REVIEW!! Ancient Mediterranean Treasures – Viking Sky

[Woggie65]

This is LOOOONG! Really long. In fact it may be overkill.

 

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures – Viking Sky

Athens – Heraklion (Crete) – Rhodes – Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Canakkale (Troy) – Istanbul

29 June – 7 July, 2023

 

Travelers: Hubby and me – 57, along with my parents – 81 & 87

 

Day 1 – Athens: Our flight plan – along with delays – did not get us to our cabin until 3am on day 2. (Our schedule did not allow us to arrive in Athens for any pre-days.)

Viking left two sandwiches and fruit tarts in our room to welcome us. Nice touch. Being that hubby is celiac we needed to order room service. Gluten free bun and burger were excellent and delivered promptly.

 

Day 2 – Athens: Early paid excursion New Acropolis Museum & the Plaka. The guide was very good, but the tour was very high-level information wise. The ship has shuttles direct to/from the Plaka, so our plan was to stay longer after the tour was over. Suffice it to say that only 90 minutes of sleep put a quick damper on THAT.

 

Mom and dad stayed on the ship to recover.

 

Lunch and dinner at World Café were acceptable. The items are labeled and also have allergens noted. Many rude travelers at the buffet “lines.” Reminded us a bit of “other” cruises.

 

Day 3 – Heraklion (Crete): We met Greek friends for coffee. My father (87 and with a walker and Parkinson’s) opted to go back to ship with my hubby. Long story short, at check-in dad realized he had lost his room card. However, the Viking rep at checkout remembered him and took great care of him while everything was worked out! Big kudos!

 

Mom and I, courtesy of our friends, made a trip down the coast, fresh seafood at a taverna, and a dip in the Aegean Sea.

 

Hubby had dinner in Restaurant having filled out a gluten free menu that had been delivered to our room the night before. He was WELL taken care of – service as well as detailed attention to the gluten-free requirements (celiac.) I ate in the World Café with my parents. Again, the buffet was “ok” and those dining there were not terribly polite.

 

Yahtzee with mom and dad in a quiet corner of the Wintergarden. Perhaps the quietest corner of the ship in the evening.

 

Day 4 – Rhodes: Hubby and I did the morning Acropolis of Lindos excursion. It is quite a bus ride, but we learned so many things about Rhodes from our guide along the way. We very much enjoyed our trek through Lindos on the way up. It is a quaint town and the views from the acropolis are stunning. A bit of shopping on the way back down. I will say that this is a difficult excursion if steep inclines and stairs are not your thing. We logged equivalent of 15 flights of stairs climbed.

 

Lunch at the WC was same as it had been on previous days, however we found the gelato/ice cream bar! Super interesting flavors, and quite yummy.

 

Mom did the included excursion. There were very steep steps up in the castle with no handrail. She asked if they had to return down the same stairs. Guide said no, so up she went. When it was time to go, they used the same stairs. She had to use the guide’s shoulder to help her down. Close to the bottom of the stairs another woman in their group fell breaking her shoulder. It seems that Viking took care of her well after a visit to the ship doctor and then on to the hospital. (She attended excursions later in the week!) We were certainly glad my dad stayed on the ship, however hearing mom’s experience may have tainted the rest of the trip for him since he did not leave the ship again until the morning of our departure.

 

Dinner in the Restaurant for both of us. WOW! What a difference that made. With the service, the food, and the other diners it seemed like we were on a different cruise! Classy! The head waiter made sure to stop by our table before and during/after the meal. Wonderful attention to detail of dietary restrictions. The gluten free bread was served hot - made onboard - and delicious!

 

After dinner we went to a piano concert. The pianist was excellent, and we became fans and made sure to attend her playing each day for the rest of the trip.

 

Day 5 – Ephesus (Kusadasi): Morning excursion to the Homes of the Elite. Our guide was SPECTACULAR!! Great tour, beautiful scenery. We DID do the optional Turkish rug demonstration. It was quite interesting, and we were well taken care of. We already had thoughts of buying a rug, and our guide was there to assist in the negotiations. We thought it was a very nice experience.

 

Lunch at the WC was same as it had been on previous days.

 

Mom did the included Ephesus excursion and LOVED it!

 

We had reservations for the Chef’s Table for the evening, but after seeing the menu posted – Mexican fare – we cancelled and went to the Restaurant. Even though hubby had not filled out a menu he was well received and the head waiter again came specifically to check on him.

 

For the evening we played a few rounds of cards with mom and dad while we listened to piano.

 

Day 6 – Troy (Canakkale): We planned to do our “shopping” in Canakkale. Took the shuttle into the center of town. What a disappointment! No shopping to be found, and that part of town is quite ugly. We did see the Trojan horse from the movie and found a quaint park to walk through. Back to the ship first chance we got.

 

We found the Book Exchange area for my dad and got him comfy, then spent the afternoon at the indoor pool and napped on the lounge chairs overlooking the port. Tea in the Wintergarden. Dad was tickled to spend time perusing both the exchangeable books and those owned by Viking.

 

Mom did the include tour and seemed to enjoy it. Nothing to write home about, but not awful.

 

It was lobster night for dinner – both at the WC and the Restaurant. We invited my parents to join us at the Restaurant. For some reason they had thought all along that the Restaurant was an extra cost! The food was delicious. Tonight, however the service left quite a bit to be desired. It could have been that we were in a corner. There was also a large table of people that had evidently been on the Sky since Barcelona, and they were having their last dinner together. All fine and good, but they were loud, disrespectful of the other guests and downright RUDE to the headwaiter to get his attention. WE were embarrassed by the evening wanting my parents to see what a difference the dining experience was.

 

Day 7 – Istanbul: Paid bus excursion Panoramic Istanbul. Again, a great guide! The Haggia Sofia is beautiful. If you are visiting remember – no knees showing, and women must cover their shoulders and hair. You are also required to remove your shoes. The tour provided bags, but our guide forgot to tell us what they were for, so most of us left them on the bus. We then headed to the Grand Bazaar. I expected to be swarmed with people selling their wares, but it was just the opposite. Everyone was very respectful and a few times we had to specifically say we wanted to purchase something. Bargaining is expected here, but don’t expect to get TOO much of a discount – and remember that you are already getting a bargain because of the Turkish lira being so low.

 

Mom did the included tour part of which was on a boat. She said it was quite nice and seeing the city from the Bosphoros Strait was beautiful, although she did move from one group to another based on the guide.

 

Before our reservations at Manfredi’s we went up to the Explorer’s Lounge for a view of Istanbul and more piano music. Why hadn’t we spent more time here? So elegant. I will repeat myself here and say the difference between the Restaurant/Explorer’s Lounge and the WC/Aquavit Deck it was like two different cruises. For any future cruises we will probably avoid the WC.

 

The octopus carpaccio was divine and Manfredi’s famous steak was scrumptious. Service

 

We scooted down to the Star theatre to catch just the end of the whirling dervishes (ethereal and surreal) before having to quickly pack and get suitcases out before 10pm.

Day 8 – Istanbul: Well, the trip is at its end very early. We had a 2am ship departure call for a 6am flight.

 

The Galataport in Istanbul is large. The Istanbul airport is larger. Prepare to get your steps in! Türkiye is SERIOUS about its security. Between leaving the ship and boarding our plane I think we had to show our passports five times and security perhaps three times. Be patient. Wear your comfy shoes. Galataport, Istanbul and Frankfurt airports registered just over 7 miles on our fitness app.

 

Further notes:

 

Air travel –

For the first time we flew business class transatlantic - Delta/Air France/DAT (dba Air France) on the way to Athens. The AF lounge in Paris is quite nice and has shower rooms that I used with great pleasure. We were HUGELY disappointed in the DAT part of the itinerary. Old plane and felt like we were in a rickety cattle car.

Returning we were on Lufthansa. Impeccable service!

 

Although business class was almost as much as the cruise, it made a huge difference in comfort both on transatlantic flight and the ability to use the lounges on our layovers. I am sure my dad would not have enjoyed any of the trip if we had flown economy on the way over. Hubby and I decided that business class was a must and will plan to budget for any future trips.

 

We had ordered a wheelchair for each of the airports for my father. Other than the fact that he was more comfortable and we could move faster, the bonuses included speeding through ALL the lines, and not having to know where we were going. The wheelchair attendants were all wonderful and a pleasure to visit with along our way.

 

Stateroom –

We were in 5040 (DV2) on port side. I would highly recommend port side on any level. You are facing away from the ports while docked so a better view.

Beds and pillows super comfy. We did request a top sheet. The comforter is quite warm. Bathroom quite nice and roomy. Excellent shower.

One thing that we didn’t discover for two days and then had to ask about - the air conditioner only works when the balcony door is LOCKED, not just closed.

 

Tours –

It seems that the enjoyability of the tours are based on the guide you are with. We had wonderful guides each tour. My mother had two that weren’t so great so her experience wasn’t what it could have been. Our guides were well knowledged and personable.

We tipped the equivalent of $1 for bus driver, $2-3 for guide per person. Euros seemed to be the best choice based on other reviews.

Knowing the local language of “hello,” “thank you,” and “it’s been a pleasure” elicits lots of smiles from the drivers, guides and locals. It is nice to make the effort.

 

Weather –

It was humid and hot – very hot in the afternoons. Drink water, find shade when you can, wear a hat and use sunscreen.

 

Photography –

Although it is nice to have photos to show things when you return, and for rekindling your memories, most of the "location" images won't be saved by children/grandchildren. They want pictures of YOU in these places! TAKE MANY OF THEM!!! SMILES, FUNNY FACES, CANDIDS - BOTH ON AND OFF THE SHIP! Those seeing those photos want to feel what you felt on your trip. Take the standard "smile pose" pictures if you must, but take some that show your personality, the fun you are having, the memories you are making. Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren want to know who you are/were when you are not with them. (NOTE: I say this as I am cleaning out my parents home, and most of the "location" images are going in the trash. ALL the people pictures are being saved.)

 

Don't FORGET to take pictures of your entire travel party together, and in different places. TAKE PEOPLE PICTURES! LOTS OF THEM! (NOTE: I just returned from the Ancient Mediterranean Treasures cruise with hubby and my parents - in their 80s. I did not realize til I returned home that I have NOT ONE picture of the four of us together! I am heartbroken as there will not be another trip.)

 

Enjoy your travels, be safe, and HAVE FUN!

 

What things didn’t I cover that you would like information about? Just ask!!

[mimmy52]

Thanks for your review. This sounds like a great cruise!

[Travelswithmycamera]

Thank you for a wonderful review as I am doing the same cruise in August.  We have a mix of Viking excursions and private depending on the port.  My husband is very deaf and slow moving so bus tours may not be for him.  I am however disappointed to hear you were not a fan of WC.  On our previous cruise from Venice we loved the WC and only had dinner in Manfredis once.  I hope we will have a good experience as I love to sit outside and dine.  I am unable to get a Manfredis reservation so we may have a dress up dinner in the restaurant one night.  Good to know you enjoyed it.  

 

[Twitchly]

Thanks for the great review. That’s surprising about the World Cafe. We’ve never had an issue with rudeness there. But every cruise has a different feel to it. Sorry you ran into that. 
 

Yes, we’re huge fans of the Explorer’s Lounge — easily our favorite spot on the ship!

[Azulann]

Thank you for your trip report.  

How wonderful to travel with your parents on this cruise.

I too love the service in the Restaurant. I always found the waitstaff  to be very attentive, friendly and willing to make sure any food allergies are noted  for each dinner. 

I love Rhodes,  Ephesus and Istanbul  which I have visited more than once on previous cruises. Always something new to explore.

 

[Brad1185]

Can’t believe they through the restaurant was an extra charge. 

[Minion Minder]

Sounds wonderful and thank you for the photo tips.  Very good points! This is a trip we’re hoping to take soon (2024,2025) 

 

take care

 

MM

[Sleep7]

👋 Hi Woggie65!

I loved reading your review.  We took this cruise a year ago and it brought back all the sights and sounds of that week.  How wonderful that your parents came with you as you will always have those sweet memories to look back on.

I also agree 1000% about photos!  I take a zillion of them and of everything in sight.

Thanks for sharing your happy tale.😊

[amtatom]

Thank you for your review as we are doing this cruise in April 2025. 
 

I just want to add my 100% agreement about the photos. After seeing so many “place” photographs thrown away when family members died, I decided to take more people photos our our last two vacations (often forcing my DH into it), despite the fact I may not look the way I did when I was 20. Why did I wait so long? All of those are my favorites now! I can Google a professional picture of a monument and it will be astronomically better than anything I’d ever take. I can't Google a photo of my husband hanging onto his hat for dear life onboard the small ship of our Dunedin excursion or my jumping “to get my kicks” in the middle of Route 66 in New Mexico. They're not just pictures, they are stories.

 

If you want the best of both worlds, I can’t recommend Flytographer enough. We had photos taken in Paris and then I bought my parents photos in Alaska for their 50th anniversary, and they were all wonderful. 
 

https://www.flytographer.com/

[Avery's Gram]

A long time ago, we settled on a plan for photos:  take a few of ourselves to prove we were there, and then look for a book of photos by a professional photographer.  This leaves us free to enjoy what we see without scrambling for cameras, but we still can look at those wonderful photos taken by the pros at exactly the right moment and remember being there.

 

This saves us a lot of weight in photographic equipment!

 

Barbara M. In NH

[lackcreativity]

On 7/19/2023 at 12:31 PM, Avery's Gram said:

A long time ago, we settled on a plan for photos:  take a few of ourselves to prove we were there, and then look for a book of photos by a professional photographer.  This leaves us free to enjoy what we see without scrambling for cameras, but we still can look at those wonderful photos taken by the pros at exactly the right moment and remember being there.

 

This saves us a lot of weight in photographic equipment!

 

Barbara M. In NH

On one of our early trips, my husband started a collection of paperback books on each of the cities we visited. They are usually fairly easy to find in the souvenir shops and we both have enjoyed them. However, that doesn't stop me from taking hundreds of photos, and I enjoy that too!

[KTRaveller]

On 7/17/2023 at 6:34 PM, Travelswithmycamera said:

Thank you for a wonderful review as I am doing the same cruise in August.  We have a mix of Viking excursions and private depending on the port.  My husband is very deaf and slow moving so bus tours may not be for him.  I am however disappointed to hear you were not a fan of WC.  On our previous cruise from Venice we loved the WC and only had dinner in Manfredis once.  I hope we will have a good experience as I love to sit outside and dine.  I am unable to get a Manfredis reservation so we may have a dress up dinner in the restaurant one night.  Good to know you enjoyed it.  

 

Note -- once on board you should be able to get a Manfredis reservation -- or Chef's Table even if you haven't been able to get one ahead of time.  (You should have one guaranteed in each restaurant whatever your level cabin, but you need to be flexible about date and time.)  Once on board, we were easily able to get extra reservations -- ate at Chef's Table every time the menu changed on a recent transatlantic "repositioning" cruise even though you'd imagine more pressure on the restaurants with 8 days at sea!

[KTRaveller]

Thanks for the useful review.  One thing to remember is that the World Cafe food is not the same on all sides, or the people and atmosphere in all the seating corners.  We didn't discover the sushi until our second cruise! We'll be on the Sky for 3 weeks -- the last one identical to your cruise-- in October.  I love the variety of lovely spaces on the ship.  

 

If your father was very taken with the books available on the ship, I hope he's seen the Viking TV episodes about Heywood Hill Bookshop in London which curates the Viking ships' collections. 

Perhaps this link will work:  https://viking.tv/search?search=Heywood+Hill  

[ARDXXX]

We have been on the Sky twice in the last nine months, the most recent one was this cruise Venice to Istanbul 23/6 to 10/7 - we did the Cappodocia extension as well. It will be interesting to see your feedback as we saw a marked deterioration in many areas in this recent Cruise - the service was very poor or non existant at times eg waiting over 20 minutes to get drinks ordered in upstairs lounge or someone taking order then being moved to another part of the ship and no drinks appearing, we ended up going to the bar several times for our order.

The entertainment on four evenings was a film!! and I believe there was only one other entertainer apart from the crew team during the first week and not much improvement the second.

The food has really deteriorated in quality, only one quality steak the first week a Chateaubriand which was not a lovely piece of fillet but a couple of slices of steak, no fillet mignon, no tournedos rossini, plenty of flank steak and cheap cuts though.

They have even removed the table tennis table from the top deck.

We did not recognise a single member of the crew from our previous cruise and most had been moved to other ships.

We had the drinks package  and some of the wines were unavailable at times. And when we ordered a specific wine when we in the theatre they just brought a glass of the first one they found not what we ordered. When having wine in the World Cafe they did not bring the bottle just a glass of wine to the table.

We will be on another Viking Cruise in November and December for over six weeks from Bangkok to Auckland so hopefully this was just a blip and not an indication of general cutting back or we will be looking elsewhere.

[Woggie65]

9 hours ago, ARDXXX said:

We have been on the Sky twice in the last nine months, the most recent one was this cruise Venice to Istanbul 23/6 to 10/7 - we did the Cappodocia extension as well. It will be interesting to see your feedback as we saw a marked deterioration in many areas in this recent Cruise - the service was very poor or non existant at times eg waiting over 20 minutes to get drinks ordered in upstairs lounge or someone taking order then being moved to another part of the ship and no drinks appearing, we ended up going to the bar several times for our order.

The entertainment on four evenings was a film!! and I believe there was only one other entertainer apart from the crew team during the first week and not much improvement the second.

The food has really deteriorated in quality, only one quality steak the first week a Chateaubriand which was not a lovely piece of fillet but a couple of slices of steak, no fillet mignon, no tournedos rossini, plenty of flank steak and cheap cuts though.

They have even removed the table tennis table from the top deck.

We did not recognise a single member of the crew from our previous cruise and most had been moved to other ships.

We had the drinks package  and some of the wines were unavailable at times. And when we ordered a specific wine when we in the theatre they just brought a glass of the first one they found not what we ordered. When having wine in the World Cafe they did not bring the bottle just a glass of wine to the table.

We will be on another Viking Cruise in November and December for over six weeks from Bangkok to Auckland so hopefully this was just a blip and not an indication of general cutting back or we will be looking elsewhere.

Glad to hear that we weren’t the only ones that were disappointed. Since this was our first Viking I was having a hard time with how great they were “supposed” to be. 
Hoping for a better experience on the Star to Hawaii in February 2024.