Favorite Features?

[eroller]

I'm very impressed with what I have seen so far with Viking Oceans. So much thought has gone into the product and I think it will be stiff competition for Oceania and Azamara. I love the fact that everything is on the table so to speak, in one swift move. None of the "slow reveal", a marketing game that most cruise lines love to play but which can become tedious.

 

So for me the standout features are a full 360 wrap around promenade deck (something that Oceania nor Azamara offer); two swimming pools of which one can be glass covered and the 2nd is infinity style (again Oceania and Azamara are lacking in this regard); a two level observation lounge; lots of al fresco dining; large showers in all cabins; and that the finest cuisine onboard will be in the main dining room and not the speciality restaurants.

 

Throw in the contemporary, clean, and comfortable decor, a beautiful looking spa, and itineraries rich with longer stays and overnight ports and I think Viking will be a winner!

 

I wish them luck and I hope to sail on them at some point in their inaugural year or soon after.

 

Ernie

[dln929]

I love the idea of a promenade that wraps around the whole ship and so much al fresco dining. We really enjoy being outdoors while on a cruise and the Star delivers in that respect. The cabins are very generously proportioned, too, which appeals to us.

[WesW]

Besides the very nice (VS highlights) summary eroller provides above (we also look fwd to enjoying the two story Explorer lounge for pre/post dinner drinks, will use the promenade/jogging track early morning every day (hope the design elevates The Restaurant so when we power walk/jog we do not impede the aft view of guests dining in The Restaurant on Deck 2; also look forward to trying the snow grotto in the spa). We also like unlimited pressing we will get with our suite choice.

 

However, at this moment our favorite feature is the absolute great price on the Silver Spirits beverage package we got for our Viking Homelands voyage May 16th. $560 for two (Viking River cruises charges $419 pp for a 14 day river cruise. The Silver beverage package includes all premium liquor served in bars, champagne, expresso cafe, mineral water, et. al. We look forward to enjoy our Silver Spirits Bev package in the Explorer lounge.

 

A Viking first, as far as our cruisline experience (Silversea/Regent) that we love, is their Viking Referral program. With Silversea and Regent you must complete a sailing to be able to refer a guest. With Viking all you need is your booking# (pd deposit) and ensure you fill out a Passenger information from (passport, emergency contact data, etc.,) Condsequently, have earned about five referrals since Friday for referring five CC couples (who have booked a VS cruise (3 couples sailing with us on Viking Homelands).

[Andy]

Hi Everyone,

 

For me, Viking Star looks stunning. As I watch the video, it's everything I want in a smaller ship, with the exception of the lack of a Casino - which we enjoy very much. With that said, I understand their logic for bypassing it. The public areas & cabins are beautiful. It's nice to see the Pool will have a retractable roof, and fire pit & movie screen. I also love the wrap-around Promenade Deck. Great touch !

 

In an article posted elsewere, Torstein Hagen mentioned how Guests are sick of being nickel and dimed. I couldn't agree more, and I'm one of them. Wise decision there. As someone who must stay in touch with work 24/7, the complimentary internet is extremely welcome.

 

If you haven't seen it yet, there's an excellent video located here : http://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruiseships/east_mediterranean/viking-star/shipinfo.aspx

[Cruising89143]

Ernie, I agree 100% with your comments. So many great features immediately drew us to this ship. She looks beautiful. The only area that needs to be added is the port times. I contacted Viking today with a list of questions and they are still working on a lot of details. Come on and book the May 2nd Barcelona to Bergen cruise.:)

[Cruising89143]

I love the idea of a promenade that wraps around the whole ship and so much al fresco dining. We really enjoy being outdoors while on a cruise and the Star delivers in that respect. The cabins are very generously proportioned, too, which appeals to us.

 

I agree about the staterooms. We normally book the larger suites but decided on a Deluxe Veranda. With such a port intensive cruise I think a suite is a waste of money (suites are a very good price though compared to what we pay on X). I plan to enjoy all the areas that his ship offers. With that said, Celebrity will still be our go to for some cruises. Especially the seven night cruises. Love those S class ships.:)

[Cruising89143]

Hi Everyone,

 

For me, Viking Star looks stunning. As I watch the video, it's everything I want in a smaller ship, with the exception of the lack of a Casino - which we enjoy very much. With that said, I understand their logic for bypassing it. The public areas & cabins are beautiful. It's nice to see the Pool will have a retractable roof, and fire pit & movie screen. I also love the wrap-around Promenade Deck. Great touch !

 

In an article posted elsewere, Torstein Hagen mentioned how Guests are sick of being nickel and dimed. I couldn't agree more, and I'm one of them. Wise decision there. As someone who must stay in touch with work 24/7, the complimentary internet is extremely welcome.

 

If you haven't seen it yet, there's an excellent video located here : http://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruiseships/east_mediterranean/viking-star/shipinfo.aspx

 

I have to admit that we will miss the casino. I wonder if this will change with future new builds?

[eroller]

Come on and book the May 2nd Barcelona to Bergen cruise.:)

 

 

Well you just never know when I might turn up! LOL As you know, I love to experience new things, especially when it comes to ships and cruise lines. No one can ever accuse me of being loyal to just one brand. Several perhaps, but never just one!

 

Ernie

[eroller]

I'm still thinking we may see some additions to the deck plan. While we know there is not going to be a casino, I don't see a card room or library. I think a library stocked with a selection of great worldwide travel selections is a must for a destination focused ship.

 

There is a large atrium area on Deck 3 and I'm guessing we may eventually see a card room and library in this area, and/or perhaps a small coffee shop.

 

Ernie

[Jack1]

Ernie, I agree 100% with your comments. So many great features immediately drew us to this ship. She looks beautiful. The only area that needs to be added is the port times. I contacted Viking today with a list of questions and they are still working on a lot of details. Come on and book the May 2nd Barcelona to Bergen cruise.:)

 

Cruisingator-- we are sreiously looking at booking the sailing you are booked on. Is it true we have to make full payment by Dec 31, 2013? That is almost 16 months before we sail. Seems like a great price and a great itinerary.

Faye

[Cruising89143]

Cruisingator-- we are sreiously looking at booking the sailing you are booked on. Is it true we have to make full payment by Dec 31, 2013? That is almost 16 months before we sail. Seems like a great price and a great itinerary.

Faye

 

Yes the final payment is 12/31/13 when using the EBD (Early Booking Discount). After that date the prices will increase if not sold out. This what I was told when we booked Saturday. It does seem like a long time for a cruise line to keep your money.

 

The itinerary does sound great. Overnights in Barcelona, Paris, London and Bergen.

[eroller]

Yes the final payment is 12/31/13 when using the EBD (Early Booking Discount). After that date the prices will increase if not sold out. This what I was told when we booked Saturday. It does seem like a long time for a cruise line to keep your money.

 

 

 

This policy is very similar to sister line Viking River Cruises. No doubt it has worked well for Viking in the past so it continues on Viking Oceans.

 

I have mixed feelings about it, but I am one that tends not to book early and take my chances.

[WarEagle76]

I have to admit that we will miss the casino. I wonder if this will change with future new builds?

 

The casino is one area we will not miss. I'm glad they are using the space that would have been used for a casino for other features.

 

Love the fact they will have self service laundry onboard and that the following items are included in the price:

 

Complimentary Restaurant Reservations* with your choice of multiple dining venues & times (including open seating)

 

Complimentary Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service

 

Complimentary Specialty Coffees & Teas available 24 hours

 

Complimentary Wi-fi so you can remain connected

[eroller]

 

Complimentary Wi-fi so you can remain connected

 

 

 

Wow I must have missed the part about complimentary Wi-fi. That is impressive. While it may be more common on the European riverboats, it's unheard of on ocean going vessels. I don't know of any line that offers this, not even the top of line luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn.

 

Ernie

[CTLeeA]

We're doing Oceania and have done Azamara and we're excited that Viking is the new competitor. We've written off Azamara after their so-called 'enhancements' replaced the 50% early tour booking and management was, I felt, extremely arrogant in defending it's decision to do so. Viking seems straight up with what they are offering and they have credibility with me having nothing but positive experiences with their River Cruises.....besides....Viking is offering band new ships.....can hardly wait to board.

[rblevow]

• The casino is one area we will not miss. I'm glad they are using the space that would have been used for a casino for other features.
  
• Love the fact they will have self service laundry onboard and that the following items are included in the price:
  
• Complimentary Restaurant Reservations* with your choice of multiple dining venues & times (including open seating)
  
• Complimentary Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
  
• Complimentary Specialty Coffees & Teas available 24 hours
  
• Complimentary Wi-fi so you can remain connected
  

I agree completely. In these and several other areas, they seem to be modeling the offering on their very successful river cruise program. That has some significant differences from the normal offerings of other lines. I particularly appreciate the comp wi-fi as I easily run through a $500 wi-fi package on a two-week cruise.

 

Has anyone seen details on how they will be handling cell phone service on board. On a river cruise one can use international roaming or a regional SIM card. With ocean cruising one is usually stuck with "Cellular at Sea" with no discounts. Viking says cell phone and satellite phone service are available but I haven't seen more than the general statement.

 

-- roy --

[kikki21]

I like everything!

We do like a bit of fun in the casino but it's not a deal breaker and this ship is very tempting indeed.

Looking forward to the launch of the UK website. :)

[amyr]

I was worried about the lack of casino when I first booked because one of DH's favorite things to do after dinner is play a little blackjack, but it was he that pointed out that with the ship in port late it would rarely be open anyway.

 

This is going to sound like a silly wish, but I hope when they're putting the cabins together they include an electrical outlet on the bed side of the cabin. Most hotels have lamps with a plug in the base nowadays, and I wish the cruise ships would have something like this as well.

[Cruising89143]

However, at this moment our favorite feature is the absolute great price on the Silver Spirits beverage package we got for our Viking Homelands voyage May 16th. $560 for two (Viking River cruises charges $419 pp for a 14 day river cruise. The Silver beverage package includes all premium liquor served in bars, champagne, expresso cafe, mineral water, et. al. We look forward to enjoy our Silver Spirits Bev package in the Explorer lounge.

 

We decided to go with the Silver Spirits package also. We used the package on Celebrity a few months ago and it was great. The price on Viking is a great value.

[eroller]

 

This is going to sound like a silly wish, but I hope when they're putting the cabins together they include an electrical outlet on the bed side of the cabin. Most hotels have lamps with a plug in the base nowadays, and I wish the cruise ships would have something like this as well.

 

 

Excellent suggestion! I use my iPhone as an alarm clock and also play music from it to sleep by. Basically I like it right by my bed. So far the only cruise line I have sailed that has beside outlets is Disney. They have them on the DISNEY DREAM and DISNEY FANTASY. It's a great feature, and like you say many hotels have them now.

 

Ernie

[Oceans&Rivers]

I'So for me the standout features are a full 360 wrap around promenade deck (something that Oceania nor Azamara offer); two swimming pools of which one can be glass covered and the 2nd is infinity style (again Oceania and Azamara are lacking in this regard); a two level observation lounge; lots of al fresco dining; large showers in all cabins; and that the finest cuisine onboard will be in the main dining room and not the speciality restaurants.

 

A covered pool and a promenade deck (with loungers, I hope, rather than the narrow promenade deck like Crystal) and the lack of a casino all sound good to me.

 

I have not visited a website, but a very strict smoking policy (Azamara or better) will be important, too.

[amyr]

My travel agent says there won't be any key cards, we'll all have bracelets. The cabin door will open as we approach with our bracelet, any purchases will be made with the bracelet, etc. Does Viking already do this on their new longboats?

 

We've only sailed the rivers with Uniworld and AMAWaterways.

[kikki21]

I showed the Mr and he loved the infinity pool and the itinerary on the Western Med from Barcelona to Venice is also very attractive.

 

Hurry up UK website! :)

[wripro]

Why not visit the U.S. website?

[amyr]

Excellent suggestion! I use my iPhone as an alarm clock and also play music from it to sleep by. Basically I like it right by my bed. So far the only cruise line I have sailed that has beside outlets is Disney. They have them on the DISNEY DREAM and DISNEY FANTASY. It's a great feature, and like you say many hotels have them now.

 

Ernie

 

Right? I often want to charge and read my iPad at the same time, and I like to travel with a small 5" desk fan to help me with my 'personal summertime'. I've learned that most ships have an outlet behind the bed for the lamps, but they're generally Euro round prong and would blow the fan out, not to mention we'd lose a lamp.