We had previously used Viking for China and had THE most amazing and wonderful experience so we naturally looked at Viking for the Mediterranean. The ship, Viking Star was immaculate at all times, the staff friendly and helpful, cabin clean and spacious and the communal areas well maintained. The buffet food was incredible and the special seafood night at poolside was a foodies delight. We did all the included excursions and bought 3 additional trips. Venice Opera, was expensive and didn't live up to the brochure explanation...warm wine and no snacks! However, the balance of the trips where good but very busy in Athens as there where several other cruise ships and it was a bit of a bun fight at times, that aside we enjoyed them. Several of the guides where exceptional, a few good and one mmmmmm just ok...but it didn't spoil our overall experience. If we did Viking again we would look again at the additional trips that say 'with wine and snacks' a little more carefully !