"Sailing toward the unknown is the truest adventure one can experience."
I recently booked a cruise for clients on Viking Cruises. After learning more by taking their course on "Becoming a Certified Viking Cruise Expert", I wanted to share some of the amazing things I learned and why I would choose Viking over any other cruise line.
History
Centuries ago, the birth of the Viking Age gave rise to the Norwegian tradition of exploration. Today, Viking proudly carries on this tradition, providing a glimpse into the spirit of Norway with elegant ships built for discovery.
Founded in 1997, Viking was voted the world’s best cruise line (river and ocean) by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure repeatedly throughout the years.
The World of Viking includes 7 Continents, 85+ countries, 5 Oceans, 21 Rivers 5 Great Lakes, 100+ ships and over 500 Ports!
River Longboat in Germany
Types of Cruises
There are 3 types of cruises: Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions. River Cruises feature intimate river vessels (known as Viking Longships with 190 guests); All-veranda Ocean ships go to popular spots and seldom-visited small ports that are out of reach for mega liners (with only 930 passengers), Polar Class Expedition Vessels (378 guests) are small enough to navigate remote polar regions and canals and offer stability in rougher waters. Additionally, they own their own docks in some ports, which begets priority docking over other lines. And with their large guest areas with expansive windows the ships maximize views and surroundings for all guests.
Ocean Cruise in Sydney, Australia
Environmental
Viking is also committed to responsible travel. They encourage guests to increase the economic impact of the ports they visit. Their boats take into account, not only the latest in technology, but also the environmental impact they will have. They have measures in place to reduce the environmental footprint and reduce environmental impact on local communities and landscapes.
Expedition - Antarctica
Interior
The ships also provide unprecedented levels of comfort, including spacious staterooms with full-size verandas and the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. They offer a variety of stateroom choices, from the deluxe comfort of spacious Veranda and French Balcony Staterooms to Veranda and Explorer Suites.
While other cruise lines call one large room a “suite,” Viking Longships offer river cruising’s first-ever true suites, each with two full-size rooms. These spaces are among the largest suites on Europe’s rivers and provide commanding views, making the innovative Viking Longships the most desirable way to see Europe’s great waterways.
Penthouse Jr. Suite Ocean
Destination-Focused Dining
Regional cuisine is always available as well as the classics and they offer the most al fresco dining on Europe’s waterways. The ship’s highly trained chefs are passionate about food and committed to providing an enriching culinary experience. With flavors accented from an onboard herb garden and a wide selection of regional wines, you will find that with Viking, dining is part of the journey.
The Restaurant - Ocean
Unparalleled Service
Rigorous training and inspiring leadership make Viking the employer of choice, allowing them to select the very best people to care for you. The highly experienced management handpicks each member of the onboard team.
Viking has the most loyal staff in the industry, and with over 90% returning year after year, you can expect the same quality service every time. Staff are trained at the corporate location in Bergen, Switzerland, are all English speaking and are not contracted from an agency like other cruise lines.
Herb Garden - River
On board experiences and Cultural/Historical experiences
The focus of every journey is on destination and cultural enrichment for the “thinking person”.
Onboard enrichment includes guest lectures, local entertainment, craft/cooking demos, regional musicians, destination insights on Viking TV and a curated library to explore.
Offboard you may enjoy a local spa experience or dine with a family in the Dutch countryside. In short, Viking offers privileged access that other companies don’t have with both historical and cultural experiences. These include “working world” experiences – see an oyster farm at work in Croatia or visit a vineyard and wine cellar in Italy. Every detail on board a Viking ship is designed to enrich and enhance your travel experience, helping you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultures you are visiting. Viking helps you connect to your destination in every possible way.
The Viking Way of exploration takes you deeper, offering behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities. While the expected and iconic experiences are included, such as visits to renowned museums and notable landmarks, Local Life, Working World and optional Privileged Access experiences are also available in places otherwise difficult to visit.
Aquavit Terrace - River
What is included:
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Staterooms Include (All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships)
Outside staterooms with river view
Bottled water replenished daily
Voltage: 220V & 110V (US outlet), plus USB ports
Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration
All Upper & Middle Deck staterooms have a full veranda or French balcony (a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
Private bathroom with shower; heated floor & anti-fog mirror; premium Freyja toiletries; robes & slippers (upon request)
40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
Telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & individual climate control
Budapest - River cruise
What Viking is not:
No casinos
No children under 18
No umbrella drinks
No photography sales
No art auctions
No charge for beer & wine with lunch & dinner
No charge for alternative restaurants
No charge for Wi-Fi
No charge for use of launderettes
No entrance fee for The Spa
No spa sales pressure
No inside staterooms
No smoking
No waiting in lines
No formal nights, butlers or white gloves
No nickel and diming
London, England - Ocean
Voyages
There are many voyages to choose from with one of the newest voyages includes travel to 36 countries in 180 days!
So, whether you want a cruise through the Mississippi River, the Mediterranean or Antarctica, Viking is the most spectacular choice for cruising.
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