Discover the Unmatched Elegance of Viking Ocean Cruises
As Viking's motto states, "Explore the World with Viking," and after experiencing our first Viking Ocean cruise, we can confidently say that their commitment to exploration and discovery truly shines through. Having previously enjoyed a Viking River cruise, we were eager to see how their ocean voyages stacked up. Spoiler alert: we were absolutely blown away (pun intended!).
One of the first things that sets Viking Ocean apart from other cruise lines is its intimate, adult-only atmosphere. The ships are intentionally smaller, accommodating only around 900 guests, creating a more personalized and relaxing experience. Unlike the large, crowded ships of other cruise lines, Viking’s smaller fleet ensures that every guest feels valued and that the journey is more tranquil and enjoyable.
What truly sets Viking apart, though, is its dedication to educational and cultural experiences. This cruise line places a strong emphasis on exploring the history, culture, and significance of each port of call. Rather than simply visiting tourist spots, Viking encourages guests to engage deeply with the destinations they visit through lectures, port talks, and enriching excursions. It’s not just about visiting new places—it's about gaining a richer understanding of them.
Viking’s focus on educational travel made this voyage a delight. We spent our days attending insightful lectures that provided fascinating context about the history and culture of our next destination. This level of cultural immersion is unique to Viking and transforms every visit into an enlightening adventure.
Seamless Travel: Hassle-Free from Start to Finish
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to international adventures, Viking’s travel experience is seamless. For those with little international travel experience, Viking provides a full-service experience, from air travel arrangements to airport pickups, pre/post-night hotel stays, and smooth transfers to and from the ship. We opted to handle our own pre-cruise arrangements, but still appreciated the effortless experience of using Viking's air and transportation services at the end of the cruise.
The flexibility of a la carte options is a great benefit for travelers who like to customize their journey, ensuring that you can create the perfect balance of independence and convenience.
Dining That Delights
Let’s talk about food—the dining experience on Viking Ocean was exceptional. One of the highlights is the main restaurant, where reservations are not required. This was a refreshing change from other cruise lines, where booking a table often feels like a task. With Viking, we had the flexibility to dine when it was convenient for us. Of course, there are two specialty restaurants that require advance reservations, but we found it easy to book once onboard.
Even the World Café Buffet surprised us. The food was consistently fresh, offering a wide variety of options that catered to all tastes. It’s the kind of buffet where you can enjoy a gourmet meal without the typical “buffet experience.”
All-Inclusive, No Surprises
For budget-conscious travelers, Viking’s all-inclusive pricing model is a game-changer. Many of the essential services are bundled in, so you can relax knowing most of your cruise costs are taken care of before you even step onboard.
Inclusions:
Excursions: Every port of call includes one included excursion, allowing guests to experience the highlights of each destination without paying extra. On top of that, there’s the option to book additional excursions for a more extensive exploration of the area.
Wi-Fi: Enjoy connectivity at sea with Wi-Fi that allows you to make calls and stay in touch, though reliability may vary based on location.
Drinks: Enjoy complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, making meals even more enjoyable.
Spa and Fitness Center Access: While spa treatments come at an extra cost, the fitness center and spa facilities are available for all guests.
Tea and Coffee: A delightful touch, afternoon tea is served in the beautiful Wintergarden.
Mini Bar: Each stateroom includes a mini-bar stocked with soft drinks, water, and snacks, while suites enjoy the addition of alcohol.
Laundry Facilities: This was a huge perk for us! Having access to laundry facilities meant packing less and traveling lighter.
A Truly Relaxing and Enriching Experience
Viking Ocean Cruises offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, creating an atmosphere where you can explore the world in style and comfort. From the intimate setting of the ships to the thoughtful excursions and educational offerings, this cruise is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a more enriching, hassle-free journey. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely day at sea or immersing yourself in the rich culture of your next port of call, Viking Ocean Cruises ensures that every moment of your journey is special.
Ready to experience the world through Viking’s unique lens? Embark on a journey where every detail is designed for your enjoyment and enrichment, and discover the world with Viking.
List of Destinations
Europe
Mediterranean: Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Athens), Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples), Spain (Barcelona, Valencia), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split), Turkey (Istanbul, Ephesus), France (Nice, Marseille)
Northern Europe: Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Geirangerfjord, Stavanger), Iceland (Reykjavik, Akureyri), Scotland (Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow), Ireland (Dublin, Cork), Baltic States (Tallinn, Riga, St. Petersburg, Copenhagen)
British Isles: England (London, Southampton, Portsmouth), Ireland (Dublin, Cobh), Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow)
North America
Canada: Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Prince Edward Island
United States: New York City, Boston, Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Miami
Caribbean & Central America
Caribbean: Puerto Rico (San Juan), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos)
Central America: Costa Rica (Puerto Caldera, Puntarenas), Panama (Panama Canal, Colón), Belize (Belize City)
Asia
Southeast Asia: Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi), Cambodia (Siem Reap)
China: Beijing, Shanghai
Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Australia & New Zealand
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Dunedin
South America
Argentina: Buenos Aires
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador
Chile: Valparaiso (Santiago)
Peru: Lima (Callao)
Africa
South Africa: Cape Town, Durban
Mauritius
Seychelles
Egypt: Alexandria, Cairo
Middle East
United Arab Emirates: Dubai
Oman: Muscat
Qatar: Doha
Australia & Pacific
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin
Antarctica (on select expedition cruises)
Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands
Duration
7 - 30 Days (depending on cruise booked)
Price
Inside cabin: $2K - $3K+ per person
Oceanview cabin: $2K - $6K per person
Balcony cabin: $3K - $8K+ per person
Suites: $6K - $15K+ per person
Notes: Prices fluctuate based on the time of year (higher during peak seasons like summer and holidays) and the specific itinerary.
