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40Viking Oceans
Viking Ocean Cruises launched in 2015 as an off-shoot of the successful Viking River Cruises. Since debuting its first ocean ship, the Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises has launched several more ships and expanded its list of destinations reached; most recently, the line added Alaska, Australia, Asia, and Caribbean itineraries to its roster. One of the largest small-ship ocean cruise lines, Viking Ocean offers a comfortable, upscale Norwegian cruising experience fit for travelers seeking relaxing, destination-focused travel. Enjoy lively onboard entertainment, curated shore excursions, and stand-out service on a Viking Ocean Cruises voyage to Alaska.
| Ship Name | Star Rating | Year Built |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Orion |  | 2018 |
| Viking Venus | | 2021 |
2 Viking Oceans Ships
Starting in May 2019, Alaska will officially be a Viking Ocean Cruises destination. The line is launching two itineraries to the faraway state soon; one travels from Vancouver to Seward on an 11-day journey through the Inside Passage, while the other goes from Tokyo to Vancouver on a 23-day excursion. As with many Viking Oceans itineraries, these will offer maximum time in port thanks to overnight stays and late evening departures. Guests will visit all the state's big cities, including Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway.
Viking Ocean's expanding fleet will reach six ships in 2019. The Viking Orion, which will sail to Alaska, joins the fleet in 2018. Carrying 930 passengers, the ship will be decorated with Viking Ocean's signature modern Scandinavian decor. Expect many indoor-outdoor spaces, including a wrap-around promenade deck, and Scandinavian artwork placed throughout the ship, along with light wood and woven textiles to add warmth. The ship will have a LivNordic Spa, complete with a hydrotherapy pool and snow room, as well as several dining areas and bars, a sports deck, cinema, fitness center, shops, and theater. The main pool has a retractable roof, allowing swimming in any season, even while on the way to chilly Alaska. Named after the prominent constellation, the Orion's godmother is Dr. Anna Fisher, a recently retired NASA astronaut.
The Viking Orion has six stateroom categories to choose from, starting with the 270-square-foot Veranda and going up to the 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. In between, there are Deluxe Verandas, Penthouse Verandas, Penthouse Junior Suites, and Explorer Suites. Each room across the ship comes with Wi-Fi access, 24-hour room service and purified water refilled daily, a mini-bar with soft drinks and snacks, a king-size bed, a spacious closet and plenty of drawer storage, and a large bathroom with a glass-enclosed walk-in shower, heated bathroom floor, and anti-fog mirrors. Relax in a cozy luxury robe and slippers while using premium Freyja toiletries. Guests staying in a Penthouse Veranda or Suite also receive a welcome bottle of champagne, premium binoculars, a coffee maker, and cashmere blanket to use onboard.
Viking Oceans offers guests one free shore excursion in each port of call. These excursions offer an easy way to maximize time in port and see all the best-of spots without having to worry about planning or logistics. Shore excursions can be booked prior to sailing, and open up 97 to 60 days from departure, depending on what level of stateroom you choose. Shore excursions have not yet been released for these itineraries, but will likely include a range of cultural and wildlife outings to places like the Hubbard Glacier, Russian Bishop's House, and Tongass National Forest.
If you'd like to spend more time in Alaska before or after your cruise, Viking Ocean offers several hotel and land package options both before and after sailings. Spend a few nights in Vancouver before you sail away, or explore the Canadian Rockies with a 7-night trip through Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks and Vancouver. You can also spend a few nights in Anchorage after your cruise, or head to Denali National Park for a 5-night post-cruise stay that includes accommodations, eight meals, four guided excursions, and all transfers.
Viking Ocean Cruises offers destination-focused dining, using ingredients and recipes from the places you visit. As part of your cruise fare, all onboard meals are included, as is beer and wine with lunch and dinner. The Restaurant acts as Viking's main dining venue, serving three meals a day that feature a mix of regional favorites and American classics cooked with locally-sourced ingredients. At The Chef's Table, you can enjoy a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings developed by sommeliers and culinary experts.
For upscale comfort food, head to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, serving Tuscan and Roman cuisine. For a lively, buffet-style meal, the World Cafe boasts several stations, including a deli, pasta or wok station, sushi bar, dessert table, and more. The open-kitchen layout means you can watch chefs prepare your food in real time.
It wouldn't be a proper cruise without afternoon tea, and Viking Ocean's Wintergarden is the perfect spot to enjoy freshly-prepared finger sandwiches, scones, tea, and desserts in a serene park-like setting. Of course, room service is also always an option, whether you'd like breakfast in bed or a midnight snack. The Pool Grill offers another casual dining experience, with light meals and cocktails available to order.
For a truly immersive culinary experience, The Kitchen Table offers onboard cooking classes led by world-class chefs. Take some of your favorite recipes home to continue the fun from land
While onboard a Viking Oceans Cruise to Alaska, guests can enjoy a number of enriching entertainment options. Designed as a "thinking person's cruise," Viking Oceans voyages are ideal for those looking to learn about the history, culture, and art of the destinations visited. Experts in a variety of fields come onboard as part of Viking's Culture Curriculum to host informative talks and "office hours" for one-on-one conversations with guests. Viking Cruises also partners with TED, screening inspiring and educational TED Talks in the theater and in staterooms. Culinary opportunities like wine tastings and cooking classes are offered on most cruises, and folkloric shows and musicians perform onboard regularly. Along with these cerebral activities, guests can relax in the LivNordic Spa or exercise in the fitness center while onboard.
Viking Oceans does not have a dedicated children's program or specific children's facilities onboard its ships. Guests must be the age of 18 on or before the day of embarkation to be allowed to travel on a Viking cruise.
Once you complete your first cruise with Viking Oceans, you will be enrolled in the Viking Explorer Society. Members of this society receive benefits on future travels, (including a credit on your next trip), access to members-only cocktail parties on future voyages, and referral rewards. After three trips, guests begin to earn premium tier benefits, including free onboard upgrades and complimentary Viking Air Plus services. Let your Cruise Specialist know if you are an Explorer Society member at the time of booking.
Viking Ocean Cruises welcomes guests with disabilities onboard, though not all services and shore excursions may be available. The Viking Orion features elevators throughout the ship and two ADA-approved accessible cabins. These rooms are penthouse junior suites with balconies, though the room configuration varies. Guests must bring their own collapsible wheelchairs onboard; motorized scooters are not allowed. Guests who need regular assistance throughout the cruise must travel with a physically-able companion. Contact a Cruise Specialist for more information regarding accessibility onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise to Alaska.