Take a Scandinavian-inspired journey into the World of Viking.
True story: a guest asked for rhubarb pie. Sorry, ma’am, the waiter replied, it’s not on the menu. In port the next day, the executive chef went to the market, bought rhubarb, baked the pie, took it to the guest’s cabin and ate it with her.
It doesn’t take long on a Viking ocean cruise to realise why many polls have voted the three-year-old line the world’s best – for all three years.
On its website, Viking lists 16 things you won’t find on its 930-passenger, 550-crew ships – no casinos, no children under 18, no ‘umbrella’ drinks, no photographers, no art auctions, no charge for beer and wine at meals, no charge for alternative restaurants, no charge for wi-fi, no charge to use launderettes, no entrance fee to use The Spa and no pressure to use spa services, no inside staterooms, no smoking, no lines, no formal nights, butlers or white gloves, and no nickel and diming.
The ship, and the service, reflect cool, understated Scandinavian style. The palette is Nordic – clean, elegant woods, textures and finishes.
Dining options include two high-end restaurants. Meals are rather better than on other lines.
In the evenings and on at-sea days, I appreciated the ship’s smaller, intimate areas or ‘living rooms’. Onboard shows are less Vegas glitz than pumped out on bigger ships.
Viking bills itself ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise’ , and that’s reflected in spending more time in ports, with a focus on the destinations and their culture.
Discover a whole new world
Experience the World of Viking with a number of special offers on our ocean cruises including FREE flight offers, FREE two-night city extensions, FREE stateroom upgrades and savings of up to $4,000 per couple on selected itineraries. Viking fares are highly inclusive, offering dining in a range of venues, wine and beer with meals, complimentary Wi-Fi and an excursion in every port at no extra cost.
Call Viking on 138 747 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (NZ), or contact your Viking Travel Agent.
