Viking Orion – a very chic Scandinavian
Viking Cruise Lines have reinvented cruising with their new ships and the Orion is no exception. I recently spent a couple of hours on board with just a brief taste of what to expect. The ship is absolutely stunning and she sits high on my travel bucket list.
The Orion is categorised as five-star midsize ship, however, I think Viking is in a class all of its own. A peaceful classy ambience is understated with blonde timbers and contemporary light-filled spaces, typical of minimalist Scandinavian design.
The unique and luxurious amenities they offer on their ships make Viking star at the top-of-the-line for couples and solo travellers looking for a relaxing, rejuvenating voyage where kids under eighteen are not allowed.
Huge windows bring in the sunshine, which bounces off white walls and pale timber floors. In the beautiful two-story Explorer’s Lounge at the bow of the ship, reindeer pelts are draped over comfy couches; leather footstools invite you to put your feet up. Cupboard and drawer handles in the staterooms and stair railings are covered in leather. Everything is serene, uncluttered and ever so stylish! There’s even a display of museum-quality helmets and other Viking exhibits to add to the sense of place and history.
All the staterooms have private balconies with glass railings. Passengers can relish the pleasure of sipping early morning coffee on their own balcony as the ship sails into port. The super comfortable king-size beds with luxury linen and pillows are a dream to sleep in (I’m told!). The superb bathrooms are spacious with glassed in showers, sleek styling, plenty of storage, Freyja toiletries and the biggest indulgence, heated tile floors and towel racks. Ideal for the cold country cruising. The pop-up make-up mirror was also quite nifty – the desk opens up to reveal a backlit mirror lid with a leather-lined drawer with boxes for jewellery and other small items.
In the Winter Garden, where afternoon tea is served, sculpted blond wood “trees” reach up to a glass ceiling. This charming, airy space around the main pool is perfect for relaxing in clean, uncluttered Scandinavian-designed environment. Facing the windows, cushioned seating areas and teak lounges with soft blankets are popular spots to curl up with a book or for a nap.
A healthy challenge awaits in the warm, swim-against-the-current pool (with underwater massage roller beds), while heated stone loungers, sauna, steam room, hot whirlpools, cold-dunk shower and “snow grotto” (an ice-cold, blue-lit glass room with real snow) add to the eclectic choice.
Even though I was not able to experience dining on board Viking Orion I loved Manfredi’s, one of two specialty restaurants. With a black-and-white tile floor and vintage photos on the walls, it had a real Italian atmosphere. The menu looked amazing and I was told the kitchen makes all its pasta noodles fresh each day.
I felt so comfortable, relaxed and ready to sail away that I’ll just have to book myself a Viking ocean cruise soon.
