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
