Viking have been cruising the rivers of Europe for twenty years and in 2015 launched their first ocean ship. They now have five ships with the launch last month of the Viking Orion. In the past three past years they have become the number one award winning ocean cruise line.
It is easy to see why Viking is so popular, they have taken the same small ship, destination-focus experience to the seas with an elegant fleet of vessels to all corners of the world from Scandinavia and Baltic, to the Mediterranean, North America, the Caribbean and Australasia. The ocean itineraries have been carefully designed to access the best destinations up close, with more time in the port than other cruise lines.
Some of the features that are so special about the Viking Star cruise ships are the all-veranda staterooms, the TED talks and the unique spa snow grotto. These are just a few things that make the Viking ships stand out and a true delight to sail on.
Viking Cruises’ chairman, Torstein Hagen, wanted to redefine ocean cruising when he launched the 930-passenger Viking Star in 2015. Every stateroom has a private veranda, the rooms are spacious with king-size beds, large showers, LCD TVs, bathrobes and slippers, and a desk with a makeup mirror that pops up. No detail has been missed, there is a self-service launderette with washers – with soap suds built in – and dryers. How convenient is that!
The ships embody the best traditions of both classic and modern cruising and appeal to a wide segment of the population, from first-time cruisers to experienced aficionados who bemoan the death of the way cruising used to be. There are no children or casinos on board, the cruises are all inclusive of shore excursions, a choice of ten speciality restaurants, wine and beer with lunch and dinner.
Viking know who their customer is and they do everything to make sure clients gets the best experience possible, they have reinvented ocean cruising.
I haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying a Viking ocean cruise as yet but I have experienced the river cruise longship and it was just fabulous. I loved the Scandinavian look and feel of the contemporary décor, colour and design. And the food was just delicious!
