Viking Ocean Cruises

Besides the nineteen little things to love about the four ships of Viking Ocean Cruises in the video above, there is a multitude of big things to know and love. The most important of all is that the ships are almost identical. From the first, Viking Star, launched in 2015, to the fourth, Viking Sun, which launches later in 2017, only minor changes are discernable from ship to ship.

That makes planning a cruise on Viking Ocean Cruises a simple matter of deciding what itinerary suits you best. Gary and I sailed on Viking Star in the Adriatic, departing from Venice and ending in Athens. Our stops included Koper in Slovenia, Zadar and Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Corfu, Katakolo, and Santorini in Greece. It sounds like quite a barrage of stops, but there was still plenty of time to enjoy exploring the ship.

The Staterooms

viking ocean cruisesEach ship carries only 930 passengers in 465 staterooms and suites, all with verandas.

The Veranda and Deluxe Veranda staterooms make up the bulk of the rooms, with 270 square feet. The cabins are designed with ample storage space for extended cruises– large closets and drawers for clothing, and desk and bedside table storage space as well.

Each floor has a self-serve laundry room with detergent and ironing facilities provided.

The bathrooms are perhaps the best at sea. Even in the smallest staterooms, the bathrooms have showers of a reasonable size and above average storage space. The heated bathroom floors are the icing on the cake.

The Public Spaces

The ships are designed to never feel crowded. Spaces flow smoothly from one to another with an abundance of seating that begs you to relax. Views of the outdoors are center stage in most of the public spaces, This supports the cruise line’s approach to destination-first cruising.

Spaces are also often designed with multiple purposes in mind. The main theater has two wings that can be open for extra seating during evening performances or closed off to create two movie theaters.

Our favorite public space on board was the Explorer’s Lounge on Deck 8. The pool deck felt relaxing and had more than enough lounge chairs for the passenger count. The entire roof over the pool area opens and closes depending on the weather. An additional small outdoor infinity pool perches on the back of the ship on deck seven.

The spa area is available for all guests to use at no additional charge. It includes a sauna, a small whirlpool, and a larger therapy pool, plus a snow grotto for partaking in traditional Nordic health practices. There are separate changing rooms, each with showers, lockers, robes and slippers, and a cooling whirlpool tub.

Tip: The forward elevators open almost in the spa on Deck One, so regardless of where your stateroom is, walk that floor to the forward elevators and stairs, then down to the first deck.

Food and Beverage Service

Food options were abundant, including two specialty restaurants without additional charge, an extensive buffet, a grill at the pool open for extended lunch hours, the main dining room with anytime dining (no reservations needed), and room service. Additional light offerings can be found at Mamsen’s and at the bar in the atrium.

Beer and wine selections are offered at all meals. We found that the Silver Spirits beverage package was a bonus that we appreciated. It allowed us to enjoy premium beer and wines at any time of the day and at any bar or dining area. It also includes the upgraded wine tasting package with dinner at The Chef’s Table specialty dining.

Disclaimer: Viking Ocean Cruises hosted us on the Viking Star. Opinions are my own. 

Get the details about the 19 little things to love about Viking Ocean ships.

How to rent camera equipment for your Viking Ocean Cruise