cutinacaroline

As for the bistecca, I am honestly not sure, as I read from another person’s post (can’t remember where) that they had their leftover steak reheated the next day. If you have the bistecca and can’t finish it, just tell the server to keep the leftover for you and then have it reheated.

Hello! I am jumping in because I have been on both HAL and Viking (my last three cruises were on the latter). I enjoy both lines. Here are my answers to your questions about Viking: 1. The food in the main dining room changes daily, although there are a few dishes on the permanent menu, including the Chairman’s salmon (Viking’s signature dish) and New York strip. The food is usually excellent, and the portions are reasonable but not ridiculously huge. Some dishes are inspired by the current destination. (Don’t order the bouillabaisse though—way too salty.) There are two specialty restaurants. One is Manfredi’s, an Italian restaurant, and the menu does not change. I recommend the Steak Florentine. It is gigantic, but they will be happy to save your leftover steak and reheat it for you the next day. The other is the Chef’s Table. The tasting menu has a theme and normally changes every other day. I have had tasting menus ranging from Chinese (I was on the China cruise, and Peking duck was on the menu) to French to Pan Asian. There is also a wine pairing. You will definitely enjoy Chef’s Table. Once on board, you can make as many reservations as you want in the specialty restaurants, space permitting. 2. Laundry is included, but it is self-service. If your room is Penthouse Veranda or higher, you can have the steward do your laundry or dry cleaning, 3. Yes, there is a library (or libraries). Books are everywhere on the ship. The main “library” is at the lobby, and there are plenty of other books available by the Wintergarden (where there is afternoon tea). The books tend to be old though, but that is an opportunity to read some rare classics. There is even a book exchange shelf—you can take one book or leave one. 4. I believe most cruises offer optional food- or wine-themed tours, but I have not done any. If anybody else is reading this, feel free to elaborate. 5. I think there is a good wine selection, but I am not a wine person. I always stick with the included house wine, but I can imagine the specialty wines are much better. 6. it is easy to get off the ship and do your own thing as long as you pay attention to the departure time. I talked to people who skipped the included tour and arranged a private tour or just enjoyed themselves in town. Some ports offer free shuttles to the town center and back. 7. There is nightly entertainment on board. There may be a classical musician or ensemble one night, a comedian the next, and then a magician, and the house singers. When the ship is docked overnight, there may be local entertainers. When I was in Shanghai, for example, some acrobats/dancers came to the ship and performed. At the atrium, house musicians, including the Classical Duo (usually a violinist and cellist—varies by cruise) and a pianist, perform in the evenings. They also perform during afternoon tea. If you enjoy classical ensembles, you are in for a treat. In fact, Mon and I befriended the Classical Duo (a violist and cellist) on one of our cruises. I am not an expert but I answered to the best of my knowledge. (Any other experienced Viking cruisers reading this, please chime in to add to my answers.) You will love Viking Ocean Cruises. I did go on the Orion during its first year, and we loved it.) I wish you a safe and fabulous Viking cruise.