You get what you pay for so stop moaning about standards!!

This year I have seen 12 night cruises for just £599 per person and regular cruisers have been complaining that standards have dropped. Well now there is a new ship in town for all those who want the high standards and consistent service that they have been used to and it comes at a very reasonable fare.  Viking River Cruises has finally made the jump from River to Ocean Cruises with the float out of their brand new all veranda ship, Viking Star.

Carrying just 930 passengers she truly is a stylish ship and with with no rock climbing walls in sight is purely for the discerning traveller. Just a few of the benefits of sailing with Viking include:

• A veranda stateroom guaranteed
• All meals on board
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary excursions in each port of call
• Return travel from the UK
• No hidden costs

Stepping on board into the classically furnished atrium reminds me of a time gone by when only the rich and famous travelled on these magnificent liners.

When you yearn for serenity, there is no better place on ship than a visit to the Winter garden. This charming, airy space around the main pool is perfect for relaxing in clean, uncluttered Scandinavian-designed environment. Even here, the focus is on enrichment, as this is the place to witness a tea ceremony, or indulge in an afternoon tea service, complete with hand-selected teas, finger sandwiches and pastries.

Civilized camaraderie in elegant surroundings is what inspired Viking to create the Explorers’ Lounge, where fellow travellers can share their latest adventures. It is the perfect setting to celebrate firsts, whether glimpsing your first fjord or savoring Aquavit. With two-story panoramic windows for maximum views plus a selection of craft beers and Karine’s Deli, this is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.

A true innovation is the  glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern and I cannot understand why no one has done this before. The Main Pool comes complete with a retractable roof  so you can always enjoy the perfect swim. 

 When it is time to relax, try the ultimate Scandinavian tradition with the Snow Grotto and sauna; or a massage in The Spa.

Dining is truly magnificent with multiple restaurant locations and food choices, from casual cafés and pool grills to wine-pairing menus and regional specialties. From the crown jewel of the main venue, The Restaurant, to the Tuscan cuisine of Manfredi’s Italian Grill, not to mention, the varied global and destination-based cuisine to sample at the World Café, featuring live cooking stations and al fresco dining.

No ship is complete without the ultimate luxury in accommodation and all staterooms on Viking Star have verandas and include the following:

• 11:00 a.m. embarkation
• 3:00 p.m. priority stateroom access
• King-size Viking Explorer bed with luxury linens

• Large flat-screen LCD TV
• Luxury toiletries
• Direct dial satellite phone & cell service
• Security safe, hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets

• Wi-Fi
• Interactive TV & movies-on-demand
• 24-hour room service

Now you may start to panic how much all of this is going to cost but you may be pleasantly surprised as an 8 day cruise from Barcelona to Istanbul on the 8th December 2015 starts at just £1549 per person and when you think what all this includes I think you will have to ask yourself why have you not booked yet.

Call me for more information on 0330 303 8278.