Popular Cruising's Viking Star Review

Popular Cruising put up another video review of Viking's new ship the Viking Star. The video also coincides with their review of the same ship in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Both reviews highlight the ship's beauty and unique touches, but also point out the ship's challenges in entertainment and activity.

Cruiseline.com Reviews: Viking Star

For a new ship, there are already plenty of reviews for the Viking Star. But no site cuts to the chase like Cruiseline.com and now they have reviewed the Viking Star. Written by Sherri Eisenberg, the review touches all the known talking points about the new cruise liner...beautiful design, no nickel and diming, incredible spa, etc. What's unique and helpful about Eisenberg's review is her bluntness about who the real market is for Viking's first ocean ship. This ship is not for families.

Viking knew they were going to be able to tap into their river cruise customers to fill this new ship. Yet one of the main goals of their expansion was to reach a demographic beyond their current base. If the reviews are right, it is still going to take time. Not only is the ship still lacking activities and amenities for families, but it is also missing the night-life and experiences targeted at young singles or young couples.

Cruiseline and Eisenberg are overall very positive about the Viking Star. But as people do their research, it is good to know the experience is not for everyone.

Everyone's counting all the great things about the Viking Star

Both USA Today's Cruise Log and Cruise Fever posted numeric lists highlighting Viking Cruises' new Viking Star. Both lists highlighted the ships beauty and design, but most new ships look great. What makes Viking unique will be their approach to destinations and how they handle the "extras."

Instead of just docking in a port and letting cruisers fend for themselves, Viking is taking a more-river focused approach to their destinations. The ship will have a variety of resources and speakers to educate customers on their ports, sharing the history and culture of the cities. Viking also plans on longer stays in port so that customers can spend more time exploring and experiencing the great destinations.

The other aspect of the Viking Star that has its inspiration from river cruising, is the number of services and amenities that are included in the price of the cruise. Room service? Included! Wifi? Included! Beer/Soda/Wine? Included. Viking is a luxury, high-end product. They could make more money by charging for these extras, but instead they want to present value -- even at the high-end. We hope it works and we hope customers appreciate the decision.