South America & the Chilean Fjords

Viking takes first prize.

Viking has cruising down to a science. I have cruised on different cruise lines over the years, and Viking takes first prize! From the Scandinavian chic decor, fine food and exquisite service to the fabulous Nordic Spa, open and available free of charge to everyone on board, it was a letter-perfect 17-day cruise. With four restaurants at our disposal and excellent food at all of them, variety was assured, and the never-faltering, flawless—but friendly and humorous—demeanor of the waitstaff made mealtimes a highlight. We appreciated the included free Wi-Fi throughout the ship, including staterooms, and the included shore excursions at a majority of ports. The Viking magic followed us on a 5-day post-cruise extension to the Galápagos Islands. From there it was 5-star hotels, comfy coaches, incredibly well-informed Galápagos National Park guides every day, a lovely yacht to take us to outer islands and helpful crew to ferry us ashore by dinghy. We saw more in those five days than we thought possible!