Review of Viking, Ancient Treasures on Viking Sky.
Cruise with me baby. That’s the song I always think of when I think of cruising. It’s something I never really thought I would enjoy but it definitely has its pluses. We sailed the Ancient Treasures cruise with Viking on Viking Sky. Starting in Istanbul and finishing in Athens. We originally chose Viking to go to Russia as they a good itinerary and small ship size, compared to many others also the gratuities / tipping was all included. Russia got cancelled, because of Covid, not the war but of course we had to change plans and this is the first of the cruises using our 2020 credits.
We did the pre-tour in Istanbul which meant we got an airport pick up and transfer to the hotel. When I say we got, I mean we paid for it in the package and this is what we got, but it had the benefit of someone else organising it for us which after a couple of long haul flights and the brain fog it induces it felt worth it. We also got an extensive tour of Istanbul the next day which as I said if someone else organises and you can just show up, helps stave off the jet lag.
Joining the ship was easy as we transferred from the hotel. It was one of those go with the flow travel days which was to be expected. Our cabin was supposed to be available at 11.00 but we couldn’t board til after 12. No worries. Our cabin was lovely and the balcony was brilliant. All cabins have one on Viking. We were on deck 8 and it was just down the hall from the lounge where we could get coffee so that was a morning bonus.
The coffee from the lounge first thing in the morning as we berthed in a new port and then ate breakfast of fresh berries and yoghurt in our room or on the balcony never grew old. We went to the restaurant once for breakfast and it was delicious. Had a wonderful eggs bene and WH had lamb chops and fried eggs. We also had buffet on our last days and it was good as well. Just can’t be doing that every day.
An A+ has to be given to the fact that wherever we went or whenever we went we never had to queue. Not to get on or off the ship, to restaurants, or anything else you might queue for. We also never bothered to go to any shows or entertainment. In Istanbul we went and watched the “Whirling dervishes”. And snuck out the back door. There seemed to be a lot going on if you wanted to join in but also lots of places to hide.
I must admit the last night in Athens whilst sitting on the deck watching the ships go by I was disappointed that we weren’t setting sail and watching the diminishing view, although I did feel that I had had enough. Of old, no ancient, stuff.
The post tour in Athens was a waste of time. I have already complained about the hotel room but also the transfer was booked with a bags out 6.30am and meet at 7.20 for a 11.40 domestic flight. It would have been far cheaper and just as easy to organise ourselves, especially as they UBER.
The staff, without exception, were all lovely. Friendly, helpful and always smiling. All in all a lovely cruise and to use the last of the credits we will finish our Europe OE with a river cruise at the end so will let you know the verdict.