We wanted to visit the Panama Canal. The ship was easily navigated and explored. Its amenities, cabin, food, staff, entertainment were excellent but we were VERY disappointed in the shore excursions. The optional shore excursions were expensive and bus rides were often very long with minimal time at the destination. Often the description of the shore excursion was very different from the experience-especially in Belize and Colombia. Viking seemed like the "new kid on the block". The docking area at many locations was in rather inconvenient locations for independent shore explorations. Unlike the prime locations, we experienced with the river cruises on the Elbe and Danube.

The food offerings were varied and the wait staff was very attentive to our food allergies. We tried the Italian restaurant, Manfredi's twice,but disliked the offerings at the Chef's Table. It was very allergy unfriendly and no choices offered!

We enjoyed the evening entertainment, varied lectures, classical musical offerings as well as the guitar accompaniment during the afternoon tea. Read more