DianetheCruiser

I'd love to see 8-12 day cruises from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Right now there is only one each October (hurricane season) that is 15 days. They try to hit too many islands and 15 days is way too long for us. I'd book a shorter one in a minute.

There's a Barista on deck 1 who will make you specialty coffees.

The self serve machine in World Café makes regular and decaf coffee and cappuccino. No macchiato like you can get on river cruises. It's not the same machine.

Morning breakfasts at Mamsen's for coffee, amazing waffles and fruit. Nice and quiet before the hustle of leaving the ship for early tours. Much more peace and quiet than a hectic breakfast in World Café.

Lunches outdoors at Aquavit Terrace and after dinner drink in Explorer Lounge.

I wore New Balance for the Venice to Athens trip. Foot doctor recommended them.

We were on the Viking Sun's inaugural cruise in early October and I didn't see any older teens or young people in their 20's. No one under 16 is allowed. It was delightful. Even a waiter who had worked for several other cruise lines said it was a pleasure to work with all adults. It was very quiet and respectful and relaxing.

On the October 4th cruise of the Viking Sun from Venice to Athens there was no Nutella Panna Cotta at Manfredi's. It wasn't on the menu.

Every dessert we tasted was exquisite! We tasted everything and neither of us gained an ounce. All those walking tours paid off.

We also just returned from the Viking Sun's maiden voyage from Venice to Athens plus the 4 day Classic Greece extension. The entire trip was flawless and we enjoyed every busy minute of it. Venice was foggy and crowded but we had been there before so it didn't bother us. There was a lot of walking in Split Croatia but the next day in Dubrovnik (though cold and windy) I felt like we were on a Game of Thrones set all day.

Weather got much warmer once we hit Kotor and took the boat ride to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. Gorgeous scenery and the sailaway was just beautiful. It was warm in Greece for the rest of the trip and extension. We loved Corfu and Olympia. On the extension we climbed the Acropolis to view the Parthenon up close.

The tours started early and some got back late (almost too late for lunch on one with a slow tender). Meals were incredible. We got to dine at Chef's Table where they were very accommodating with my fish and seafood aversion. Manfredi's was our best meal on board. We only ate once in The Restaurant because service was very slow due to a cutback on staff waiters. We never returned but much preferred the tremendous variety of selections at the World Café for dinner. Mamsen's waffles were sooooooooooooo good. Definitely went back several times.

The room (Deluxe Veranda) was lovely and there was room for everything. In my opinion they could have designed the desk more efficiently. Huge refrigerator with cokes and candy bars was a waste of space that could have been additional drawer space.

We took advantage of the main pool area when they opened up the retractable roof to the sunny weather. The Aquavit Terrace was delightful for lunches and we enjoyed all three spas there and on Deck 1 and at the main pool. We got lucky with the weather in mid October.

The classical music in the Living Room wafted over several decks and was a welcome relaxing addition. The Explorer lounge was a quiet spot to read a book or relax with friends. Soft music was another nice addition. We went to afternoon high tea just once and are sorry we didn't work that in more. You can't do everything every day!

All in all the cruise was outstanding. We look forward to another cruise on Viking ocean.

Half the closet can be used at a time. The sliding door has to be closed all the way in order for the shallow drawers to open. also a light comes on automatically when you approach the closet. I thought that was cool.

Just got off the Sun’s maiden voyage and also noticed the heated chairs being used to store personal belongings. Viking might think about putting benches in the pool/spa room for folks to lay their belongings in case all the other c!haises are occupied. That would help.

On the maiden voyage (Venice to Athens) later in the cruise people tried to exchange Chef’s Table for Manfredi’s and they were turned down. Sometimes you can get an early 6 o’clock or late 9 o’clock reservation later in the week. Manfredi’s is VERY popular.

One more thing. People wore shorts or sportswear in the main pool area and on the Aquavit terrace if they weren’t going in the water.

Everyone I saw in the spa area with pool, hot whirlpool, snow grotto, sauna and steam room had on a bathing suit and the slippers and robe that were in each locker with a towel. Those getting massages, facials,etc wore robes.

In the main pool area and on the aquavit terrace pool and spa everyone wore robes and slippers that were in their room over their bathing suits if they were going in the water.

I checked the ten day weather forecast for our ports and it looks pretty good!

Husband is doing much better and got the go ahead from his doctor yesterday! YAAAAAAAY! Nothing slows him down. We are both looking forward to this fabulous trip.

This is the best news I've heard all week! Here it is 8 days to leaving and my husband had a sudden surgery last Friday. He just got out of the hospital last night and I am hoping we can still go on October 4th. It is "iffy" right now.

Has anyone tried the Nutella Panna Cotta in Manfredi's? I'd hate to give up the tiramisu for that unless it's recommended. Or do we ask for a sampler of each on that night too???

I never would've thought of a dessert sampler! Thanks!

My husband is a foodie but all I dream about in the food department is dessert! I am asking seasoned Viking ocean cruisers for their suggestions. Although I'd love to try all of them, I will have to limit myself and I will take all of your recommendations into consideration. We are sailing on Viking Sun's inaugural cruise on October 4th (Venice to Athens).

My sister-in-law who travels on 8-10 trips a year says that no one is looking at what YOU'RE wearing because they're mostly thinking about what THEY'RE wearing.

We taped the show and just watched it. It was a lot about the Norwegian Captain and the inner workings of running the ship and the specific ports of that particular cruise. Well done.

Thanks, Peregrina. Good to know. You always know the answer and are so very helpful on this message board!

I just read that life jackets aren't in your cabin which is nice because they take up so much room. However, where are they stored?

Are there certain hours that the barista is on duty on Deck 1?

We loved the coffee machine that dispensed specialty coffees with the push of a button on our Viking river cruise. It made cappucino's, macchiato's, decaf, American, espresso, etc. Is there one on the ocean cruises?

Excellent! That's good to know!