Viking Orion

 

Cruise line and ship: Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Orion – Bali to Sydney

Viking Orion reviewed by: Clive Heath

Date: November 2024

Size of ship: 227.2 metres (745 feet) in length – 47,842 grt

Passenger capacity: 930 (430 crew)

Year built: 2018

Where the ship cruises: Australasia, Alaska, The Americas, the UK, the Mediterranean, Western Caribbean, World

Currency onboard: USD

 

The Ship

Viking Orion holds 900 passengers – mainly on decks 4-6

Premium suites deck 7

No kids no casinos.

Plentiful seating and quiet ‘nooks’ are the features of this ship.

We undertook this cruise mainly to join friends, as we had visited most Australian ports many times prior. 

The ship has a Scandinavian feel in line with its Nod to Norwegian heritage. Lots of wood and soft furnishings with many comfortable places to sit and relax.

 

Embarkation 

Getting on board in Benoa Bali was smooth with no waiting.

Ground staff were friendly and helpful although they needed clarification as to what forms were required to be completed by Australian guests travelling down to Australia.
Approximately 450 guests joined in Bali with a considerable number staying onboard and continuing down to Australia from the US where the cruise originated.

Boarding was from 11am with cabins accessed from 2pm.

Guests were encouraged to mingle on deck 7 at the World cafe and were offered a delightful buffet selection with copious wine served, at 1:45pm the cabins were announced as ready and guests quietly made their way around the ship to unpack.

Those on shore excursions returned around 4pm but it was obvious the ship was not full.  Three days prior a volcano had erupted at Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia with resulting ash plumes that had delayed flights from Australia, some guests missed the ship. A cautionary warning to all passengers to arrive at least 48 hours early to avoid these and other such mishaps.

The Cabins

Our cabin was a Deluxe Verandah on deck 5. The majority of cabins are Deluxe Verandah on decks 4 to 6.

Probably the smallest cabin we had ever experienced at 21sq metres however it swallowed 3 suitcases so had ample drawers and hanging storage. You did need a one way system when both were in the cabin together however.

The bed and seating were comfortable enough but entertaining in your cabin is not an option. The bathroom was larger than most and well equipped with Freyja toiletries. 

The room contained a fridge which was refreshed daily with soft drinks and snacks. Cabin attendant service was excellent, with service twice daily at a minimum but our steward was always on call.

There were many USB ports and plugs evident around the cabin for those with multiple devices. Wifi was fine for emails and news and was included free of charge. TV reception was hit and miss but also featured the usual deck plans, itinerary and some good movies on demand.

 

Around the ship

Seating around the ship was extensive with many comfortable lounges and bars, nooks and crannies to sit comfortably, read or watch the sea go by. Automated game tables for card games, scrabble and jigsaw puzzles were all located off of the main deck thoroughfare rather than in separate game rooms.

 An extensive range of books can be found in both the Explorers Lounge and also on Deck 1. The Explorers lounge forward Deck 7 was a favourite for evening cocktails, never crowded, the lounge featured music from resident guitarist Paolo each evening at 6pm. 

Staff service was excellent. No need to queue at the bar on this ship.

 The Silver beverage package is available as wine is only included with restaurant meals, if you enjoy a drink or two outside those times it may be worth purchasing it.

The ship has adequate elevators with never a wait of more than 20 seconds!These were the best by far on any ship we have been on of this size. We did however use the stairs to attempt to compensate for food consumption!

Decks 8/9 featured sports including Baggo and putting. The main walking/jogging track and a fully equipped gym and spa were on deck 2. One small area on deck 8 outside allowed smoking.

Outdoor areas included a partially covered heated pool midship deck 7.  A sliding roof makes this area useable in cold weather but becomes over hot in the southern hemisphere. An infinity pool is located on deck 7 at the rear of the cafe. 

Both areas had ample sun beds and seating for casual meals.

Deck 1 & 2 featured seating with large lounges and Atrium space for evening classical music, snacks, coffee or drinks at the bar, internet facilities and the Guests Relations desks were also located on deck 1. At no time during our cruise was there a line waiting to gain access to the guest relations staff. 

The Star Theatre forward, featured guest lectures from various experts and daily movies, but no real ‘shows’ to speak of that are common on larger vessels. 

Also absent are staff theatrics such as champagne pouring or cocktail exhibitions by the bar tenders anywhere around the ship. Fits nicely with the low-key atmosphere.

The Torhaven bar on deck 2 provided the only real nightclub venue with various music artists performing from 9pm. Lots of nice booths to sit in an intimate music scene.

All staff were friendly, keen to please and had guest names and their favourite drinks pegged by day three.

Dining

Dining options included The Restaurant, and the main dining room, no reservation required. 

Manfredi’s (Italian) and Chefs Table were listed as premium restaurants. No supplement but reservations are required.

The menu at The Restaurant changed daily with excellent options for all tastes supported by a fixed menu of popular choices such as Caesar salad, fresh fish or steak with many vegetarian options.

Selected wines were served with lunch and dinner however those on the silver beverage package could choose from a more extensive wine list including anything up to $18 per glass, this included pre-dinner cocktails in the various lounges. 

Full Wine Bottles could be ordered for a supplement of around $30 extra per bottle. Some wines were of a basic level ($9 bottle in Australia) which was a little disappointing.

Premier dining venues Manfredi’s Italian and Chef’s table, both required reservations.

Reservations opened around 90 days prior to sailing (check the website/app) and were heavily sort after. No charge is levelled for these premium venues but bookings are essential. 

Menus changed daily and the food was exceptional in line with any premium cruise line.

Daily menus for all restaurants can be found on touch screens located next to the lifts.

 A nice touch for forward planning!

Tip: If the premium restaurant you want is booked out online or via the app see the reception team on deck 7 at the World Cafe who will advise of cancellations and slot you in wherever possible.

More casual dining venues included The World cafe with full buffet options and The Explorer’s lounge for open Norwegian sandwiches as well as the pool bar for burgers and snacks.

24 hour Room service is also offered.

The World Cafe had various feature buffets on sea days depending on the area travelled including Asian seafood, Australian BBQ and Italian pasta.

Dress code during the day was casual, at night however men are required to wear long pants and a collared shirt a ruling that was mostly observed. 

This was generally enforced as gentlemen arriving in shorts were asked to change. A good sign.

Ladies ranged from full dress-up with sparkles to casual slacks, you can really wear whatever you want at night but staff seem to appreciate and comment when guests make an effort to dress at the more formal dining venues.

Jackets were optional and not required at any restaurant. 

Touring

A shore tour was included in each port which again must be pre-booked via the Viking app. They are released early to past passengers and some departures were full quickly. Download the app after your initial booking and you will receive messages when reservations for various restaurants and shore tours open. 

Tours are usually by coach using a whisper headset sound system for ease of guidance.

The highlight tours for us were Thursday and the Horn Islands at the northern tip of Australia. These are rarely visited Islands and were unique as was Komodo Island, home of the Komodo Dragons. We were on the last group to go ashore that day and saw many dragons. Earlier groups however were disappointed. Wild animals do not always behave to order.

 

Overall

This is a calm and relaxed product, with no hard sell, there are three shops onboard on deck 1 but certainly they are not a feature with no ‘sales’ days or promotions. 

Guest ages ranged widely and were predominantly couples or friends travelling together. 

Our cruise originated in the US so probably 50% were Americans many staying on to complete the last leg around New Zealand before the ship finally headed north again. 

The rest were either from the UK or Australia.

 

Suited to?

This ship would really suit guests wanting a premium but relaxed experience on a larger ship without noise or crowds or big entertainment. 

Price wise it sits near the top end of cruise fares but has many free inclusions.

Food was a highlight.

 

Minus points?

Not many, cabin size if you like spending time in your cabin or balcony.

Room service needed some focus.

No real shows or entertainment common on most larger ships.

 

Plus points?

Staff, is probably the best we have found on any cruise. 

All food outside room service was exceptional.

Comprehensive lectures and port talks were popular with full Theatres for most.

Places to go without crowds or queuing.

Organisation overall. 

This was a well-oiled machine!

Our verdict 8+/10

Ponant Le Laperouse – The Kimberley

Reviewed by: TIna Wheelock

Date: September 2024

Cruise line and ship: Ponant Le Laperouse

Size of ship: 430ft /131 metres

Guest Staterooms: 92 cabins

Passenger Capacity: 184

Year built: December 2017

Currency onboard: Euro

Arriving into Broome a few days prior to departure is a must before embarking on Ponant’s Kimberley Cruise to enjoy the famous sunsets that this part of Australia is renowned for. A note for those who have not Cruised from Broome before.  Broome is a closed port and therefore all guests who are sailing with Ponant are transferred from the Mangrove Hotel on the day of embarkation to the ship.

We were blessed with fine weather on the day of boarding on 21 September 2024 and from the moment we saw the ship we knew we were going to have a very special adventure and this was certainly the case. 

We were checked in within minutes and then assisted to our cabin by the crew then greeted in the main lounge shortly afterward with a glass of French Champagne and a chance to meet our fellow travellers.

CABINS

We stayed in the PR5 Prestige stateroom which had a lovely private balcony, and modern facilities with a separate toilet to the bathroom. 

Other facilities

  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower
  • Mini-bar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery
  • Ipod players
  • Video on demand
  • Safe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • French bath products
  • 24 hr room service
  • Internet access wifi
    Location: Deck 5
    Occupancy:
    Can accommodate up to 2 guests in this particular cabin
    Size:204 sq ft sq ft*
    Balcony 43 sq ft sq ft*

This was the last sailing for Le Laperouse in the Kimberley Region for the season as we are coming into the Wet season from October. The best time to sail is from May until September. We experienced lovely weather for the duration of the Cruise. As the region had not seen any rain in 6 months the Mitchell Falls and King George Falls were not running but the scenery was simply breathtaking.

We had just 80 passengers onboard this sailing with 130 staff onboard so we felt very spoilt and it was a lovely intimate experience therefore many of the shows were hosted in the Main Lounge on Deck 3 which was a nice and personal touch. We did have a main show called “Pop’Era” ( Opera and Pop) in the theatre on Deck 3 which was an excellent production.

We had a varied group of Naturalists onboard from France, Australia, The Seychelles and South Africa to name a few with varied experitise in their chosen fields. They also hosted lectures several times a day in the theatre as well as provided a wealth of information whilst navigating us on the zodiac tours through the Kimberley. 

They were a real highlight and a credit to Ponant as their enthusiasm and knowledge made for a very enjoyable experience.

A typical day onboard was a 1-2hr Zodiac ride after breakfast then back for a swim and relax by the pool before an alfresco lunch poolside which was always a treat from an expansive Sushi lunch, BBQ, Seafood feast as well as the usual menu items as well as a fully stocked salad buffet and soup of the day. 

After lunch a lecture ( or a snooze is required) followed by another zodiac adventure or landing and tours.

Back to the ship in the afternoon for live music, afternoon drinks, a lecture and a debrief of the day’s events then up to ready ourselves for dinner before meeting with fellow travellers for pre-dinner drinks ( yes more drinks), dinner and more live music or a show.

We found that you can choose to have plenty to entertain yourselves each day on the ship or if you prefer just to relax and take in the incredible scenery.

It was hard to come back to reality when arriving back to civilisation (Darwin) as we had spent 11 blissful days in our ‘Ponant bubble’ and barely saw other people or boats on our travels only the amazing marine life and dramatic scenery.

The highlight was on the last day in King George Falls where we saw Sharks (including a large Hammerhead), Crocodiles, Green sea Turtles and an abundance of bird life –  the highlight was a herd of Dugongs that came right up to our zodiac!

This Cruise is a MUST do once in a lifetime. It is hard to believe we have such incredible beauty here in Australia and the most amazing History. We were able to view Aboriginal Artwork that dates back over 15,0000 years – the oldest living civilization in the world.

 

WHAT TO BRING:

An adaptor

Binoculars

Plenty of suncream

A wide-brimmed Hat ( see Husband above)

Lightweight linen long sleeve shirts for the zodiac tours

Reef shoes

Wet bags

 

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Water bottles as they were provided as a gift from Ponant

Towels ( all provided)

Shampoo and Conditioner

Hair dryer

 

If you’d like to learn more about life onboard Le Laperouse we invite you to explore HERE

Cunard’s Queen Anne

Reviewed by: Meg Hill

Date: May 2024

Cruise line and ship: Cunard’s Queen Anne

Size of ship: 113,000 gross tons

Passenger capacity: 3000

Year built (refurbed): 2024

Currency onboard: USD

Where the ship cruises: The UK, Europe and an annual World voyage at the beginning of each year. Queen Anne’s maiden visit to Australia will be in February 2025.

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Most suited to: Ocean cruise lovers who appreciate the traditions of cruising such as dressing up for dinner and enjoying the spectacle of High Tea each afternoon or the sights and sounds of the big band and ballroom dancing by night in the Queens Room.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Process: The cruise terminals at Southampton are well set up to cater to the Cunard ships calling on a regular basis so getting on and off the ship was smooth, easy and efficient. Our bags arrived at the cabin in good time too. 

Atmosphere: Queen Anne has a fresh contemporary style but with a distinct nod to the art deco era evident throughout. This is felt as soon as you step into the Grand Lobby on Deck 2.

A wide and elegant staircase winds up to the two decks above, with wooden hand railings and striking royal blue, red and gold carpeting. On the wall behind, also spanning three decks, is a magnificent brass mural depicting three different nautical scenes that change, depending on the angle you view them from.

There are striking artworks, glass, brass and art deco furnishings and light fittings throughout the ship, yet it also stays true to the traditions of the Cunard brand.

Dining Options: From the grand two storey Britannia Restaurant to the traditional Golden Lion pub and the Artisans’ Foodhall, there are so many dining options included.

Alternatively, you may choose to treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of several specialty restaurants including Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse and Grill, Tramonto’s Mediterranean flavours, Aji Wa offering a fresh take on Japanese cuisine and Aranya serving a delicious selection of Indian dishes.

Entertainment: From West End style shows in the Royal Court Theatre to big band music in the Queens Room and live music at the many bars around the ship, you’ll be spoilt for entertainment options. We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the Commodore Club, danced by the pool in The Pavilion and then enjoyed an energetic live music performance in the Queens Room as others went on for a flutter in the Casino.

Onboard Activities: Queen Anne has two outdoor swimming pools, both with whirlpools, as well as an extensive and well equipped fitness centre and spa area with thermal pool and heated tile loungers.

True to Cunard tradition, you can also walk the full length of the ship outdoors on the Promenade (Deck 3). Unique to Queen Anne though, is the Pavilion Wellness Studio, an extensive indoor/outdoor area offering yoga and circuit classes with the ocean as a stunning and ever changing backdrop.

If you’re a reader like me, you’ll love the library with its large windows offering ‘a window on the world’, together with quiet reading nooks and an extensive collection of books.

Staterooms: When it’s time to rest your head, whether in a Britannia or Club cabin or the elegant Grill Suite accommodation, you’ll find all the comforts of home plus a nightly turndown service. My Britannia Balcony cabin was well sized for two, with ample cupboard and wardrobe hanging space.

A cosy two seat sofa overlooked the balcony and ocean beyond, through a floor to ceiling glass panel and door. Soft robes and Penhaligon toiletries complemented the compact but functional bathroom.

Favourite Experiences on the Ship: Live entertainment in the Queens Room, a delicious Engligh pub lunch and ale in the Golden Lion pub, with surprise touches such as the Cunard logo lightly burnt into the top of my burger bun, and sampling Cunard’s 4 Queens gins that have been specially crafted for Cunard by a boutique gin distiller in Edinburgh.

Families: Cunard Line is more suited to couples and singles than families with younger children. Whilst there is a small indoor/outdoor kid’s club area known as The Zone onboard Queen Anne, the ship does not really cater to children. 

Self-Service Laundry: As you might expect onboard Cunard, you’ll find self-service laundries with washing machines, dryers and an ironing board and iron on most accommodation decks.

Uniqueness: As the first new ship to join the Cunard fleet since 2010, Queen Anne is a welcome and long awaited addition. She brings a freshness and distinct art deco style whilst still retaining many of the Cunard traditions. For those who love a larger ship experience with lots of choice for dining, onboard entertainment and activities, Queen Anne is a great option. 

Heritage Expeditions

Reviewed by: Yula Geredov

Sailed to: Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Date: August 2024

Cruise line and ship: Heritage Expeditions onboard Heritage Explorer

Size of ship: 30m

Passenger capacity: 18 passengers

Year built (refurbed): 2004

Currency onboard: NZD

Where the ship cruises: New Zealand

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Most suited to: Travellers who enjoy discovering little known and remote areas of New Zealand. Those who are ready to delve deeper into nature and regions that are not included on most New Zealand itineraries. Travellers who are active, adventurous and spirited! Those who enjoy a small ship experience with only 18 guests onboard.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Process: Depending on the itinerary chosen, some areas are only accessible by helicopter. Heritage Expeditions works closely with a dedicated Heli company and include the heli arrival and departure transfers into the itinerary as a smooth and hassle-free process.

Atmosphere: Onboard the atmosphere is relaxed, casual and friendly.  

Staterooms: The cabins are well appointed with a comfortable bed, cupboard for storage and an en-suite bathroom & shower, a wonderful addition to expedition cruising for a small vessel. Bedding varies between Double, Twin, Single and one bunk style cabin. Cabins have a porthole or window pending on the deck chosen. None of the cabin windows can be opened. Individual A/C units allow you to adjust the temperature that is suitable for your enjoyment in your cabin.

Dining Options & Service: Guests dine together in one sitting as there are only a maximum of 18 guests onboard. Dining is a casual affair. The service is attentive and meal options are provided to cater for dietary requirements.

Entertainment: The entertainment is the incredible nature surrounding you during your journey.

Onboard Activities: conversations with your fellow travellers and destination lectures

Favourite Experiences on the Ship: Zodiac outings, afternoon wine and cheese board grazers while reminiscing on the days’ adventures with fellow travellers and expedition crew.

Families: Not suitable for small children as there is no entertainment or child friendly activities/facilities on board. 

Self-Service Laundry: N/A

Uniqueness: Due to the size of the ship, the itineraries include wonderfully remote places not accessible by larger ships or even coach tours in New Zealand. Being surrounded by breathtaking nature and venturing out on the zodiacs makes this a unique experience.

Princess Cruises – Sun Princess

Reviewed by: Malcolm Leyland

Date: April 2024

Cruise line and ship: Princess Cruises – Sun Princess

Size of ship: 177,882

Guest Staterooms: 2,157 – featuring 80 suites

Passenger Capacity: 4,300

Year built: launched February 2024

Currency onboard: Unless noted, onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. However, on select Australian-based itineraries, the onboard currency is in Australian dollars.

Stepping aboard the brand new Sun Princess, I knew this was going to be a special trip. From the moment my feet landed on the deck I could see the ship was a marvel of modern design and there was a lot to explore.

The Piazza, with its three-storey LED screens that moved to change the space, had natural light that engulfed a space full of bustling activity and memorable views out to the water. The new Sphere Class vessel was immediately showing a new direction for ship design from Princess.

During a quick stop in the cabin for a much needed refresh, I was again surprised by all the touches that Princess included. Easy to reach USB sockets, automatic night lighting, light and bright colours and glass shower screens. Not to forget the amazing medallion that unlocks your door as you approach…that never gets old!

We went behind the scenes to see how it all comes to life and had a bridge tour from the Captain himself. Our first day began as a relaxing sea day, with a leisurely exploration of the ship’s many nooks and crannies.
The Sun Princess is a true marvel, boasting an array of amenities that cater to every whim and fancy. From the expansive pool decks that offer amazing ocean views to the tranquil Lotus Spa where relaxation reigns supreme, every corner of this ship is designed to delight.

I couldn’t help noticing that so much natural light was flowing into the ship, illuminating an already bright decor. I truly felt a connection to the ocean, even from within.
We made stops in Corfu, Bar, Mykonos, Santorini and Naples with every port offering up a huge array of things to do. The Sun Princess really stood out in these ports and could be seen from very far away.

On our departure in Bar, Montenegro, a huge group of locals came out to farewell the ship and our captain didn’t disappoint them, playing the Love Boat theme through the ships horn. This was met with huge cheers and waves for what was a really special moment for us and them!

It would be wrong of me to not mention the incredible food found onboard Sun Princess. From breakfast in the cabin, or breakfast to go, to sit down and relaxing to eat, nothing was too hard. Not one of the meals was amiss.

The main dining room occupies three-storeys and offers some fantastic views of the ocean. The top level runs as an American-style Diner that proved to be very popular and absolutely delicious, whilst the other 2 levels were for more traditional dining options.

I was able to try casual dining options with Alfredos and O’Malley’s Pub, both of which were exceptional. Each restaurant charges a small $15USD cover charge for 3 courses, included with Princess Premier and 2 seatings with Princess Plus.

All the usual Princess offerings are found onboard as well, combining all the new experiences with the tried and tested with over 30 options to choose from! I was also extremely lucky to be able to tour the galley whilst onboard and very impressed at how so much of the food onboard is made from scratch. The technology to keep the food fresh and the temperature just right was also mind boggling. Princess have spared no expense to ensure their guests have the best quality meals and keep food waste to a minimum.

A cruise ship wouldn’t be a cruise ship without a vast array of speciality dining options and Sun Princess was fully loaded in this department. New to the ship and in collaboration with Magic Castle, Spellbound combines a dining experience and magic show that hasn’t been seen before on a cruise ship.

After a themed three-course meal, we were whisked away behind a secret door in the main atrium. Beyond this door we were treated to all sorts of magical surprises a plenty and left wondering – just how did that happen? Not to forget some truly incredible, one-of-a-kind crafted cocktails too! A truly unique experience and not something I would have expected onboard a cruise ship.

Later in the cruise our group also experienced Umai Teppenyaki which, like Spellbound, is new to Princess. While dinner was incredible, the standout was our chef, putting on a great show for all of us, full of laughs and memories that are long lasting.

The entertainment onboard was another highlight. From Broadway-style shows to dazzling acrobatic displays in the Dome, there was never a dull moment. Of particular standout were the nightly live performances in O’Malley’s that had everyone jigging along. On another night, we laughed until our sides ached at a hilarious comedy act. Each performance was top-notch, showcasing incredible talent and leaving us wanting more.

One of the most heart warming aspects of our cruise was the exceptional service. The crew members were not just staff, but part of the family, always ready with a smile and eager to ensure our experience was perfect.

Their genuine warmth and attention to detail made us feel pampered and cared for every step of the way. Princess really turned it on during this cruise and I really felt I could have been on a 700 passenger cruise ship, not one with more than 4,000. My room steward had even noticed I had forgotten to put my coffee order in before going to sleep and had made sure it was delivered right on time.

As our journey on the Sun Princess came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. The cruise had been a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments, offering a gateway to a world of wonder and delight.

Every aspect of this cruise was designed to captivate and enchant. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, excitement and a touch of magic, Sun Princess is the perfect choice.

Link to Bridge Tour video – https://youtu.be/bZau-dSz_RE