If you read my last article about Viking Cruise’s modern elegant Nordic style, you’d be forgiven for thinking that is what Viking is primarily about. While I’m sure you will fall head-over-heels when I tell you next week about the amazing inclusions (ten dining options, wine and beer with dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi) and you’ll breathe a sigh of relief when you hear about the exclusions (no kids, no photographers, no casinos, no sales pressure).
However, ask anyone onboard and they’ll tell you it is all about the destination-focused experience. Everything else is just the icing on top!
Their beautiful ships are built for discovery, small enough to sail to the heart of your destination, and their itineraries are destination focused allowing for maximum time in port so guests can experience local nightlife or evening performances.
During our 14-night cruise on Viking Orion from Bangkok to Hong Kong we had six overnight port stays. Like all of their itineraries, this included overnight stays at the start and end of our journey – which I think is something of a treat!
I can’t tell you what a relief it was not to be kicked off the ship upon arrival to our final port, Hong Kong. It was so nice be able to soak up the beauty of one of our favourite cities as we docked in what would be arguably one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.
To ensure you learn about the people and culture of the places you visit, Viking include a complimentary shore excursion in every port with a local guide. They also have a carefully curated list of optional excursions.
Our favourite included excursion was the scenic cruise amongst the soaring limestone islands of Ha Long Bay on an authentic junk which included a visit to Thien Cung cave. This was the first time I had been in a cave and I was fascinated by the numerous stalactites and stalagmites and was in awe of the sheer size of the cave itself.
When we wanted to do our own exploring, we made use of Viking’s complimentary shuttle service from the port to the centre of town.
Onboard are four enrichment lecturers. When I attended the first onboard lecture, I thought I’d be one of just a few curious guests, however it felt like most of the passengers had flocked to the Star Theatre for the ‘Cambodia’s Corruption & Autocracy’ lecture. Attendance didn’t wane throughout the journey. I suppose they don’t call it the “thinking person’s cruise” for nothing!
The evening port talks were also great, but clashed with our pre-dinner drinking time so we preferred to watch the replay which was available to watch on-demand from our stateroom.
Sally Simmon
