Viking is much more than just a river cruise line. In fact, they are recognized as the leading river cruise line. Their Ocean Cruises added to the attraction of the company’s destinations. Expansion into the USA in 2000 caught a lot of attention. Well, now they will introduce a new cruise ship called Viking Saturn. That comes in 2023. New itineraries also come along.
Viking Crusie Ships Constantly Expands
The first ship that the company acquired was in 2015. The 930-guest vessel was named Viking Star. Successive years saw them bring four more vessels into the fleet. Nothing new came in 2020, but their most recent sister ship was launched this year and goes by the name of Viking Venus. Clearly, the market can absorb still more folk who love traveling in comfort to unusual destinations.
The Viking Saturn that joins the fleet will twin with the other ships in many respects. It also comes as a 930-guest vessel. While people might think that cooler destinations might turn people off, they’d clearly be wrong. The company’s website noted, “In January 2022, Viking will launch new expedition voyages, sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic, and North America’s Great Lakes.”
Viking Saturn Brings More Itineraries
In a press release on October 13, the company explained that the new “ship will spend her maiden season sailing three new itineraries in Scandinavian and Nordic countries.” The itineraries include Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada” and “Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer. Both cruises last for 15 days. Then, there’s the “29-day Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond voyage. In August 2023, a popular cruise called Iceland’s Natural Beauty returns, and it lasts for eight days.
The Viking Iceland, Greenland, Canada trip takes people to stunning locations and you may expect to see the Westman Islands. Clients will chill in laid-back Djúpivogur, and explore the streets of Seydisfjördur and Akureyri. If history’s your thing, then you will probably love learning about early exploration in the New World. Your trip includes Qaqortoq and L’Anse aux Meadows. Additonally, Halifax is on the itinerary. You can certainly expect to take in some stunning scenery on this trip.
Iceland And Norway Arctic Explorer
With this itinerary, you really can’t go much further into the northern climes on a cruise ship. Your voyage will take you across the Arctic Circle, right over to Norway. You’ll also see Iceland. A highlight is overnighting at Longyearbyen. If you don’t know, there are more polar bears there than humans. Tromsø, in Finnmark County in Norway also beckons visitors.
Conveniently, if you like the idea of these destinations, you can combine them all into one 29-day voyage, which Viking allows for. That’s the complete package for the Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond deal. Meanwhile, the 8-day package, Iceland’s Natural Beauty explores the “northern isle’s coastal towns.” During your trip, expect to “follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson.”
Comfort And Quality Service In The Award-Winning Fleet
The press release revealed that folks who travel can expect to enjoy a “small ship” experience. All of them offer 465 staterooms, hosting 930 guests. Like the others, Viking Saturn will offer choices between Verandah State Rooms and Explorer Suites. Expect to find spectacular scenery outside the glass, and every comfort you need within. Of course, Scandinavian spas go hand-in-hand with tradition and you’ll find one aboard.
If a Viking ship experience is not watery enough for you, you may enjoy the outdoor pool with a retractable roof. Or, slip into the stunning infinity pool. The “glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern, [allows] guests to swim surrounded by their destination.” How awesome is that? After a swim, why not relax under the wooded canopied Wintergarden and enjoy afternoon tea?
Other Dining Options
A major attraction when joining a cruise aboard a ship is the many dining options. The fleet offers eight choices, overall. You’ll find fine dining in The Restaurant. Or, indulge in some regional cuisine in the World Café. If you enjoy leisurely social meals, then look no further than The Chef’s Table. Relax with a multi-course menu and wine pairings. Got a hankering for Italian cuisine? Well, you’ll find it at Manfredi’s.
Viking knows that some guests prefer to lounge by the pool and eat comfort food. So, you’ll find that at The Pool Grill. Enjoy their gourmet burgers. With so much of Scandanavia around you, go all in and dine on authentic Scandanavian meals in Mamsen’s. Or, if you prefer, order up from room service and relax in your own suite.
Fun, Culture And Entertainment
You won’t grow bored on the cruise ships. If you feel like it, you may attend interesting sessions where you can learn about your destination. Experts talk about “[your] destination’s art, architecture, music, geopolitics, [the] natural world and more.” If your interest lies in cultural performing arts, there’s plenty on board. Italian opera or Portuguese fado are included in the lineup.
On a Viking cruise ship, you may even take cooking classes and return home to entertain those unfortunate friends that missed the adventure. You may check out more about the ocean ship cruises by visiting this link HERE.
Previous Guest Reviews
You don’t have to take Viking’s word for it when it comes to service and quality reviews. Plenty of reviews may be found online. Trust Pilot cited a number of reviews and they include both Ocean and River Cruise Itineraries. Here’s a small sample of what guests said:
Fantastic experience, just returned from a cruise with Viking and was blown away by the quality of food, excursions, and especially the staff who go above and beyond to ensure you have an amazing time, the ship was outstanding too. Thank you, Viking! I have some wonderful memories that will stay with me and my mother forever.
We have taken a number of cruises, including luxury cruises, but none with Viking until last December. It was a delightful experience on a beautiful ship the decor of which was Scandinavian chic from bow to stern. The service was scandalously excellent and every crew member was friendly and helpful beyond expectations.
Notably, some negative reviews talked about cancellations that affected the cruises due to the coronavirus. However, Viking apparently upped their game with refund and customer care service as the company learned to deal with such complexities.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with recreational shipping right now. Come back here often for more Viking Cruise news, and updates.
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