VIKING OCEAN CRUISES ALL-INCLUSIVE

Viking introduced its first ocean ship in 2015 when the all-veranda Viking Star was christened. One year later, the company launched its second ocean ship, Viking Sea, which was joined by sister ships Viking Sky and Viking Sun in 2017 and by Viking Orion in 2018. The fleet welcomes Viking Jupiter in 2019. Four more yet-to-be-named ships are scheduled to launch by 2023. By any yardstick this growth in identical 930-passenger ships is phenomenal.

Each is decorated in an understated, elegant Scandi-chic style and these award-winning ships are engineered at a size that allows direct access into most ports. Each ship boasts a private veranda in every stateroom, a choice of restaurants offering a variety of fine dining options not to mention the most alfresco options at sea, an infinity pool, a Nordic-inspired spa, panoramic Explorers’ Lounge and thoughtfully curated book collections throughout the ship. The emphasis is on exploration and enrichment; as well as an atmosphere that’s laid-back and unpretentious.

Itineraries are designed to maximize the amount of time travellers spend in their destination. These enriching itineraries include base and combination cruises sailing to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America, and Africa.

Because Viking chairman, Torstein Hagen detests the ‘nickel-and-diming’ practice now adopted by many large cruise lines where it seems that everything guests want, whether it’s a bottle of water on a shore excursion or a speciality coffee after dinner, is charged for as an extra, Viking Ocean Cruises offers some of the best value at sea. All passengers enjoy a complimentary selected shore excursion in each port of call as well as many amenities included as part of their fare. These include beer and wine with lunch and dinner; speciality restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service. The Viking Ocean Cruises’ proposition certainly makes budgeting much easier for first-time cruisers and seasoned voyagers alike.

There is a charge for spirits at all times as well as wines and soft drinks outside of mealtimes, but Viking offers an excellent Silver Spirits Beverage Package which covers any drinks (excluding champagne) up to $15.00. This great deal includes premium wines by the glass, cocktails and house spirits, all house pouring wines, beers, mixers, long drinks and soft drinks throughout the day for a flat fee per guest of $139 on a 7-night cruise and $279 on a 14-night cruise. This package can be purchased prior to sailing or on board and represents great value compared with many premium cruise lines who can leave you with a hefty tab when it comes to socializing at the ship’s cocktail bars.