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As the world’s most awarded river cruise company, Viking has long dominated the waterways of Europe with their stylish river cruise ‘Longships.’
*Please note, information accurate at time of publishing (April, 2017), and may be subject to change.
So, it’s no surprise the company would launch its own highly successful brand of ocean cruises. In the process, Viking has changed the way we think about cruising. Far from being the cookie-cutter cruise experience, Viking has crafted its own unique style.
Reflecting the renowned service levels found on its river cruise ships, Viking has taken the same luxurious, all-inclusive approach with their ocean-going itineraries.
No matter what the itinerary, Viking turns every stop into a celebration of culture, placing an emphasis on the local food, the people and their customs. It is this approach to travel that has customers coming back for more. In fact, Viking has one of the highest return cruiser rates of any company.
So, just what makes a Viking ocean cruise so special? Read on as we list the top-ten Viking ocean cruise features.
1. Five Star Fare
An important part of any cruise is the dining experience. On Viking, you’ll find ten different dining venues to choose from where beer and wine are included with every lunch and dinner. In true Viking fashion, there is never a cover-charge when dining.
Choose from casual fare in The World Café, hamburgers at the Pool Grill; traditional Norwegian staples in Mamsen’s; you may sample the daily changing menu in the main restaurant; or enjoy the elegance of Manfredi’s Italian Steakhouse, among others.
If travelling in a group, or just for a special treat, join the Chef’s Table to indulge in a multi-course tasting menu, complete with wine-pairing. Or, have the meal come to you with the 24-hour room service option.
2. Destination focused dining
Nothing captures the heart of a destination more than its food. There is something special when sampling the cuisine in the very place it originates.
The chefs onboard are highly experienced, passionate and committed to their craft, with an emphasis on local and region fare.
Join one of the chefs onshore as they scour the local markets by foot, before sampling the ingredients that masterfully appear in your evening meal.
With so many restaurants to choose from onboard, you’ll find a wide selection of cuisine offerings – each served in a smart-casual environment where no dinner-jacket is required.
3. Viking Inclusive Value
The number of inclusive options that are standard as part of your ocean cruise is just one more way that Viking distinguishes itself from other ocean cruise lines.
All meals are included, with complimentary beer and wine offered with lunch and dinner. Spa facilities such as hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, saunas and heated tile lounges can also be enjoyed. You’ll also find many shore-inclusions which come with a service guarantee.
And with the Viking Service Guarantee, your cruise expectations are guaranteed to be met or exceeded. Now that’s service!
4. All-Verandah Staterooms
Elegant décor, calm colours, king-size beds, fine cotton linens and a private verandah for every guest – all just a sample of what to expect in your private suite.
Bathrooms too receive the Viking touch. Enjoy a high pressure shower, heated bathroom floors and luxury bath amenities.
Choose from five different suite types, all of which include 24-hour room service, flat screen TV with on-demand movies, loads of storage space and high-tech sound proofing to ensure a blissful slumber.
5. Cultural Enrichment
Local history comes to life with onboard lectures on history, art and other subjects relevant to your destination or itinerary. The Viking Culture Curriculum is an exclusive program which brings expert speakers on board for in-depth cultural talks, education sessions and hands-on activities.
Enjoy informative port talks, enriching destination performances featuring folkloric shows, musicians playing regional and classical music, and onboard cooking school classes.
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6. Shore tours and extraordinary experiences
When you travel with Viking, how you choose to spend your day in port is entirely up to you. No need to whip out your credit card either, as shore excursions are included in every port.
With plenty of time to explore, you’ll be sure to get the most out of every destination. Wonder independently, enjoy the included shore excursion, or choose from one of the many other tour options available.
Each itinerary includes a Local Life and Working World experience, as well as a Privileged Access option. From exclusive behind-the-scenes and closed to public opportunities, to cooking inside a local’s home; every shore tour will be a memorable one.
7. Free Wi-Fi
Now this is something you won’t see on many cruise lines – free Wi-Fi for all guests. Wherever you are on the ship, you can stay connected with family and friends back home.
8. Serene Scandinavian spaces
Viking set out to reinvent the cruise experience. With that, came a new approach to ship building – designing them from the inside, out. With capacity of less than 1000 guests, each ship is designed with space and comfort in mind; its décor conveying a serene ambiance.
Discover the tranquillity of the Scandinavian inspired spa and Nordic sanctuary of wellness, or delve into the collection of curated art, books and various historical touches.
One Viking feature that guests most appreciate, is the adults only atmosphere onboard. You won’t find kid’s pools or children’s play areas on board a Viking ship. In fact, you won’t find casinos, or the ubiquitous art-actions found on other cruise lines either. On Viking, you’ll find elegant spaces, and a relaxing suite to retreat to each evening – with your very own veranda, of course.
9. Small ship Experts
With their smaller, more intimate size, the ships can access ports that other larger cruise ships cannot. Viking small ships see you sail straight into the heart of your destination. This allows for more time at each port, with extra time available to explore and discover each location. You won’t find lengthy bus transfers and crowded gangways like you do on other cruise lines either.
With access to exciting and seldom-visited ports, and no queueing for hours to get off the ship with thousands of other cruise passengers, the enriching discoveries are just a short walk from your ship.
10. Unique itineraries
Touching all corners of the globe, the advantage of Viking’s small ship ocean cruises is its flexibility and all-access-pass to unique and inspiring parts of the world.
In 2018, fast-growing Viking will add an additional three ocean cruise ships, bringing their total fleet to six small ship ocean vessels, further opening the world with new itineraries to include Australia, New Zealand, Asia, India, Alaska and the Caribbean.
What is the real Viking value?
These following included features are valued at approximately $203 per person, per day, yet all included with your one cruise fare, making Viking ocean cruises one of the best-valued small ship cruise lines in the world.
- One included shore excursion in every port of call
- Shipwide Wi-Fi
- Access to top-rated spa
- Beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard meals
- Other included beverages, such as specialty coffees, teas and bottled water
- Port taxes and fees
- 24-hour room service & alternate restaurant dining
- Airport transfers with purchase of Viking Air
- Self-service laundry
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