Viking Sea Review

5.0 / 5.0
1,570 reviews

Great cruise; saw a lot!

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Sea
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RuthPeters
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Nov 2016

We chose this cruise because we would see many different countries, including Israel and Italy. We began in Athens, Greece and did our own little tour in the afternoon the first day because we overslept in the morning and missed the morning tour. We were not all that impressed with what we saw of Athens, so that was OK that we just had an afternoon to view the Acropolis. Embarkation was easy and the staff was great in getting our luggage to our room. Our two room "hosts" did a FANTASTIC job of keeping our room clean and well stocked with supplies. We were very happy with how clean the WHOLE ship was - and sanitizer stations were everywhere. I can't emphasize enough about how clean the ship was.

We did two side excursions into Israel - one was a day trip into TelAviv and the other one was a 2-day fast-and-furious trip to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Jordan River and sights in between. We were disappointed in the spot of the Dead Sea where we were taken as the whole place was filthy, lots of people were there (even though it wasn't high tourist season), and it was just gross. We know other folks were taken to a different spot and it was a lot nicer there. So we were very disappointed in that. We were also disappointed that we didn't get to do any shopping in Bethlehem - other than ONE shop - at the end of the day. We felt we got "took" by our guide as this was the only place he would let us go to and there were many opportunities to shop as we were walking along in the city - but that wasn't allowed. We were also very disappointed in the Hotel that we stayed at in Jerusalem - that just was not up to Viking standards. It was old and run down.

The restaurants, spa area, swimming pools, high tea and everything else offered on the ship was great. They did a great job of informing us the night before as to what we would be touring the next day and the itinerary. Instead of ear pieces that slip over the ears (which can be painful), I would like to see them have an option to use ear buds instead.

Cabin Review

We loved our cabin. We were upgraded and enjoyed the room. Our stewards kept it very clean and well stocked with water, towels, and anything else we needed. There was never a time that I saw something that needed to be cleaned. Viking does a great job in keeping their ships spotless.

Port Reviews

Mykonos

We loved Mykonos. It was a beautiful island. The walking tour was very nice and leisurely with lots of stops and things to look at. The island was very clean and the people were very friendly.

Athens (Piraeus)

We missed the morning group tour because we overslept (our fault). So we took a bus to the Acropolis in the afternoon. We were not all that impressed with Athens. It was crazy busy, dirty, and lots of beggars.

Rhodes

Rhodes was pretty and saw lots of history. We went on a nice walking tour of the old city.

Haifa (Tel Aviv)

We really enjoyed Caesarea. Lots of history and it was beautiful by the Sea.

Crete (Heraklion)

We really liked Heraklion.

Naples

Nice walking tour with lots to see.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Upon disembarkation, we went back into Rome and stayed for two days on our own and took in the highlights of Rome by ourselves. It's got so much history and is easy to walk from place to place, but either use GPS on your phone or get a map. It's easy to get lost.

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