Viking Ocean Cruises: Exploring the Seas in Style

Viking Ocean Cruises offers a truly unique experience for travelers who crave exploration, cultural immersion, and serene luxury.

With smaller ships that can reach intimate ports, Viking ensures that your time in each destination is maximized.

Their understated elegance, all-veranda staterooms, and commitment to enrichment make Viking a leader in ocean cruising.

Viking’s ethos is focused on connecting you deeply with the destinations you visit, through thoughtful design, lectures, and curated excursions.

If you value a sophisticated atmosphere, personalized service, and meaningful travel, Viking Ocean Cruises is a perfect choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore Viking’s ocean fleet, covering what to expect on each ship, the inspiration behind the design, and a detailed breakdown of dining, entertainment, and activities.

Let’s dive into the Viking experience and help you choose the ideal ship for your next journey.

Viking Ocean Class

Viking Ocean Cruises operates a fleet of identical ocean-class ships, each designed to embody the best of Scandinavian simplicity and elegance.

These ships focus on providing a quiet, intimate cruising experience, with all-veranda staterooms and plenty of public spaces for relaxation.

Viking’s small ships allow for more time in port and less time at sea, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves fully in the destinations they visit.

Each ship in Viking’s ocean fleet is designed to carry just 930 passengers, ensuring a comfortable, uncrowded experience.

Below, we will break down each ship, going deeper into what makes Viking Ocean Cruises special.

1. Viking Star

What To Expect

Viking Star is the inaugural ship of the Viking ocean fleet, and it set the standard for luxury and cultural immersion.

When you step aboard, expect a peaceful and refined atmosphere.

There are no crowds, no loud announcements, and no gaudy casinos.

Instead, Viking Star offers an environment focused on relaxation and learning.

All staterooms come with private verandas, so you can enjoy stunning views of the sea and the destinations you visit.

The onboard experience is designed for cultural enrichment.

You’ll enjoy lectures from historians and local experts, designed to give you deeper insights into the places you’ll visit.

There’s also an emphasis on wellness, with Viking offering a LivNordic Spa experience that includes access to a snow grotto, saunas, and a cold plunge pool—all complimentary.

Viking’s philosophy is about creating a journey, not just a vacation.

Evenings on Viking Star offer a quiet elegance, with live classical music performances, refined cocktails in the Explorers’ Lounge, and dinner options that rival the best restaurants ashore.

The ship’s small size ensures a calm, unrushed experience at every turn, whether you’re lounging by the infinity pool or enjoying afternoon tea in the Wintergarden.

Design Inspiration

The design of Viking Star is inspired by Viking’s Scandinavian heritage.

The ship’s interiors are a masterclass in minimalist luxury, with light wood tones, neutral fabrics, and floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open, airy feel.

Every corner of the ship is designed to connect you with the sea, with large windows that allow natural light to flood the public spaces.

The Wintergarden is a standout design feature—a light-filled space under a canopy of wooden “branches” where you can enjoy afternoon tea or simply relax with a good book.

The Explorers’ Lounge, with its panoramic windows and cozy seating areas, is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering a warm, inviting ambiance with a nod to Viking’s seafaring roots.

Throughout the ship, the focus is on blending form with function, providing you with a luxurious environment that feels inviting and comfortable, never pretentious.

Ship Stats

Tonnage: 47,800

Passenger Capacity: 930

Year Launched: 2015

Unique Feature: An infinity pool at the aft of the ship with breathtaking views of the ocean horizon.

Dining Options

The Restaurant: Viking’s main dining room offers open seating and a rotating menu of international and regional cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant: This specialty restaurant serves rustic Italian dishes, including handmade pasta and fresh seafood, with an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

The Chef’s Table: Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu that changes every few days, highlighting different regional cuisines paired with wines.

World Café: A casual dining option with a buffet-style setup, featuring a range of international dishes and fresh seafood, with outdoor seating available on the Aquavit Terrace.

Aquavit Terrace: A unique outdoor dining venue where you can enjoy light bites with incredible views of the sea.

Mamsen’s: A small Norwegian deli offering traditional dishes like open-faced sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and Viking’s signature heart-shaped waffles.

Entertainment & Activities

LivNordic Spa: A Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat with saunas, a snow grotto, a cold plunge pool, and a variety of treatments. Access to the thermal suite is complimentary for all guests.

Infinity Pool: This stunning pool at the aft of the ship offers the illusion of merging with the ocean, providing a serene place to relax.

Explorers’ Lounge: A two-story lounge with panoramic views, live music, and a cozy atmosphere for evening cocktails or quiet reflection.

Enrichment Lectures: Expert-led lectures covering history, culture, and the natural environment of the destinations you visit, ensuring that your journey is as educational as it is enjoyable.

Evening Entertainment: Live performances that range from classical concerts to destination-themed shows, providing cultural immersion and entertainment.