve worked”..
Inviting as it is, Viking Star is not for everyone. The minimum age to come onboard is 16, and there is no dazzling entertainment or a casino. But for those who find their match here, its a difficult place to leave
For more information, to make reservations and receive exclusive rates and amenities on any Viking Ocean ship contact The Cruise Professionals at TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com
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