Final Thoughts About Our Viking Ocean Cruise

We had a super time on the Viking cruise and it was especially wonderful because we journeyed with good friends. We are all happy we went on the cruise. There were lots of glitches, but we all watched each other's backs and were there to help if something went wrong. If someone forgot or needed something, a friend was always there to lend what they had. It really made all the difference.

But.... I do have other thoughts about this.

* Viking made the flight arrangements, but we suspect they pick the cheapest flights and seats and you have to pay to upgrade. Granted, this could all be due to the COVID situation. But that flight thing was AWFUL!  (We've since learned that it's cheaper to get the flights through a travel agent or on your own.)

* It's all (OK, maybe I’m exaggerating) about the food and we did enjoy the decadent amount of variety available for us to enjoy at every meal.

* The Included Tours are pretty much just a bus trip to give you a general look at the towns. Paid tours are better, but both Included Tours and Paid Tours had knowledgeable tour guides.

* All the servers and stewards onboard ship are unfailingly kind, cheerful and accommodating. I'm always amazed at how happy and friendly they all are. It does make the trip that much more enjoyable.

* We loved all the entertainment. The performers on the Viking Star were super talented. (The above photo was called The Beatles Songbook.) 

And the lecturers were quite interesting.

* Two weeks for a cruise is enough. (These ship photos are for Mage of Postcards.) We met someone doing a World tour that started in December. I think she said she'd been on the ship with her husband for 5 months. The cost is astronomical.

* There are all kinds of facilities available for you to enjoy to get your exercise, ie. pools, saunas, a gym, etc. Our Travel Buddies did enjoy them, but I was busy trying to get some sleep and writing in my journal so I could do my blog for you. 😁 That's my excuse and I stand by it.

* Viking is not a Disney Cruise. No children or gambling. I love children, but this was quite relaxing and catered to senior interests.

* When we were younger, Art preferred doing his own travel arrangements and having us explore places on our own. (Actually, I think he still does.) I'm sorry, but I did LOVE not worrying about where to eat, where to go, how to go, etc. and having those things planned for you instead. Still, even with Viking, you have to be on your toes.

* HOWEVER, I also have to add that cruises are not the same as land tours. If you want to see and truly experience a country, you really have to do land tours. When we were younger, we traveled everywhere on our own. Now that we are older, I (me, not Art) feels safer with a tour and knowledgeable guide.

But all in all... in my final thoughts, I'm pretty sure what made it most fun and the reason why the Travel Buddies enjoyed it so much is that we were sharing the adventure together.

And yes, we're considering England next... sometime in the future.

POSTSCRIPT:

This is so weird. My scale must be broken. I actually lost 5 pounds. How is that possible?