viking cruises mediterranean odyssey 2023

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Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey

Late summer, my husband and I embarked on a Viking Ocean Cruise aboard The Viking Sea. Our Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey journey began in Barcelona, Spain, and ended in Chioggia, Italy (near Venice). Today, I’m sharing about our stops in Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia.

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This summer we explored some of the most beautiful countries and cities on the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey Ocean cruise. We had such a wonderful trip that we came back and created a Shutterfly book, because we didn’t want to forget our experiences. If you love the water, and you followed my travel last year, we were in Bermuda, on the Viking Cruises Bermuda Escape .

Table of Contents

The Viking Cruise line has quickly become the world’s most awarded cruise line on both ocean and river cruises. One of the most popular cruises is the sea voyage from Barcelona to Venice: The Mediterranean Odyssey.

I shared our experience on Instagram and received so many comments (and questions) from readers, so today I’m giving the full details of this wonderful cruise.

The cruise is aboard the ship the Viking Sea, which is a mid-size cruise ship (the size that we prefer), carrying around 900 guests.

We love the Viking rooms—they have everything that you need, and you can settle in right away, by putting your things in closets, drawers, under the bed, little cubbies, and more. The bathroom is huge (for a ship), and we loved the balcony, and did I mention their cozy beds?

All spacious rooms include king size beds, heated bathroom floors, generous showers, 24-hour room service and private veranda. Each ship also includes a spa and beautifully appointed lounges and dining spaces—all with a Scandinavian elegance and design.

Here’s a map where we explored on the Viking Sea

Here’s the full map of the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey route. It’s a 13-day ocean cruise that begins in Barcelona, Spain. There are stops in the French port city of Marseille, in Monaco, and a visit into Nice (and we saw the beautiful French Riviera). In Italy, we explored Rome Florence, and Naples, ending in Venice. A highlight was Croatia for the city of Split, and the real life Game of Thrones setting of Dubrovnik. The final stop was Venice (Chioggia) Italy for two nights.

Why we love Viking Cruises

Paul and I have been on quite a few Viking cruises, and here’s why we think Viking is the best:

Inquisitive person’s cruise : The focus is always centered on enrichment and education, with selected experts and resident historians teaching and sharing. The library is packed with books, there is a great variety of music (from classic to the Viking Band), entertainment, and there are no casinos or children under age 18 on board.

Destination experts : Viking excursions are designed to help you explore and engage with your destination in mind, with food, culture, countryside, customs, and–depending on your activity level–a lot of walking. 

Classy all the way : From the food, to the people you meet … the entertainment, excursions, beauty of the ship, and the amazing staff—Viking is by far our favorite cruise line.

Viking is for the young-at-heart : My husband and I are in our late-50’s, and we fit in quite well with all the guests on the cruise. We meet so many new friends, and we truly enjoy not only the people, but the staff, entertainment, and all the activities. We cannot recommend Viking enough!

Do we get to relax?

We take every opportunity to use the spa and fitness center. After a day of exploration, or when just relaxing on a sea day, we love fitting everything in. But there is still time to lay by the pool, read a book, and so many places to wander off and be alone.

All passengers have complementary access to the thermal suite, which includes a pool, sauna, Nordic Snow Room, cold water splash bucket and hot stone relaxing lounges. You can also treat yourself to a beautiful spa treatment (individually priced), or take advantage of the ship’s walking track and sports deck.

Food and Drink

The Restaurant is the main dining venue, and offers the highest onboard dining experience, with a changing daily menu and superior wine.

The Chef’s Table and Manfred’s Italian Restaurant are where Paul and I eat the most. They feature regional cuisine and specialty dishes. The World Cafe is a more casual eatery, with alfresco dining, and there’s plenty to enjoy there as well. Have I mentioned the “Seafood Night?” Viking chefs are phenomenal.

One more experience that you have to sign up for is the Kitchen Table. You do pay extra for this, but it’s a fun experience where you get to go to the market with the chef to buy the food that he’ll be using for the meal that night.

What is complementary with the cruise?

We get asked this a lot, so I thought I’d mention the inclusive value:

• One complementary excursion in every port of call: Paul and I take advantage of this!
• Complementary access to the Spa
• Cultural Curriculum: You can hear live cultural talks. They partner with TED, and screen TED Talks onboard.
• Onboard cooking classes
• Alternative dining options at no extra charge
• Beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner
• Stateroom steward and twice daily housekeeping.

Onshore Excursions

Besides the one complementary shore excursion in every port of call, we’ve also paid for some pretty amazing excursions. Keep reading to see what we enjoyed on this trip!

Super important to know, every passenger gets a Quietvox (a charged headset device) for the excursions. You will never be unable to hear your tour guide. You also get bottled water, as much as you want.

Barcelona, Spain

We soaked up the charm of sunny Barcelona, and the Catalonian culture. We strolled along Las Ramblas, got plenty of photos of the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi (including his main work, the church of the Sagrada Família). In the evening we ventured into the ancient Gothic Quarter. We found a tiny “hole in the wall” to listen to live jazz, and then taxied back to the ship later that night.

Marseille, France

Marseille is rich in historic treasures, nestled between the Mediterranean and rocky hills of limestone. Two 17th-century fortresses dominate the charming Vieux-Port, or Old Port, the natural harbor hosts elegant yachts to old style fishing vessels. It’s romantic and lined with dozens of cafes and shops. We also explored the city center, graced by La Canebiere boulevard. We dined at a cafe and enjoyed the signature bouillabaisse, made from freshly caught fish. We ate our share of French pastries, where we believe we had the most perfect donut in the world!

Monte Carlo, Monaco

The elegant city of Monte Carlo in the tiny kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world’s most exclusive shopping, with mega-yachts in the old port. Our ultra-comfortable coach even drove us on the same streets of the famous Monte Carol automobile race.

The Monte Carlo medieval quarter perches on “The Rock”, an escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps. The spectacular views of the Mediterranean are incredible. We skipped the shore excursion and took a bus to Nice. How beautiful laying eyes on the French Riviera, and also walking along the beach in Nice and enjoying a cup of espresso near the water. We came back and walked through Monte Carlo and found a restaurant for lunch. It was one of our favorite meals, as a local was sitting next to us, and she was so charming.

Florence, Livorno, Italy

Tuscany is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and a center of culinary delights and astounding wines. We know this because we spent an entire day in Florence, shopping, walking, people-watching, visiting museums, Brunelleschi’s famous Duomo. For lunch, we followed some locals to a restaurant that did not disappoint. We enjoyed one of the best meals on our trip with memorable, pillowy gnocchi, caprese with zucchini, and some very fine wine. We dined for 2 1/2 hours!

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

More than 2,500 years of history live in this city’s streets. We took a rather long bus ride in to see the ancient structures, the Colosseum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. We also went on a private excursion to see the Catacombs. How moving. The narrow staircases opened in mind-blowing caverns that sometimes housed entire families from centuries ago.

Naples, Italy

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting, and is known mostly for its pizza, where we had our first slice of Margarita Pizza. In the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves. Our excursion here was to the Bourbon Tunnel, which was originally intended as one of the world’s first underground mall, but later used to protect some 6,000 residents from ongoing shelling during WWII.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors, and by royalty seeking tranquility. We enjoyed walking through Corfu’s Old Town and seeing the magnificent coastal views. Here we experienced one of our favorite local delights, Kumquat Cake. In the hills above Corfu Town on the island of Corfu we visited a family’s home (their personal villa) for a cooking class. This was my favorite excursion, where we cooked and ate traditional Tzatziki, Greek Salad, and Greek Moussaka with béchamel sauce. We ended with Greek Baklava. What a lovely experience this was.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its12th-century medieval streets, and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth”. It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city’s Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, housing the world’s oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

We strolled along the charming waterfront, calmed by the light blue water lapping on the shore, and envious of the locals playing in the gentle waves and resting on the shore.

Split, Croatia

Split is one of Croatia’s oldest cities, built around the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The Riva Promenade has majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace’s heart, and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian’s ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral. We went to a winery to eat lunch, where the ownes grew their own grapes, raised pigs, and had beautiful gardens.

Venice, Italy

We took a water taxi to Venice and walked around, investigating all of the passages that reveal beautiful hidden piazzas, and had a delightful dinner on the water. Our ship was docked in Chioggia, a town about an hour away by ferry. So there we took a taxi to the beach and hung out with the locals. We realized we had not swum in the Mediterrean yet, so we made it happen. It was magical. 

Viking Mediterranean Odyssey : the end!

And that wraps up our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey voyage! We had such an amazing time on this cruise. If you’ve ever been undecided about cruising, I highly recommend trying a Viking Cruise. This was not our first time with Viking. You can also check out our other trips:

Viking River Cruises Zurich Switzerland

River Cruise from Switzerland to Paris

Homelands Viking Cruise Excursions Norway

River Cruise Southern France

And check out those clouds in Venice!

The weather was stunning end of August, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience with travel, our luggage, flights, and the smooth transportation that Viking includes.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Viking Cruises for making our Mediterranean Odyssey possible!

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published on Dec 31, 2022

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4 comments on “Viking Cruises Mediterranean Odyssey”

Thank you so much for writing this review. Your trip looked great! I am planning to go in May 2024. I am curious, how far from the boat are all the “attractions” at each port? In Venice you said there was a 90 min water taxi. Are all the stops like that? I did a Viking River Cruise and you had to take a bus at all the ports. Thanks in advance!

Hi Jen. Every country is different, where the boats are allowed to dock. Venice is an exception because no boats can dock there anymore. When the boat ports, many of the attractions or tours are either right near the port, or a short ride away.

Going in May and looking forward to trip. Was it easy getting a taxi to Venice? Also, do I need to bring an European outlet for ship? Did have enough time to shop. I have purchased a few extra excursions especially to Nice and the evening walk in Barcelona but want to make sure I get it all in! Thank you 

Hi Jean. Viking handles all the taxis into Venice, and depending on what excursion you do, you should have some time to shop. It takes about 90 minutes water taxi (plan ahead). If the excursions are through Viking, they plan all the timing perfectly. You do not need to bring any outlets. Enjoy your time!

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Viking Ocean Mediterranean Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 2,672 Viking Ocean Mediterranean Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: April 2024

Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Jupiter

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on this cruise. Our stateroom (DV) had ample space for the two of us; we even separated our beds into twins! We loved sleeping with the sliding door open to hear the waves and feel the breeze. We loved the room service, and we easily got Manfredi's and Chef's table reservations once aboard the ship. All of the food is superior! I am not a "buffet ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Mars

You've seen the ads saying "explore the world in comfort". The ads reflect the reality of Viking. Everything was great onboard and off the ship. From the moment we set foot in Athens where we were escorted to the ship to the moment we were dropped off in Venice airport to fly home Viking had your experience in mind. They made baggage handling easy, they made sure you were in the right place ... Read More

This was our first Viking Cruise. The ship was beautiful with lots of amenities. I wanted to be sure to take advantage of everything offered on the ship. We ate at The Restaurant the first night and that was the only time we ate there. The food was good, and the service was nice, but I found that the World Cafe buffet offered some of the same dishes, so I didn't feel like we missed out. It's ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Jupiter

Viking Jupiter delivers on all that Viking aims to deliver. Comfort, beauty, service, and education about the sites being visited. Port arrival and embarkation was very smooth. Minimal time in line to validate our ID and reservation, then we were onboard. Lovely atrium with live music, champagne/mimosa's upon entry. A quick safety drill and then off to our rooms. Viking Jupiter is ... Read More

From the moment we arrived in Rome we were treated to a wonderful experience. Viking reps met us at the airport, took us to our hotel, cared for our luggage, arranged transfers to the ship. The ship was beautiful, our rooms were comfortable and top drawer. The food was exquisite with the freshest fruit, vegetables, fish. The staff aboard ship could not be more attentive or helpful. There were ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Star

Absolutely delivered beyond expectations. Viking has set my new standard for quality and experience. The Staff and crew of Viking Star are top notch and always on point. Interactions were friendly yet professional. Accommodations were clean, fresh, and modern. Food was phenomenal. Know what Viking is and is not regarding entertainment. It’s not a party ship but we had a blast. If you want ... Read More

Traveled with children

So impressed with Viking. The accommodations and service were impeccable. The food was fabulous. Every communal room on the ship was elegant and spotless. Having been on a Viking cruise now, we would choose our shore excursions a bit differently, and schedule more time to explore the port cities on our own. The day we did that was one of our favorite days. We were able to leisurely visit the shops ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Star

One item to start off, we booked this cruise in 2023 and we were 'allowed' to chose our excursions in February 2024. The choosing opened at midnight of the day. By the time we began our choosing and paying for the extra cost excursions, some of them were not available. This was a concern, but muddled through. A real positive is this was an ADULTS only cruise; there was no one under 18 years ... Read More

The service of the cruise staff , especially Bryan, our Stewerd, Putu, our server every night, and Alyssia, who helped us with bookings, has been steller. Everyone treated our group as if we were special. The accomodatons were very well kept and teh ship itself was like brand new. The tours were well staffed with knowlegable experts from each country we stopped in. An A+ expericience overall. ... Read More

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Almost Live - Viking Sky - Mediterranean Odyssey - April 2023

By OneSixtyToOne , March 30, 2023 in Viking Ocean

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OneSixtyToOne

" And another from OneSixtyToOne! Thank you for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic! "

OneSixtyToOne was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' and 5 points.

Departure Day - It’s Déjà vu all over again.

Yogi Berra’s words have never rang so true.  

Just last January we were here at LAX dodging a torrent of rain from an atmospheric river hitting California and it’s been raining ever since.  I’ve never seen anything like this in almost 50 years of living here. Several major storms have hit us and it looks like that trend will continue. The good news is the drought has been officially declared over.

The bad news is our flight is at least 30 minutes late and that leaves us only 90 minutes to catch our connection in Frankfurt to Venice. Fortunately we have booked the pre-cruise extension. I tend to do this just to have a buffer.

We were notified that our departure from Venice on Monday has moved from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The email had some boiler plate message about tides but IMO it has more to do with the Italian air traffic control strike on Sunday. Anyone planning to fly into Venice on embarkation day may have a problem.

So while we wait, I’ll repost a photo of our plane. This will probably be my last time on a 747, my first being a TWA flight to Rome in 1970. The last 747 built recently flew out of Boeing and had permission to have its flight path spell out 747 across Washington State. It’s definitely an end of an era.

To understand the impact of this aircraft, i’ll end this post with a link to one of my favorite TV series, Connections with James Burke. In this episode , he connects the 747 with the similar innovation of the fluyt freighter in Holland in the 16th century. This allowed the Dutch East India Company to become the richest corporation in the history of the world. (I thank Viking lecturer Russel Lee with providing me that bit of trivia.)

Here’s hoping my next post will be from Venice and not a hotel in Frankfurt.

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Wishing you all the best and smooth flights and connections.  We had a connection in Frankfurt about three weeks ago and had no trouble, even about half an hour to enjoy the lounge.  I enjoyed your last postings and look forward to traveling vicariously with you again!

springtravel

Once you board the flight, all will be fine. It will be a great journey, no matter what happens from now until you arrive in Venice. We are in the Philly Airport, awaiting our 6:15 flight to Dublin, then onto Venice.  Safe travels.

Looking forward to your almost  “live” trip report  on the coming days ! 

We just went through security and TSA is either training new dogs or they have implemented a new level of inspection. Before you get to the security check you are corralled into an area where you had to stop, then walk two-by-two past a dog handler that walked around you. There were several K-9 units to the side waiting their turn. 🦮

On our last trip I mentioned LAX now has facial recognition boarding passes. Called eGates Boarding, I found an article about it.

https://www.airport-technology.com/news/lax-idemia-solution/

Will also follow your reports.  Thanks.

Will be following along as we will cruising on the Sky early next year.

3 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said: We just went through security and TSA is either training new dogs or they have implemented a new level of inspection. Before you get to the security check you are corralled into an area where you had to stop, then walk two-by-two past a dog handler that walked around you. There were several K-9 units to the side waiting their turn. 🦮

Sounds like a Passenger Screening Canine team conducting training. The dogs were searching for a decoy passenger carrying a concealed training aid. My husband and I volunteer as decoys at Washington Dulles airport. If a passenger near you was carrying the training aid, the dog would excitedly follow the decoy as they exit the cordoned-off area. The handler rewards the dog with a toss of a ball! A supervisor oversees the training and knows which passenger is the decoy. Very smart dogs.

Day 1 - Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

We arrived in Frankfurt about 40 minutes late but due to thunderstorms all flights were running late. We had arranged for mobility assistance at the airport and were whisked away in a cart and subsequent ride that would make the aforementioned Disney attraction envious. Weaving through a pedestrian tapestry, our drivers adeptly navigated countless obstacles of clueless men, women, and children at considerable speed. What a great way to get the heart pumping after a sleepless overnight flight. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

The ride took place in two segments, with a stop at passport control dividing the adventure. We were escorted through but the regular line was only about 5 people deep. I was expecting much worse, so Frankfurt was not the horror that I envisioned. It Is a MASSIVE airport. We had to travel from Gate Z to A and without assistance it would have been at least a 20 minute walk, with many of the moving sidewalks non-operational. Upon arrival at our gate we discovered our flight was delayed arriving. After boarding, we waited another hour because the thunderstorms caused ground crews to leave the tarmac and no baggage could take place. We finally arrived at Marco Polo airport around 2 hours late.

Upon arrival we noticed lots of red Viking luggage tags on the baggage claim carousel. Outside of baggage claim we met our Viking rep and a very large group of pax on the pre-cruise extension. After waiting for the inevitable “lost luggage people” we headed to the shuttle boat to our hotel, the JW Marriott.

It been 15 years since our last visit to Venice. Since then, they have constructed a modern boat docking facility for the water taxis. The dock use to be right by the airport baggage claim, a quick walk to a dock area. Now it’s a journey to the new facility, involving a couple of moving walkways.

Before our first visit I read that a famous writer once wrote that any first time visitor must arrive by boat to experience the beauty of the city. Back then we hired a water taxi, today we were were with about 60 fellow guests. This was unexpectedly quite a large group. On the way to the hotel our tour director notified us that there are 180 guests on this pre-extension. 😳

  The hotel is located on a private island that use to be home to a hospital. During our 40 minute boat ride, the guide stated that it had its origins as a place to quarantine visitors, a procedure that started in another Adriatic port, Dubrovnik. The word quarantine is derived from forty, the number of days you were isolated when the Black Death was all the rage. The island is close to the Lido, south of Venice proper. See the blue dot on the map

The trip to the hotel passed Murano and the island that is used as the cemetery. Although overcast and not conducive to photography, I did get a few shots of the cemetery and the Campanile in the distance. The Campanile is where Galileo publicly demonstrated his first telescope. Little more than a rudimentary spyglass, the military and economic impact was immediate, The military could see potential enemy ships approaching on the horizon and merchants could identify what cargo ships were approaching and adjust their prices hours before others could react.

We docked at the hotel and learned there are shuttles to St. Marks every 30 minutes, with last return boat at 23:30. Viking is also running hourly shuttles until about 7:00 PM. Our room is large and comfortable. More about the hotel tomorrow, when we get a chance to walk the grounds.

After dinner we headed back to the dock for our return to the hotel. I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of Venice at night. Venice after dark is magical. Day trippers never know the experience. Everyone needs to spend at least one night in the city.

Thank you - Brings back wonderful memories of Venice at night 😀

Glad you arrived safely, sounds more exciting than our trip. We were in the same area last night, but rain started, so didn't really get to enjoy our stroll back to hotel. Leaving soon to visit Rialto Bridge area and market, then over to Burano

Frenchberet

Happy to hear you arrived safely.  Looking forward to following along on your trip!

Oh how I love Venice, your photos are a delight. How lucky you are!

Day 2 - Like Butter 

Jet lag arrived and we were up before dawn so we were raring to go to breakfast at 7:00 AM. The hotel serves breakfast from 7-11 AM. Being one of the first to arrive I was able to take some unobstructed photos. I have never had a bad breakfast in Italy and this was no exception. Fresh squeezed orange juice, great coffee, omelet station, selection of fresh cheeses including ricotta, a first for me at breakfast, Italian cold cuts, breads, bacon, sausages, fresh fruit, ripe tomatoes, pastries, you name it, they had it. The only negative was the scrambled eggs. I have yet to see a hotel get them right, either to hard or too runny. Oh I forgot to mention the butter… two enormous buckets of butter (salted and unsalted). The chef saw me taking pictures of it and explained how it’s an Asian tradition and how they traditionally make it. Who knew?

After a full breakfast topped off with a few extra cups of coffee and plum cake we strolled the hotel grounds, taking photos as we headed for the docks. The weather changed dramatically overnight. The grey rain clouds disappeared and the sun was rising in clear blue skies. What a perfect day to explore Venice.

As I mentioned earlier, your first view of Venice should be by water. Here is why.

From the Viking docking location we walked towards Piazza San Marco and had photo ops of the leaning church tower, Bridge of Sighs, and finally the Doge’s Palace. 

The piazza was teaming with people basking in the morning sun. The morning sunlight also bringing to life the gold on the cathedral and the bronze horses.

One interesting icon on the facade is a depiction of the smuggling of St Mark’s bones out of Islamic territory to Venice so the cathedral could be consecrated. Every Catholic Church requires a relic of the namesake saint to be placed in the alter. To accomplish this, his bones were hidden among slaughtered pigs.

The lines were too long to enter, but we had already toured it on our prior visit. Same with the Doge’s Palace, where I highly recommend the secret itinerary tour. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Instead we went to the top of the Campanile where we enjoyed spectacular views of the city. I mentioned Galileo previously and there is a plaque commemorating the event high at the top of the tower.

The bells are impressive, even more so if you arrive at noon where they toll 100 times. We just happened to encounter that on a last trip and my ears are still ringing. Today we missed it. It’s also impressive to watch these massive bells swing to and fro.

From there we walked a few steps and went for a snack at the oldest cafe in Europe. Founded in 1730, at Florian you can have everything from an 14€ cup of coffee to a 400€ bottle Dom Perignon. DW had been looking forward to taking some photos there and we decided to splurge on some desserts.

A Japanese couple sat across from us and ordered afternoon tea and champagne. They spent several minutes arranging their tea to make it photo ready. After a few individual photos I offered to take a photo of the two of them. I then asked if I could photograph their beautifully arranged tea setting.

It was time to burn all those calories so we took a stroll towards the Grand Canal and widow shopped in the luxury district, walking across numerous bridges with their charming canals. On the way we stopped at the world famous Harry’s Bar. As you can tell, Harry doesn’t mind if he can’t make the scene. He’s got a daytime job. He’s doing alright.

Ot was now time to find the the Rialto. We love wandering around Venice. It’s a city to be lost in but never get lost. We passed countless shops all with unique window displays and finally found the bridge.

We then returned to the dock to head back to the hotel after a long day. Tomorrow we leave at 10:00 AM to board the Sky.

I’m interrupting this thread with a special announcement….

i believe that 

I believe that we

I believe that we will

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

17 minutes ago, OneSixtyToOne said: I’m interrupting this thread with a special announcement….   I  I believe i believe that  I believe that we I believe that we will I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!   Go Aztecs!    

Yes.  I believe  that too.  As former S. Californians, we know just what you mean.  Go Aztecs!  (Although I am from that basketball powerhouse, UCLA, well at least in my day).  But happy to see the underdogs win.  Fingers crossed.  The final two, right?  Or whatever they call it!  

PS, my, you are up late or early!  But enjoy your victory!!

8 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said: Harry doesn’t mind if he can’t make the scene. He’s got a daytime job. He’s doing alright.

You’re the original Sultan of Swing

Here is a brief update of significance. We just boarded and were informed we set sail tonight at 9:45 PM. The reason given is high winds and the port authority has ordered us to depart. April 3rd in Chioggia has been replaced with a sea day.

I will do a full update of today’s activities later tonight or tomorrow.

Day 3 - Not “the ugly place”

We departed the hotel at 10:00 AM on what can only be called one long and boring boat ride. Very little to see and the tour guide talked non stop for almost 2 hours on a PA so loud people had their fingers in their ears. The major piece of information I learned on this ride was only one Viking ship can dock in Chioggia at a time. If another ship is scheduled, it docks at Fusina which the locals call “the ugly place.” This probably explains why some people are reporting their cruise is docking in Fusina and not Chioggia.

When we arrived at Chioggia the line to check-in stretched out the door. The building is tiny and not capable of holding 100+ passengers. There were no computer terminals, everyone was checked in using a phone. It also appeared they were training new people. It was a very slow process, not what we’ve come to expect. The other annoying thing was the sensitivity of the metal detector. It kept going off. I went through four times. The guard gave up and let me pass without wanding me. Great security.

While in line we heard the first rumblings that we were departing that night, missing a day in Venice. Those who were not on an extension had no time in Venice at all. They were not happy.

On a positive note, we became friendly with a couple we met at the airport on the pre-extension. When we went to our cabin, an aft DV1, we discovered they were next door in the explorer suite. They invited us in to look around. It is gorgeous. Maybe some day… It turned out they were celebrating the wife’s birthday and as a surprise the husband arranged for two of her close lifelong friends to secretly come along. One of them couldn’t afford it so he picked up the tab. A very nice birthday gift indeed.

Also of note the Sky is now using Starlink and download speed is great.

Oh you will love your DV1.  The picture of the wake as you depart is one of the major reasons. Our last two  cruises we had DV1 on the Orion and Venus.

Great to meet your lovely neighbors and get a tour of their stateroom. They are fabulous.  Our roll call starter had one on my first Viking cruise. He invited many of us to stop by one evening for drinks and snacks.

I like your itinerary, but  Venice looks like an ongoing problem as an embarkation port or ending port. 

Thank you for posting pictures and look forward to your live report in the coming days.

On 4/1/2023 at 10:24 PM, OneSixtyToOne said: I’m interrupting this thread with a special announcement….   I  I believe i believe that  I believe that we I believe that we will I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!   Go Aztecs!    

I'm interrupting this thread with an updated special announcement...

I believe that

I believe that we DID

I BELIEVE THAT WE DID WIN!

Great cruise last month!

Great win this month!

GO UCONN HUSKIES!!  AGAIN!!

We are sitting here, upper deck of Explorers Lounge, watching Sky pull in. Too bad we have breakfast being delivered at 8 and will miss the best part. 

So excited to follow this! Looking at booking this cruise for the same time next year, but was concerned about the weather. Any input from those who may have sailed this or a similar itinerary in early April? 

Have a great voyage!!

Day 4 - They Call It Stormy Monday

Today is the unexpected sea day so not much to report on. Winds are gusting and the ship is rocking. It’s also raining and all outside decks are closed.  

The schedule was adjusted to have the Split port talk in the morning. There was an afternoon and evening session of trivia in the Explorers Lounge. DW is feeling the effects of the rocking so I soloed one game and cobbled together a team of walk-ons for the next. Our team almost won, coming in second place 16 to 18.   

The lectures have been pretty dry. I prefer it when the presenter is entertaining and has a personality. Let’s hope they get better.

They also scheduled a “tour” of the Bayeux Tapestry panels in the stairwells. I’ve seen the original on a Viking Paris-Normandy river cruise but with a sea day to kill why not take an educational walk around the ship? 

The “tapestry” is actually a long embroidery that tells the story of how William the Conqueror became King of England. One interesting thing shown in the “tapestry” is the Normans are fighting from horseback using the stirrup, while the Saxons use their horses as transportation to the battle, where they dismount and fight on foot. The stirrup is one of those inventions that changed the course of history by allowing swordsmen to fight from horseback. This in turn led to an arms race of bigger horses and heavier armor. The only thing at that that time that could stop a charging knight was another knight. And the only wealth that could sustain all of it came from land and the people that lived on it. So a king gave his knights titles and land in return for their help in times of war. To identify an armor clad knight insignias were needed. Thus the feudal system was born.  

Tomorrow we arrive at Split and our first excursion of the cruise.

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Mediterranean Odyssey

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Eileen Richard

We can't say enough good things.

Our first cruise was on the Danube for the Christmas Markets; then the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam), the Seine (Paris to Normandy)...then then Barcelona to Venice. We can't say enough good things about these cruises.

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Thank you, viking for making this a memerable experience..

This was our first cruise and it was a great experience. The ship, management, and logistics in planning every excursion was amazing, well planned and on time. The food on board was the best we have experienced. Staterooms were clean and organized and the staff was there to assist at your fingertips. We were convinced that this is the best way to see all countries in style and class. We are happy we decided to take this cruise I can highly recommend it to anyone . . . first-class service and first-class cruise experience. Thank you, Viking, for making this a memorable experience.

Shaun & Brenda

Everything was wonderful.

We had been on one previous Viking river cruise and decided to try the ocean vessel because of those experiences... Everything about the trip was wonderful. The staterooms were exceptional. Our staff was very professional and happy. The food was excellent no matter where you ate. Our favorite was the Italian restaurant... The excursions gave us lots of options and we did something almost every day. We even loved the day at sea. The spa experience was excellent... We particularly enjoyed the Explorer Lounge... It was a most relaxing cruise with no prodding to go anywhere. One could even stay on board and just explore... Thanks again Viking.

The waffles were fantatic

Dinner at Manfredi's was excellent. I also had breakfast at Mamsen's and the waffles were fantastic. All of the staff are great. The shore excursion was excellent.

Very impressed.

The tour was very good. The food so far has been fantastic. The staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. Very impressed so far.

A satisfied guest

Our third cruise with Viking. One has to cruise other cruise lines to appreciate the real value added to every aspect of the cruise. No "nickel and dime" cost.

We will be back to enjoy another Viking experience

Great day, enjoyed the excursion. Great meal in Manfredi's to end our trip. Sad to leave but we will be back to enjoy another Viking experience. Thank you for making the trip seamless and memorable.

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Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: barcelona, spain.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city's Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi.

In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square's perimeter.

Day 2: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is steeped in history, with stunning architecture and a rich culture. Mediterranean breezes grace the shore and Catalonia's capital is a feast for the senses. Long strolls on wide boulevards—such as Las Ramblas , the mile-long leafy pedestrian way, and the Passeig de Gràcia , lined with some of Europe's most elegant buildings—set the tone for a city that moves to its own tempo. Native son and famed architect Antoni Gaudí adorned his city with whimsy, whether along fantastical city blocks or with his colossal masterpiece, the towering La Sagrada Família cathedral.

Day 3: Marseille, France

Marseille is rich in historic treasures, nestled between the Mediterranean and rocky hills of limestone. Two 17th-century fortresses dominate the charming Vieux Port, or Old Port, the natural harbor that hosts all manner of watercraft, from sleek elegant yachts to old style fishing vessels. Its picturesque quay is one of the world's most romantic walks, lined with dozens of cafés and shops. Also worth exploring is the city center, graced by La Canebière boulevard. Linger in a café and sample the city's signature bouillabaisse made from freshly caught fish.

Day 4: Monte Carlo, Monaco

The chic city of Monte Carlo in the petite kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world's most exclusive shopping and a beautiful old port. A fairy-tale aura has settled on this glittering city of the Grimaldi family, perhaps nowhere more elegantly than at the Prince's Palace, where the late American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly presided with Prince Rainier III. Monte Carlo's medieval quarter perches on “The Rock,” an escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps, and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the harbor lined with mega-yachts.

Day 5: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Tuscany is known equally as the cradle of the Renaissance and a center of culinary delights and astounding wines. Throughout this emerald-green countryside dotted with cypress trees, endless delights unfold. Among them is Florence, a living museum of the Renaissance. Brunelleschi's famous Duomo dominates the medieval cityscape—an architectural achievement. Another Tuscan treasure, the Square of Miracles , unfolds in Pisa. Here, a trinity of masterpieces—the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery—comprise some of Europe's finest art and architecture.

Day 6: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city's streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world's greatest repositories of history and civilization.

Day 7: Naples, Italy

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and is known mostly for its pizza. The city has long been a major center of Italian culture and was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region's finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

Day 8: Sail the Ionian Sea

Sail the gateway to the Adriatic, marked by the sole of Italy's boot and the western coasts of Albania and Greece. As you sail, explore our well-curated Library, tucked in a private alcove of the Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Day 9: Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece

Corfu has a rich history shaped by conquerors and by royalty seeking tranquility. Corfu's Old Town and Fortress—fashioned by the once powerful Venetian Republic—comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow warrens lead to one of Europe's largest public squares and a lovely promenade once exclusively reserved for the local aristocracy. Everywhere, magnificent coastal views unfold and scenic byways lead to history-rich enclaves, from the archaeological site of Paleopolis and the stunning Vlacherna Monastery to a former Greek royal villa.

Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a historic jewel, with its spectacular Adriatic setting, 12th-century medieval streets and incredibly preserved structures. So stunning is its Old Town, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called it “paradise on Earth.” It is all spectacularly surrounded by a towering medieval wall. Inside, the ancient city's Stradun is lined with authentic stone houses. The peaceful 14th-century Franciscan Monastery and Apothecary, housing the world's oldest working pharmacy and fine collection of Renaissance paintings, provide insight into the ages.

Day 11: Split, Croatia

Built around the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian, Split is one of Croatia's oldest cities. Its promenade commands majestic views over a bay and the Adriatic Sea. Despite evidence of Split's origins in the 6th century BC, the city is traditionally considered over 1,700 years old—counting from the construction of the palace. Its well-preserved remains have been seamlessly assimilated into the modern city. An Ethnographic Museum is found at the palace's heart and shops line the passageways of its ancient basement. Diocletian's ancient mausoleum is now a stunning cathedral.

Day 12: Venice (Chioggia), Italy

Chioggia is a charming fishing community located at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon and steeped in age-old seafaring traditions. Its combination of canals, bridges and fishing boats have lent it the nickname 'Little Venice.' Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, the main pedestrian street of Corso del Popolo exudes a lively atmosphere amid the aroma of delicious fresh seafood dishes. Chioggia shares a long history of cultural and economic ties with Venice, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is a scenic journey by water taxi from the capital of the Veneto region.

Day 13: Venice (Chioggia), Italy

The Venetian Republic ruled Adriatic waves for a millennium. During the 8th century as the Roman Empire began to decline, many Europeans fled to Venice and its neighboring towns, including Chioggia. Merchants put their skills to use, and the city-state was soon thriving. The Venetian Lagoon's canal banks feature buildings influenced by Byzantine and Islamic architecture, reflecting Venice's powerful trading network. The first vaporetto traversed the Grand Canal in 1881; alongside the gondolas, these iconic Venetian water buses are at the heart of Venice's transport network. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Life Onboard Viking Jupiter

Launched in 2019, the Viking Jupiter is Vikings' newest all-veranda ship, part of a fleet of award winning, state of the art ships incorporating all the comforts & luxuries you would expect from Viking. Read more

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Viking offer eight on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services valued at $200 per person per day are standard inclusions in your cruise. Read more

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy exclusive entry to cultural treasures and seldom-seen collections around the world. Read more

Viking Ocean Cruises (2024-26)

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14 Days Santiago Buenos Aires

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24 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The World's Most Luxurious Cruises

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

Sumptuous escapes at sea

Some Oceania Cruises suites have walk-in closets and grand pianos

No expense has been spared when it comes to suite decor on luxury ships. For ultimate opulence, opt for the Owner’s suites which you’ll find on Oceania Cruises ' ships. These cover 1,991 square feet, have two walk-in closets and entrance foyers with a grand piano and a mahogany bar. A 15-day Svalbard & Arctic Passage cruise with accommodation in the Grand Owner’s suite costs from $23,044 per person.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Explorer had a big design budget

We’re increasingly seeing bigger budgets for ships’ decor. Huge amounts of cash are being splashed on sprucing up interiors, and one example of this decadence is Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' Seven Seas Explorer, which has 473 Swedish-designed chandeliers, 45,876 square feet of marble, Versace-designed dinnerware, crystal glasses from Eastern Europe and a $12 million art collection which includes several Picassos.

Orient Express is set to launch a seriously luxurious ship

After launching the world’s most luxurious train 140 years ago, Orient Express will launch an opulent ship to match. Orient Express Silenseas, which will take to the waves in 2026, will have 54 suites (including a 15,231-square-foot Presidential Suite), two swimming pools, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar. Oh, and a recording studio. Prices are to be confirmed (but will inevitably be eye-watering).

Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend offers themed suites

Sail on Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend and you can book a suite inspired by exotic destinations and hotels. We recommend the suite inspired by the Sea Island resort in Georgia. Expect ocean-inspired colourways and plenty of sea-glass green. A Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise with Windstar starts from $3,745 per person.

There are butlers onboard with a Silversea cruise

Book a sailing with  Silversea  and you’re guaranteed your own butler. They'll be on hand to help with everything from the unpacking of luggage to the opening of the Champagne bottles. They’re not just any butlers, either – they’ve undertaken a 108-point training programme created for the cruise line by the London-based School for Butlers. An 11-day Mediterranean Cruise in 2024 costs from $8,092 per person.

You can go beneath the ocean's surface with Scenic Cruises

An abundance of onboard kit means that luxury ships don’t just help passengers get to the world’s most remote places – they help them get below the waves and into the skies too. Take Scenic Cruises – their Scenic Eclipse ship recently became the first vessel to offer both helicopter flights and submarine dives in the Canadian Arctic. An Antarctica in Depth cruise costs from $16,310 per person.

Seven Seas Grandeur has in-suite spas

Love a session in the spa but value your personal space? Book Regent Seven Seas Cruises ’ Regent Suite, which you’ll find on Seven Seas Grandeur, due to launch in November 2023. Highlights include the two enormous bedrooms and the whirlpool bath on the balcony, although the pièce de resistance is the suite’s very own spa retreat.

You can sleep under the stars with the SeaDream Yacht Club

Set sail on one of SeaDream Yacht Club ’s yacht-style vessels and you’ll be able to spend a night under the stars. At night, staff transform the upper deck’s huge Balinese day beds by adding luxurious bed linens and fluffy pillows, allowing you to drift off to the sound of the ocean. Expect to pay around $3,700 for a seven-day cruise.

SeaDream Yacht Club has one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea

Some cruise lines offer boats on boats

Zodiacs – small, fast boats carried on ships – make it easy to explore different landscapes, whether it’s the frozen tundra or the Galapagos’ wildlife-dotted islands. Special mentions go to Quark , which uses environmentally friendly four-stroke engine zodiacs; Silversea , famous for its expert-led zodiac excursions, and AE Expeditions – the line’s new expedition ship Sylvia Earle has 15 zodiacs. A seven-day Spitsbergen sailing with Quark costs from $5,547.

Aurora Expeditions and AE Expeditions ships have science laboratories onboard

If peering at distant shorelines through binoculars doesn’t cut it, sign up for a sailing with Aurora Expeditions or AE Expeditions . AE Expeditions ships have tech-filled laboratories and lecture theaters, making it easy to gain new perspectives on the destinations in question. Guests can contribute to a wide range of research projects, including ones relating to micro-plastics and sea life. A 15-day Svalbard In Depth sailing starts from $12,137 per person.

You can have your very own Dom Perignon Experience on Oceania Cruises’ Vista ship

Is spaciousness a priority? Consider Oceania Cruises . Their newest ship Vista (which set sail in May 2023) is tipped as having the largest entry-level staterooms at sea (280 square feet, if you were wondering). We’re equally excited about the Dom Perignon Experience – during this six-course extravaganza you’ll sip Dom Perignon Champagnes chosen to suit the various dishes. A 10-day Bangkok to Singapore cruise starts from $5,335 per person.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Flora has a stargazing platform

Celebrity Cruises ’ Celebrity Flora, which has space for just 100 passengers and is based permanently in the Galapagos Islands, is a pint-sized ship that can effortlessly access the areas other vessels can’t reach. But our favorite feature is the stargazing platform. Head here for stargazing sessions led by the ship’s onboard astronomer. You’ll pay from $7,796 for a Galapagos Inner Loop sailing on Celebrity Flora.

The naming ceremonies are often spectacular

Simply swinging a bottle against the side of a ship is so passé. In January 2023 Viking christened new luxury ship Viking Neptune. The ship’s godmother Nicole Stott (a retired NASA astronaut) used a traditional Viking broad ax to cut the rope, which sent a bottle of fizz smashing into the ship. A 13-day Mediterranean Odyssey cruise with Viking costs $5,911.

Your Abercrombie & Kent guide might be a famous explorer

Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruises – previously known as Crystal Cruises – are famous for their onboard experts. The cruise line’s expedition leaders include explorer James McClintock, recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal, and former Royal Marine Commando Russ Manning, who served as base commander in the South Orkneys and earned the Polar Medal. A 14-night Arctic Cruise Adventure with Abercrombie & Kent costs from $17,922.

You no longer have to wear a ball gown to dinner

You can ride on a magic carpet with Celebrity Cruises

Okay, not the type ridden by Aladdin. We’re talking about Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet – a cantilevered platform which appears to float in thin air, and which glides up and down the side of Celebrity Edge, one of the cruise line’s most luxurious ships. Depending on what level it stops at, the Magic Carpet can become a restaurant, bar or nightclub, although the one constant is breathtaking views.

There are luxury ships you can live on

Dread disembarkation day? Why not simply stay onboard? No, we’re not suggesting claiming squatters’ rights at the end of your cruise, but splashing out on a cabin on  The World , described by its owners as a luxury private residence at sea. There are 165 residences available for purchase and the ship sails around the planet – in 2023 it will visit South Asia, the Middle East, the Iberian Peninsula, Greenland, South America and Antarctica. Some residents live on the ship full-time, while others visit throughout the year, and residences start at around $1.2m.

Luxury cruise lines can be fully all-inclusive too

You can feast on cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chefs

You can learn firsthand about the Polar regions

Luxury cruise lines are going all out to provide fascinating insights into the explorers who first mapped these regions. In 2024, Scenic will launch several East Antarctic cruises focusing on the routes taken by explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. If you sail through the Arctic on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot (the world’s only luxury ice breaker), a team of 23 polar experts will help you gain a whole new perspective on these remote regions.

There’s designer decor on Oceania Cruises’ Vista ship

SeaDream Yacht Club offer a ‘Champagne & Caviar Splash’

You need to book well in advance

If you’re planning on a bucket list-worthy sailing on one of the more luxurious ships, you’ll need to bag your spot early on. Take  Azamara’s World Voyage , a 155-night, 37-country sailing which takes place in 2024 and is currently sold out (there’s a waiting list of passengers hoping for cancellations). Luckily, spots on the 2025 World Voyage are still available – if you’ve got a minimum of $42,622 to spare.

The world's most beautiful ports visited by cruise ships

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