Morning: Embarkation Day Excitement & The Viking Experience 

^{by Jeffrey Guard}

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The day had finally arrived—embarkation day for our Viking Star cruise. After days of exploring Athens, we were about to step aboard our floating sanctuary for the next leg of our adventure.

But first? Breakfast. And logistics. One of the really nice things about the Viking Package was the free daily breakfasts. The Marriott Athens has a beautiful gourmet room to enjoy breakfast with a wide range of options from hot to cold, grains, proteins, fruits, and yogurts.

The best thing about Viking’s pre-cruise extension package is that they take care of every little detail, allowing you to soak in the experience instead of worrying about the boring stuff.

The Viking team at the Marriott Hotel in Athens had everything under control. All we had to do was place our luggage outside the door at the designated time, and like magic—it vanished, only to reappear in our cabin later that day.

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After one last delicious breakfast, we checked out and waited in the lobby, where Viking’s meticulously organized bus transfer to Port Piraeus made the transition effortless.

If you’ve ever done a cruise embarkation without assistance, you know how chaotic it can get—dragging your own luggage, figuring out port logistics, stressing about arrival times. But with Viking? Smooth sailing from the get-go.

Is Viking’s Pre-Cruise Extension Worth It?

The biggest question people ask is: Is the Viking Cruise Extension Package worth the price? 

Here’s the honest answer: It depends on your travel style. 

✔️ If you’re a nervous international traveler—someone who likes structure, guidance, and assistance—then this extension is a lifesaver. Viking has dedicated representatives at the Marriott to help with anything from local recommendations to handling travel concerns. 

❌ If you’re an experienced, independent traveler who enjoys setting your own agenda and has no issue navigating a foreign city, you can absolutely DIY your pre-cruise experience and save some money. You’ll just need to coordinate your own transfer to the port in time for embarkation. 

For us? We loved the ease of it all. 

Afternoon: A Magical Encounter with Ancient Athens 

Embarkation on Viking Star 

Checking in at Port Piraeus was almost suspiciously easy. Viking has truly perfected the embarkation process. No long lines. No stress. No chaos. Just a warm welcome and an even warmer towel to refresh us after the bus ride. 

👉 Want to know exactly how embarkation works? Check out my YouTube video and article: My First Viking Cruise:

We could have spent the afternoon getting settled into the ship, but with a free shuttle bus service from the port to Athens’ city center available, we had more adventures to squeeze in before setting sail. 

Stepping Back in Time at The Stoa of Attalos – Museum of the Ancient Agora 

Athens, even on a quiet Monday afternoon, hums with the echoes of the past. And nowhere is this more tangible than at the Stoa of Attalos—a place that, to my surprise, turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly moving experiences of the trip. 

Now, I knew the basics. The Stoa of Attalos was built in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon as a grand covered shopping arcade. Imagine an ancient Greek mall, where merchants sold pottery, textiles, and other goods under its massive marble columns. Today, it has been reconstructed and houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, filled with relics of daily life from thousands of years ago. 

But knowing that—and feeling it—are two different things. 

As I wandered through the colonnades, my mind started playing tricks on me. I could almost hear the chatter of ancient Athenians, bartering over goods, discussing philosophy, arguing about politics just as passionately as we do today. The museum’s artifacts—ancient coins, statues, and even old voting ballots—were like whispers from the past, reminding me that humanity hasn’t really changed all that much. 

Then I looked up. 

From this spot, the Acropolis towered in the distance, its white marble glowing in the afternoon sun. And that’s when it hit me: 

I was standing where Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle once stood. 

I was walking the same paths as the birthplace of Western civilization. 

And in that moment, I felt so incredibly small and yet so profoundly connected to history. 

It was a privilege—a rare, breathtaking privilege—to be here, to glimpse into the past with such clarity and reverence. 

And that, my friends, is why we travel. 

Evening: Aboard Viking Star – Luxury, Laughter & A Few Hiccups 

Afternoon Tea at The Wintergarden & The Secret Spa Hack 

Back onboard, we decided to indulge in afternoon tea at The Wintergarden—a moment of pure elegance with warm scones, rich clotted cream, delicate sandwiches, and sweet pastries. 

Pro tip? The spa is EMPTY on embarkation day. 

I repeat: GO TO THE SPA ON EMBARKATION DAY. 

I had the thermal suite practically to myself, which meant I could enjoy the hot-and-cold therapy pools like a Roman empress. My skin felt baby-soft after the steam rooms, and my sore legs? Grateful beyond words. 

Housekeeping Quirks: The Mysterious Cleaning Cart 

One minor eye-roll moment—our cabin was tucked away in the aft of the ship, in a lovely, quiet hallway. Or at least, it would have been if not for the ever-present housekeeping cart parked outside our door like a permanent resident. 

We mentioned it to the staff, and they politely moved it… only for it to magically reappear throughout the trip. It wasn’t a huge deal—the housekeeping service itself was outstanding—but it did take away from the grandeur of the otherwise meticulously designed ship. 

Dinner at Manfredi’s: A Reservation Gone Rogue 

We had a 9:00 PM reservation at Manfredi’s, Viking’s coveted Italian steakhouse. Except, according to their system? We didn’t. 

Thankfully, I had proof, and the hostess—though visibly stressed—made room for us. But we weren’t the only ones. Several other guests had the same reservation mishap. 

By the time we sat down, the staff was clearly ready to wrap up for the night, which made for a slightly rushed, awkward atmosphere. 

Was the food good? Absolutely. The ribeye steaks and risotto were delicious, and my husband’s glass of wine hit the spot. But the vibe? Not quite what we had hoped for. 

👉 Lesson learned: If you want to enjoy Manfredi’s at its best, book an earlier time slot. 

Final Thoughts on Embarkation Day 

Highs: 
✅ A seamless embarkation process (seriously, Viking makes it too easy). 
✅ One last incredible Athens adventure at the Stoa of Attalos. 
✅ Spa bliss & Wintergarden tea perfection. 

Lows: 
❌ The mysterious housekeeping cart invasion. 
❌ Manfredi’s reservation glitch (but hey, we still ate). 

At the end of the day? A magical, unforgettable start to our Viking journey. 

Next up: Our last day in Athens! Stay tuned. 

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Have you ever had an unexpectedly moving travel experience? Drop a comment below! 

(And don’t forget to check out my YouTube video on embarkation day!