Viking cruises offer an adult-focused experience exclusively for guests 18 and older, creating a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere.
They are elegant small ship sailing with up to 930 guests on ocean cruises and provide access to smaller destination ports that larger ships are unable to.
All-inclusive value, included in Viking’s fares are:
- Shore excursions in every port
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- House wines, beers, and soft drinks with meals
- Specialty dining
- Access to the spa’s thermal suite
This all-inclusive approach eliminates the frustration of hidden fees and allows passengers to relax and enjoy their journey fully. Meanwhile, destination-focused itineraries allow passengers to fully explore and connect deeply with the history and culture of each destination.
TravelManagers Bernadette Andrews stepped onboard to experience what Viking Cruises was all about. She said “Viking Cruises do what they do extremely well. Every guest I spoke with onboard were all repeat Viking travellers…this says it all!”
The Cruise Details
Cruise Itinerary Name: 7-night Queensland Coast, part of the longer 17 Day Komodo & the Australian Coast itinerary
Cruise Ship: Viking Venus
Departing From: I joined the cruise in Cairns, however the original journey began from Bali
Cruising To: Sydney
Ports of Call: Cairns, Townsville, Whitsundays, Newcastle and Sydney
Cabin Booked: Deluxe Verandah (DVS) – Stateroom 3071 on Deck 3
The Check-in process
Guests will receive their Pre-Departure Document Parcel, which includes a leather luggage tag and personalised embarkation tags. The MyVikingJourney.com provides all the information guests may need as the departure date approaches, including pre-booking any optional shore excursions and dining reservations. Check in is done onboard in a smooth and professional manner. Followed by the safety briefing which can be done in person or via the Viking TV in the stateroom.
What it is like onboard
Viking ships are designed for fewer passengers (usually 930 on ocean cruises), ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience compared to mega-cruise lines. The ships feature modern, minimalist, and luxurious designs inspired by Viking heritage, creating a serene and stylish onboard environment.
The elegant Scandinavian design is also extremely comfortable making every chair, seat, couch, bar stool, and beach lounge I sat on super comfy. I especially loved the beautiful table settings, even in the World’s Café which is the buffet style restaurant, making it feel less like a buffet and more like a beautiful yet relaxed dining experience.
THE RELAXATION: What better way to get into holiday mode than by enjoying the sunset sail away from the Infinity pool at the stern of the ship. And if that wasn’t relaxing enough, there’s always The Nordic Spa. With includes a sauna, snow grotto, cold plunge pool (I lasted a minute), hydrotherapy pool & spa, steam room, and heated tile lounges for the ultimate in relaxation.
THE ENTERNAINMENT: We thoroughly enjoyed “Dancing under the stars” one evening where the pool deck was converted into a large dance floor and life band. The music was absolutely amazing with talented singers, and everyone got up dancing under the moonlight and stars.
The dining
Dining aboard Viking Cruises is a journey in itself. The menus reflect the flavors of the regions visited, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an emphasis on authenticity. Guests can enjoy everything from casual alfresco meals to multi-course fine dining, all complemented by a selection of regional wines and beverages.
For a relaxed daytime meal option, my favourite place was the Pool Grill near the main pool area which serviced fresh salads accompanied by a large selection of burgers with chips or onion rings. Mamsen’s is another casual dining experience offering Norwegian specialties including the iconic Mamsens Waffles.
The Wintergarden afternoon tea served daily at 4pm was also a daily highlight with decadent finger sandwiches, scones and yummy desserts, enjoyed while listening to live classical music. For dinner the Italian restaurant Manfredi’s is one of the best, and the chocolate hazelnut panna cotta dessert was so good that I had it both nights, enjoyed with a glass of limoncello.
The Cabin
All staterooms on Vikings have balconies, there’s no inside cabins so every guest has a room with a view. On entry into our stateroom, I noticed all the little touches that Viking do so well, such as all door handles have leather sleeves. The bathroom was spacious and there was so much storage that we had empty drawers. Did I mention the anti-fog mirror in the bathroom! And a full length mirror in the main area. The power outlets are very well appointed, including four USB plugs at the bedside tables.
The service
The onboard service was outstanding and truly delivered on personalised service.
Our stateroom attendant Unray noticed that I was reading some books, therefore placed a couple of Viking Cruises bookmarks on my nightstand, which I love using now as a happy reminder of my trip. Also, there’s no need to wear cruise lanyards, as Viking staff remember you by name. This commitment to excellence creates a warm and welcoming environment that keeps travellers returning to Viking.
The itinerary
This 7-night Queensland Coast, part of the longer 17 Day Komodo & the Australian Coast itinerary. I joined the cruise in Cairns, however the original journey began from Bali and we ended in Sydney.
Tips for your clients
- Viking do what they do very well, however they aren’t for everyone. If your clients love a big & busy cruise with bingo and casinos, this is not for them. You won’t find any cruise ship photographers onboard asking to take your photo at every chance.
- However, if you’re clients are looking for a cruise that gets the balance just right between holidaying, sightseeing, relaxing, cultural experiences, connecting with other like-minded travellers, and returning home feeling relaxed…then a Viking Cruise is for them.
How to book
To book your Viking Cruise, you can contact them directly at the details below. All cruises are commissionable for travel agents
Website for travel agents: https://www.viking.com/travel-advisor
Phone Number: 138 747
Disclosure: Bernadette Andrews cruised as a guest of Viking Cruises. These opinions and words are a true representation of their experience and have not been endorsed.
