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| Peterhof in Russia |
As you know, cruising consistently receives the highest guest satisfaction ratings of any form of travel, but even among such a happy group of vacationers, some are more thrilled by their cruises than others.
Viking River Cruises has carved out a niche in small ship river cruising that brings rave reviews. By combining port-intensive itineraries that include complimentary shore excursions with other niceties that would cost extra on most cruises, from wine and beer with meals to port charges/taxes to reduced-price air (including transfers) to free internet and self-service laundry, Viking easily fills its ships that visit the great inland cities of Europe and takes other cruises to more exotic locales like China and Egypt.
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| Viking Star Piano Bar in the 3 story Atrium |
Their chefs make a point of procuring the finest local ingredients to prepare fine cuisine onboard for guests, with regional wines and beers to accompany the locally-inspired dishes.
While at first glance, their prices seem higher than mainstream ocean cruises, returning passengers have found that the bottom line trip costs the same or even less, once all those shore exursions and drinks on an ocean going vessel have been paid with the final bill.
This has led to not only Viking rapidly expanding its river ship fleet, but other great competitors like Uniworld, AMA Waterways and Avalon entering the market with their own variations on the river cruise theme. This has pushed Viking to keep improving, and Viking Long Ships were introduced recently to great acclaim.
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| Viking Star |
In 2015, Viking Star will take the river cruise experience to coastal cruising in Europe. As other cruise lines have announced pulling ships from Europe for next season, this certainly is a bold statement by Viking. Like all great companies, however, they are expanding to give their customers what they say they want: the same river cruise experience on European coastal cruises.
To that end, Viking Star is designed for a more intimate onboard experience with its primary emphasis on the ports visited rather than the onboard experience. The offerings for 2015 are amazing itineraries through Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, most having more leisurely two week itineraries with ports almost every day. It's possible to combine several together consecutively into an amazing amalgamation. See the great itineraries at the second half of the Viking Star Brochure for 2015.
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| Al fresco dining at Aquavit Terrace on Viking Star |
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| Viking Star Infinity Pool |
And there's still a great spa, along with the only infinity pool at sea.
Oh, and by the way, every stateroom has a balcony, and they are larger than standard balcony rooms on mainstream ships. Remember that when comparing prices.
You'll enjoy complimentary excursions introducing you to the ports, and then have time to branch out on your own. Viking Star is destined to be a favorite of everyone who cherishes time in ports, with long days and a few overnights, always arriving with a smaller contingent of fellow passengers rather than swarming the ports from a mega-ship.
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| Laszlo and Gina in Copenhagen |
As with traditional Viking River Cruises, you must book early to enjoy the greatest savings. As the embarkation date approaches, air prices and cruise prices will begin inching higher. Plus, booking early allows you to choose the very best ship locations. Paying early entitles you to greater savings.
Make your future wonderful, and begin enjoying the anticipation today.
