Embark on an Unforgettable Viking Ocean Journey with me!

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing my first Viking holiday aboard the beautiful Viking Jupiter. Although Viking is well-known for river cruising, I had the opportunity to explore the British Isles aboard one of their luxurious ocean cruises.

The main thing I took away from my Viking Ocean experience is that this is a cruise line that is for explorers. If you want to immerse yourself in the destinations you visit, then Viking is the cruise line for you. With one included shore excursion per port and somewhere new to explore each day, this experience is as much about the destinations as it is about the onboard experience.

On Board Viking Jupiter

Stepping aboard the ship, I was greeted with the three-tier atrium with a Steinway piano at the bottom of the steps that set the tone for the rest of this grand voyage. There was a relaxed luxury feel throughout the ship that really reflects the cruise line’s Scandinavian heritage, with a fantastic amount of space and impressive artwork lining the walls. I stayed in a Deluxe Veranda, which was the perfect size with a built-in wardrobe and a spacious bathroom equipped with heated floors, which was a very welcome touch.

I enjoyed every minute of my time on board and this was definitely increased by the incredible entertainment that is available throughout Viking’s voyages. I enjoyed afternoon tea with the pianist and the singer in Torshavn, who had previously been a semi-finalist on The Voice in the Philippines – Paolo Onesa. The Viking Band were also excellent, performing a variety of different genres to suit everyone’s tastes. I particularly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, which is an exciting experience if, like me, you have a love for cruising! This is subject to availability, so I recommend trying to get booked in advance, if you are interested.

Impeccable Service & Dining

There is an excellent variety of venues and cuisines on board Viking ships from buffet fare to speciality restaurants. I was able to try all of them while on board, and I was impressed with both the quality of the food and the service. Staff were attentive, friendly and quick to get to know you and your preferences.

The highlight for me was the Chef’s Table, a more intimate dining setting, where smaller groups can enjoy a set menu with wine pairings. We enjoyed an Asian experience and were served chilli soft shell crab, red lotus, spiced rack of lamb and the yuzu cheesecake. I also enjoyed the poolside barbecue, where food was served fresh from the grill, followed by a deck party with performances from the entertainment team.

Destination Exploration

Viking Ocean voyages are very much centred around the destinations you visit and while I only voyaged around the British Isles, I found the whole experience enriching and returned with newfound knowledge. Some of my highlights were Belfast, where we visited Belfast Castle and took a drive around the peace walls and the tiny port of Ullapool in the highlands, which was so serene and picturesque. We even saw dolphins here, which was such a memorable moment for me.

Overall, Viking ships offer a small-ship destination-focused experience, with a calm and intimate onboard atmosphere, excellent dining options and evening entertainment.

If you’d like to experience life on board for yourself, we have an incredible selection of offers on Viking Ocean sailings that you won’t want to miss!

If you have any questions about sailing with Viking or would like to know more about what offers are available, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We provide personalised service, alongside our first-hand experiences and offers you won’t find elsewhere. Simply call our Cruise Concierge today on 0808 134 2142.