Sail Away On a Viking Star Ocean Cruise

Nov 01, 2016

After enjoying three days in New York, I took a short ride across town to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal to introduce myself to a brand new ship, one that breaks the mold with innovation, design, comfort and respect for its passengers.

The first of five nearly identical ships, the Viking Star from Viking Cruises is impressive on many levels. It is not the biggest or most expensive, not the flashiest, but it is truly beautiful.

Imagine a ship where every stateroom includes a balcony, no ship photographer, no casino, no one allowed under the age of 18, no surcharge for specialty dining, wine included with lunch and dinner, some shore excursions always included at every port and generous and comfortable seating areas.

Also the ship holds just 930 passengers.

The Viking Star is the first ocean cruise ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, which now has 54 river boats worldwide!

This, and its sister ships to come, is the only cruise ship at sea like this.The first Viking Cruises ship was so impressive to me.

Offering very generous storage space in each stateroom, with drawers and closets where you want them, both in the room and bathroom. The Penthouse Junior Suites were the most impressive category, providing the maximum in value and spaciousness.

On the food and service side, cuisine was excellent, with a huge variety and very good quality throughout my four-day voyage to San Juan from New York.

Because we had no ports of call, I got to know the ship very well. Service was good, but not commensurate with the best luxury lines.

The matching of these unique ship attributes with some of the most innovative and creative itineraries at sea makes this a serious contender for cruise passengers who may have been overlooked in the frenzy of new builds, ever bigger and glitzier offerings which do not appeal to everybody.

Ships have their own personalities; fitting each client correctly is our priority.

Hilton Smith