Viking Ocean Cruises

Offering the Ultimate Premium Travel Experience

Introduction

Viking Ocean Cruises sets itself apart by offering a premium cruising experience designed for culturally curious travellers. Known as the “thinking person’s cruise,” Viking’s approach blends immersive onshore experiences, enrichment-focused onboard programs, and serene ship environments. Whether exploring Europe’s historic ports or enjoying the spa’s tranquil thermal suite, Viking delivers journeys tailored to enrich the mind and soothe the soul.

What Makes Viking Unique?

Viking Ocean Cruises offers distinct advantages that appeal to premium cruise travellers seeking a refined, destination-focused experience.

Serene Scandinavian Design
Viking’s ships are a testament to Scandinavian aesthetics, featuring clean lines, muted tones, and abundant natural light. With spacious public areas, understated decor, and open-air spaces like the infinity pool, the environment promotes a sense of calm and elegance.

Viking Orion - Image credit to my clients Kevin & Jen

Infinity Pool - Image by Viking Cruises

Cultural Enrichment at Every Turn
Viking’s cruises are crafted for those who want to delve into the heart of the destinations they visit. Onboard programs include destination-inspired lectures, cooking classes, art workshops, and traditional performances. Guests gain a deeper understanding of the history, art, and cuisine of the regions they explore.

Inclusive Value for Peace of Mind
Viking’s fares are designed to simplify travel with an inclusive pricing model. Guests enjoy:

• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• One free shore excursion per port
• Specialty dining options without surcharges
• Access to the thermal suite in the Nordic Spa
• Plus more!

The Explorers Lounge and Wintergarden
Unique to Viking’s ships, the Explorers Lounge offers a relaxed space for guests to enjoy panoramic views, reflecting their passion for exploration. The Wintergarden is another standout feature, offering a serene setting for afternoon tea surrounded by Scandinavian-inspired design.

Explorers Lounge - Image by Viking Cruises

Wintergarden - Image by Holidays Beckon

Adult-Focused Atmosphere
Viking’s "No Kids" policy ensures a tranquil, sophisticated experience, catering to travellers who prefer a child-free environment.

Destination-Focused Itineraries
With longer port stays and overnights in marquee cities, Viking enables deeper exploration of each destination. Their smaller ships allow access to boutique ports, providing unique opportunities to experience local culture and history.

Regional Cuisine in The Restaurant
Guests can enjoy regional dishes that reflect the destinations visited on their itinerary.

The Restaurant - Image by Viking Cruises

The Restaurant - Image by Viking Cruises

The Viking Resident Historian® Program
Viking offers an exclusive Resident Historian® program, providing guests with in-depth lectures and insights on the history, art, and culture of the regions visited. This enrichment feature adds intellectual depth to the cruising experience.

Wellness and Relaxation
Viking’s Nordic Spa promotes holistic wellness through traditional Nordic practices. Guests can enjoy the thermal suite with a snow grotto, sauna, and hydrotherapy pool, all included in the fare. Fitness classes and health-focused dining options enhance the onboard wellness experience.

The Nordic Spa - Image by Holidays Beckon

The Nordic Spa - Image by Viking Cruises

All-Veranda Suites on Viking Ocean Cruises

The all-veranda suites on Viking Ocean Cruises are designed to provide both comfort and elegance, with every stateroom featuring a private veranda for uninterrupted ocean views. These thoughtfully appointed spaces blend Scandinavian simplicity with luxury, offering king-sized beds, spacious bathrooms with heated floors, and ample storage. Additional touches include 24-hour room service, interactive flat-screen TVs, and in-suite binoculars for scenic cruising. Viking’s all-veranda design ensures that every guest enjoys their own personal retreat, perfect for relaxing between enriching shore excursions or onboard activities.

Deluxe Veranda - Image by Viking Cruises

Explorer Suite Lounge Room - Image by Viking Cruises

Viking’s Featured Itineraries

Viking Ocean Cruises explores a wide array of destinations. Their smaller ships allow access to boutique ports and unique locales, providing travellers with deeper cultural connections and opportunities to discover iconic and lesser-known regions.

Mediterranean Heritage
Sail through the Mediterranean, with stops in iconic ports like Barcelona, Athens, and Venice. Viking’s itineraries focus on exploring the region’s rich history and culinary traditions through curated shore excursions.

Scandinavian Wonders
Explore the pristine beauty of Norway’s fjords, the charm of Stockholm, and the rich history of Copenhagen. Viking’s Nordic heritage enhances the experience, with onboard touches that celebrate Scandinavian culture.

Grand European Journeys
For those seeking extended adventures, Viking offers itineraries that combine multiple regions, such as the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, allowing guests to experience the best of both worlds.

Eidfjord Norway - Image by Viking Cruises

Dubrovnik Croatia - Image by Viking Cruises

How Viking Cruises Welcomes Solo Travellers

Viking Ocean Cruises offers a welcoming environment for solo travellers, featuring reduced single supplements on select itineraries and inclusive pricing that adds value without hidden costs. The adult-only atmosphere, open-seating dining, and enrichment programs like the Resident Historian® lectures and cultural workshops create natural opportunities for social interaction. Solo travellers also benefit from smaller ship sizes and access to unique ports, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience.

Who Should Choose Viking Ocean Cruises?

Viking is ideal for travellers who value cultural immersion, serene environments, and all-inclusive convenience. Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups, Viking’s adult-focused atmosphere and thoughtful itineraries appeal to those seeking a premium cruise experience with a strong emphasis on enrichment.

Aquavit Terrace - Image by Viking Cruises

The Living Room - Image by Holidays Beckon

Discover Luxury: My Informative Tour of the Viking Sun & Viking Orion

During my personal inspections of Viking Sun and Viking Orion, I was struck by their understated elegance and thoughtfully crafted Scandinavian design. As sister ships in Viking’s modern fleet, both feature all-veranda staterooms and a refined atmosphere tailored for comfort and serenity. Here are a few images that I took during my visits.

Philip Clapé in the Snow Grotto on Viking Cruises

Help Yourself to Yummy Sweets - Image by Holidays Beckon

Philip Clapé in front of Grand Staircase on Viking Sun

Plan Your Viking Ocean Cruise Today

Embark on a journey with Viking Ocean Cruises and experience the difference. From the tranquil elegance of their Scandinavian design to the cultural immersion in every port, Viking offers a unique and enriching way to explore the world.

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