Viking Sun reviewed by: Caroline Crossan

Date: 10 February 2018

Cruise line and ship: Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Sun

Size of ship: 227.2 metres in length – 47,800 grt

Passenger capacity: 930

Year built: 2017

Where the ship cruises: Baltic, UK, Mediterranean, Western Caribbean, World

Currency onboard: USD

Main features/highlights: Viking Ocean Cruises launched their first ocean ship in 2015 and based it on Viking’s river cruise line experience. Everything is therefore included such as food, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, one (good) shore excursion in each port, wifi, drinks in your fridge and specialty restaurants. In addition their ships don’t have casinos, they won’t try to sell you artwork, there isn’t a photographer and there are no children onboard.

Viking Sun is the cruise line’s fourth ship and is the first to visit Australian waters. Being only four months old, the ship is gleaming. The elegant Scandinavian interior design means that you feel immediately at ease in the light and airy environment. Of particular note is the cantilevered pool at the stern of the ship featuring a glass wall. So when you swim, you can see off the end of the ship even when underwater! Another highlight is the central pool with retractable roof permitting all season swimming. This area offers the nifty feature of headphones for those who want to watch the movies 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 baby boomers who love to explore. 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 Sun is relaxed and friendly. There are no formal nights or times when you have to wear a jacket. So relax – you are on holiday!

Staterooms: Guests on Viking Sun can choose from five stateroom categories. All staterooms feature a king sized bed, verandah, heated bathroom floors (great for the Baltic!) and large shower. The  toiletries in the shower feature large text so you will never wash yourself with conditioner when you don’t have your glasses on! The less expensive Verandah and Deluxe Verandah staterooms are 25sqm making them quite spacious. Once you step outside your cabin all guests are treated equally. For example, there are no “suite only” restaurants or areas. This culture of equality is driven by Viking’s founder and Chairman, Torstein Hagen.

Dining rooms: There are ten onboard dining options on Viking Sun and many are alfresco. Options include fine dining at The Restaurant, The Chef’s Table which is more intimate and has wine pairing, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant with fresh pastas, World Café (the buffet), two private dining rooms (with 12 seats each at Manfredi’s and Chef’s Table), The Pool Grill for gourmet burgers, Mamsen’s which is like a Norwegian deli, Aquavit Terrace – sublime alfresco dining at the stern, Wintergarden for afternoon tea and in-room dining with 24-hour room service. Our inspection did not include trying any of the food however the dishes we saw available in the buffet looked absolutely delicious!

Entertainment: Viking tends to focus on the destination rather than providing a large amount of entertainment onboard. There are movies on the pool deck and in two dedicated theatres, TED talks – when we were onboard the subject was photography, destination performances including musicians playing local music, a cooking school, and so much artwork to peruse. Afternoon tea is served in the delightful Wintergarden under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood – a homage to Norse mythology and Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.

Activities: The most stunning onboard activity we have to mention is the LivNordic Spa including Sauna and Snow Grotto where flakes of snow descend on you. Even if you are in the middle of the Caribbean, you can go into this little room and be surrounded by snow but first you must begin in the Sauna. Brrrrr but invigorating!

Family facilities: Viking vessels are adults only.

Inclusions: Onboard meals, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, one shore excursion in each port, 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.

Exclusions: Alcohol outside lunch and dinner – the drinks package is US$20 a day, extra spa or hair treatments, purchases at the small shop and some shore excursions.

Self service laundry: Dry cleaning and laundry services, including pressing, are available for a fee.  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.

Insider tips: Watch out for the fire as you enter Mamsen’s. It is actually water vapour lit up as you can’t have a fire onboard!