Experience a Viking Ocean Cruise ship with me!
Stepping on board Viking Saturn in Liverpool this week, I finally experienced for myself the cruise line I have been confidently recommending to my customers for years. Within moments, it was clear why so many of them return from their Viking voyages absolutely delighted. This is not about towering mega-ships, water slides or loud late-night shows. Instead, Viking offers a calm, grown-up style of cruising: beautiful Scandinavian design, thoughtful inclusions and an atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a traditional cruise ship. In this blog, I share my first impressions of Viking Saturn and what truly sets Viking apart.
You only get one chance to make a first impression, and Viking Saturn absolutely exceeded mine.
When I stepped on board this beautiful ship during her visit to Liverpool as part of a British Isles cruise, I finally had the chance to experience for myself what so many of my cruise clients have been telling me for years. I have booked Viking’s river and ocean cruises many times, but seeing Saturn in person made it instantly clear why the feedback is always so glowing.
Viking offers a very different style of cruising: calm, grown-up and elegantly relaxed, with a real sense of understated luxury.
How Viking is different
Before looking at what makes Viking special, it helps to understand what it isn’t.
What you won’t find with Viking
- No
big, crowded mega-ships
Viking’s ocean ships carry fewer than 1,000 guests, so they feel spacious, intimate and never overwhelming. - No
inside cabins
Every stateroom has its own private veranda. There are no interior cabins at all, so you always have access to fresh air and views. - No
children’s clubs or family focus
Viking is designed for adults. It is ideal for couples, friends and solo travellers looking for a quieter, more refined atmosphere on board. - No
flashy West End–style productions
Entertainment is more intimate and relaxed. Think quality musicians and after-dinner performances rather than huge, noisy theatre shows.
What you do get with Viking
Elegant, Scandinavian-inspired ships
Viking’s ocean ships share a consistent design, so once you have sailed on one, you will feel at home on any of them. Expect calm, contemporary Scandinavian style, with light wood, soft textiles and cosy spaces perfect for reading, chatting or simply watching the sea go by. It feels more like a chic boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
Veranda cabins as standard
Every cabin and suite comes with a private veranda. Whether you like to start the day with a quiet coffee outside or enjoy a peaceful sunset drink before dinner, having your own outdoor space is a real highlight of the Viking experience.
Drinks with meals included
Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, which keeps things simple and relaxed. If you prefer a wider choice of drinks throughout the day and evening, you can add the Silver Spirits drinks package for a small supplement.
All dining included
All of Viking’s dining venues are included in your fare. There are no extra charges for “speciality restaurants”, so you are free to dine where you wish without worrying about surprise supplements.
Tips, flights and transfers included for UK guests
For guests travelling from the UK, Viking includes gratuities, flights and transfers in the fare. This makes the overall cost very transparent and often excellent value once you consider everything that is bundled in.
Spa and thermal suite access
Viking’s spas are a real feature of the ships. Access to the thermal suite and spa pool is included in your cruise price, so you can relax in the sauna, steam room or pool as often as you like without paying each time.
A pool for all weather
Each Viking ocean ship has a main pool with a retractable roof. This means you can enjoy time by the pool whether you are sailing in the sunshine or in cooler climates such as the British Isles and Northern Europe.
Excellent overall value
When you combine the smaller ships, veranda cabins, included drinks with meals, dining, tips, flights, transfers and spa access, Viking offers outstanding value in the premium cruise market. There are often attractive early booking offers available too, which can make planning ahead even more rewarding.
Is Viking right for you?
Viking is a great choice if you:
- Prefer a calm, adult-focused atmosphere
- Enjoy stylish but understated surroundings
- Like the idea of smaller ships with fewer guests
- Value inclusions such as drinks with meals, tips and flights
- Love exploring destinations in comfort, then returning to a relaxed and elegant ship
If you are considering a river or ocean cruise and would like to know more about Viking’s ships and itineraries, I would be very happy to help you find the sailing that best fits your travel style.
Contact me to start planning your Viking journey.
