VIKING OCEAN CRUISE SHIPS ~ DESIGNED FOR PLEASURE​ !

VIKING OCEAN CRUISE SHIPS ARE DESIGNED FOR PLEASURE​

A Space for Every Taste

​What do you expect from a luxury ocean cruise ship?  ​After a long day of touring on land or even a quiet day at sea, you might be seeking an oasis of calm to relax and rejuvenate, or afternoon japanese tea with live music, or a choice of bars with great views to savor the day.  For sure you would want a choice of restaurants, once again with fabulous views, not to mention superb food and service along with an outstanding wine cellar.  And perhaps some after dinner drinks served at your seats with live entertainment featuring talented singers, dancers & musicians, or maybe a feature film with popcorn under the stars, or even a first run film from the privacy of your own stateroom?

We recently cruised with Viking Ocean Cruises for 3 weeks aboard the Viking Star from Barcelona along the Côte d’Azur, around the coast of Italy up to Venice, and then down the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea and onto the Aegean Sea to our final destination of Athens (for more about our cruise, read Viking Ocean Cruises ~ Perfect Ports of Call and Excursions) .  I loved the cruise but I fell in love with the ship.  Just like the Viking Longships on the rivers of the world, Viking’s new elegant Ocean Cruise ships feature superb innovative design and creative use of space to maximize the pleasure factor on board ship as well as interaction among guests.  Plus, you absolutely have to love viewing the passing scenery through the Viking signature floor-to-ceiling windows which also invite plenty of natural daylight into the ship’s interior.  Clearly, Viking puts a great deal of emphasis on the quality, character and function of their nautical architecture.

On board Viking Ocean Cruise ships where the focus is on adults (minors 18-21 must be accompanied by adults), there is a space for every taste, from R & R to cultural enrichment to fun and entertainment.  Although Viking’s motto, “The Thinking Person’s Cruise, is very apropos and gives a nod to the absence of a casino aboard, I would add that the cruise provides as much enjoyment and pleasure as it does cultural and intellectual stimulation.

Let me bring you on board the Viking Star with me to visit the many places and spaces this stunning ship offers to suit your every need, and I’ll tell you my favorites.  For ease of reference, I’ve categorized them by function and referenced them by deck.

Relaxation & Pampering

• Perhaps the most extraordinary and unique space aboard the new Viking Ocean Cruise ships is the very large and luxurious Viking Spa. By no means is the Viking Spa simply a “treatment” center with your typical steam room and sauna.

• Scandinavian-inspired, The Spa invites all guests of the ship, regardless of whether you purchase a treatment or not, to enjoy the delights of relaxing in the hot sauna and then moving into the icy cold snow grotto — with real snow! — then to steam bath  … to cold bucket shower … to the very roomy whirlpool … and finally, the hot tub.  I savored this experience during a day at sea after we had spent 3 days in a row walking extensively around Italy’s great cities … and like magic … the aches and pains I had from climbing to the top of the Campanile in Florence, to going in search for the most inspiring Bernini sculpture in Rome, to scouting for the best pizza in Naples, all vanished.  This Nordic experience which stimulates your circulatory system is definitely in the not-to-be-missed category.

• Another very unique space and a favorite of mine and probably most everybody on board ship is the serene Wintergarden for a soothing cup of tea.  What a fabulous tea menu!  My favorite time to go of course was during Afternoon Tea with live guitar music (Deck 7).  But do try to come with a bit of an appetite at least once while you are on board ship in order to do justice to the delicious tea sandwiches, scones & divine pastries.  Definitely a spot to be pampered.

• If you need a quick rest after a busy day of touring but still don’t want to miss out on the excitement of Deck 7 activities, then crash on one of the many lounge chairs lining the windows and encircling the Main Pool or the Infinity Pool.  One of the staff will surely come to offer you towels, blankets, and whatever you need to be comfortable in order to sink into oblivion – at least for a few moments.  But when your wake up, do try the afternoon treat of house-made sorbet and sparkling wine.  Refreshing!

• Hot Tubs off both the Main pool and the Infinity pool (both on deck 7) are definitely not for sinking into oblivion, but are indeed for soothing tired muscles.  Believe me, I know.  Plus, the Viking Star’s Infinity Pool is one of the first of its kind on the high seas!

• Room Service in your cabin… Stay in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy whenever you want some special time together with your partner.  We did this for a Ted Talk as well as a video of one of our guest lecturers.  Perfect.

 

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