Viking Orion reviewed by: Kathy Fossati

Date: 2 March 2023

Cruise line and ship: Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Orion

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

Godmother: Retired NASA astronaut Anna Fisher, the first mother in space is “godmother” of Orion – one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky and can be used to find the North Star, which interestingly early explorers relied on to navigate the seas.

Main features/highlights: 

Viking Ocean Cruises launched its first ocean ship in 2015 and based it on Viking’s river cruise line experience. Everything is included such as food, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, wifi, drinks in your fridge (what will depend on your stateroom category) and specialty restaurants. With 10 decks (and even a promenade deck which is almost unheard of these days) there are no casinos, they won’t try to sell you artwork or jewellery by the chain, no photographer and no children.

The elegant Scandinavian interior design makes you feel immediately at ease in the light and airy environment. Of particular note is the hot tub and infinity pool at the stern of the ship – possibly the best place on the ship to enjoy a sunset. Another highlight is the central pool with a retractable roof permitting all season swimming. This area offers headphones so you are never overwhelmed by a noisy pool deck. It’s these thoughtful features that reflect how well you are looked after while you are onboard.

Most suited to:

Curious travellers who love to explore – Viking is often referred to as ‘the thinking person’s cruise line’. These are smaller ships so they can access less visited ports and often stay longer which is ideal for those wanting to explore a destination in more depth.

Atmosphere:

Viking Orion is relaxed and friendly. The Norwegian heritage of the ship is evident with the light wood grains throughout that show their natural beauty. The colourful textiles including tiles, rugs and tapestries recall the patterns of early Norwegian artists and craftsmen.

Subtle accents of leather handrails and touches of slate and teak express warmth and character. There are no formal nights or times when you have to wear a jacket. So relax – you are on holiday!

Staterooms:

Guests on Viking Orion can choose from five stateroom categories. All staterooms feature a king sized bed, verandah, heated bathroom floors and a large shower. The lead in Verandah and Deluxe Verandah staterooms are 25m² making them quite spacious. Once you step outside your cabin, all guests are treated equally. For example, there are no ‘suite only’ restaurants or relaxation areas.

Each stateroom is equipped with a mini-bar that is stocked at the very least with snacks and mixers and you are free to bring as much alcohol onboard as you like, but do remember beer and wine are included at lunch and dinner.

The higher end categories also include coffee-making facilities in the rooms, which, designed by famous designer, Richard Riveire, really do feel more like hotel suites than ship’s cabins.

Dining:

There are ten onboard dining options on Viking Orion and many are alfresco.

The Restaurant – fine dining and the largest dining venue on the ship (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

The Chef’s Table – more intimate, degustation meal and wine pairing with each course

The Kitchen Table – in ‘interactive cooking lab’ where you head on a shore tour to the local markets with the Head Chef and come back and learn how to cook incredible locally inspired meals (this tour sells out first and quickly so be sure to book as soon as you board)

Manfredi’s – a stunning Italian restaurant (only open for dinner)

World Café  – the buffet with extensive food offerings (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner)

The Pool Grill – gourmet burgers, salads, hot dogs and sandwiches

Mamsen’s – offering tastings of a Norwegian snack bar and specialties

Aquavit Terrace – sublime alfresco dining at the stern

Wintergarden – a stunning venue on deck 7 for afternoon tea from 4pm to 5pm

Our inspection did not include trying any of the food however the dishes we saw available in the buffet looked delicious!

Bars & Lounges:

There are 5 of these onboard.

The Viking Bar – spread over decks 1 & 2 around the atrium, offers comfortable lounges and is open from morning until midnight.

Torshaven – located on deck 2 has more of an intimate nightclub atmosphere with live entertainment, perfect for the night owls looking for a little more after dinner.

The Pool Bar – can be found on deck 7 mid ship

The Aquavit Bar & Terrace – can be found on deck 7 aft

The Explorers Lounge – deck 7 forward, incredible views to be had from here. Here you can also find a planetarium in the Explorers Dome (only Viking Orion & Viking Jupiter have a planetarium)

Entertainment:

While there are some live shows, Viking focuses on relaxation and destination rather than Broadway style entertainment that you’ll see on larger ships. There are movies on the pool deck, the Star Theatre offering lectures, destination performances including musicians playing local music, a cooking school, and so much artwork to peruse (you can even do a walking tour with headsets!).

You’ll also find a classic duo or a pianist playing the grand piano in the atrium at various times throughout the day.

Afternoon tea is served in the delightful Wintergarden under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood – an homage to Norse mythology and Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.

Activities:

While there is a substantially well-equipped gym, the most beautiful onboard activity is the LivNordic Spa which offers a wide variety of treatments and massages and has a full hair and nail salon. The LivNordic Spa also includes a hydrotherapy pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and snow grotto where flakes of snow actually fall down on you.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you can go into this little room and be surrounded by snow but first you must begin in the sauna or steam room, and by Nordic tradition do this three times over – invigorating! After this, try relaxing on one of the heated relaxation beds – a perfect way to dry off.

Above Deck 8 forward you’ll find the Sun Deck with mini-golf, table tennis, lawn bowling and shuffleboard.

While some shore excursions are included, there is always the option of going further afield depending on your budget.

Family facilities:

All Viking Cruises vessels are adults only.

Inclusions:

Onboard meals, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, government taxes, onboard gratuities, wifi, access to the LivNordic Spa, 24 hour room service, drinks in your stateroom fridge, premium dining reservations and self-service laundry.

Self-service laundry: 

Dry cleaning and laundry services, including pressing, are available for a fee. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry and pressing may be complimentary. A self-service laundry including detergent, irons and ironing boards is free of charge. 

Electric plugs:

You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. All outlets are European style (2 pin) with a ground, except for two US 110V sockets above the desk and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed; there are no Australian 3 pin sockets.