Viking Ocean Cruise: Review
This summer, I sailed with Viking, one of the world’s leading exploration companies, on their new Viking Mars ocean cruise ship. The Viking Mars, launched in May 2022, is considered a small ship, carrying 930 passengers. Our cruise itinerary was the Viking Homelands, tracing the roots of the Vikings, which is notable as Viking celebrates its 26th anniversary this year.
Viking Mars in Stockholm harbour
It was my first ocean cruise, although I have sailed with Viking on a Longship a few years ago on the Danube river and had a fabulous experience. I will preface this review with a spoiler by sharing that I thoroughly enjoyed my ocean cruise with Viking.
Viking’s Viking Homelands Itinerary:
The Viking Homelands cruise itinerary is 15 days and sails from Stockholm, Sweden to Bergen, Norway (6 countries). I boarded the ship in Stockholm, Sweden where we set sail on the Baltic Sea.
Ports of call for this itinerary include:
- Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands (Finland)
- Gdańsk, Poland
- Rønne, Bornholm, Denmark
- Warnemünde, Germany
- Copenhagen and Ålborg, Denmark
- Oslo, Stavanger, Eidfjord and Bergen, Norway
In Germany, passengers took a train to Berlin (or other closer locations) for the day.
I was on the Segment #1 of the itinerary and disembarked in Warnemünde and travelled by train to Berlin for a night.
*Graphic courtesy of Viking
Viking Mars in Stockholm harbour, rear view. It is considered a small ship.
Embarking Made Easy
When I arrived at the Viking Mars ship in Stockholm, there were tables set up on the pier where several Viking staff helped me check-in and to through security. It was quick and easy. We were all welcomed aboard with a glass of champagne by friendly Viking staff, followed by a demonstration of how to put on a life jacket. Then I watched a safety video in my stateroom, as required of all guests. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I quickly got into the groove.
Prior to boarding, I had downloaded the Viking Voyager app and, once on the ship, I could use it to book excursions and make dining reservations. It was handy.
Me, on an open deck on the Mars with Warnemünde, Germany in the background
Staterooms, Modern and Comfortable Accommodations
My stateroom was the Deluxe Veranda, modern and spacious with sliding glass doors that lead to a balcony with a table and two chairs – and an awesome view of the Baltic Sea. There are no interior staterooms on Viking ships. My bed was comfortable. There was a desk and two armchairs, a telephone and wifi. The bathroom had heated floors (loved it) and the shower had good water pressure. The closet has enough space to hold clothes for two people. There were bathrobes, slippers, a safe, a flat screen TV, and decent toiletries such as individual bottles of shampoo and conditioner. And there were enough outlets to charge a cell phone and other electronics.
On the wall is art created by children from China who are involved in a charity linked to Viking’s owner.
The only drawback was that the pillows are a bit too soft. Overall, the accommodations were excellent.
As well, there are laundry services should you need them (so pack light). You can either use the free self-serve laundry room (just beware that many others may be using the room as well), or you can utilize Viking’s laundry services whereby they pick up laundry in your room and deliver back to you the next day for a fee.
Baltic Sea view from my stateroom
Culinary and Dining Options
Manfredi’s restaurant
There are several restaurants onboard the Viking Mars, including: The World Café, that is casual and offers a buffet with international and healthy foods, and all-day coffee and tea; the ship’s main restaurant, The Restaurant, that is also casual with no reservations required; Manfredi’s, a fine Italian restaurant that requires reservations and has a private dining room for events; and The Chef’s Table, a speciality restaurant geared to prefix meals and wine pairing experiences. There are also bars where you can order drinks, coffee and snacks.
There is no “formal dining” on the ship, which may be a relief to many travellers. However, casual elegance is the preferred dress code for restaurants.
Something I was really impressed by is the way Viking assists passengers with dietary restrictions, such as diabetics, gluten-free and vegans. There are plenty of food options for people with diet restrictions. Since I am a vegetarian (for more than 30 years), a staff member was dedicated to assisting me during my time on the ship. They called me in my stateroom when I boarded to go over my dietary needs and there was someone at the restaurant who was assigned to my table to ensure I received what I needed. Also, The Restaurant has a vegan menu with a range of food options that I could choose and submit a form in advance of my dinner. It made a huge difference for a great dining experience, as it can be challenging travelling the world as a vegetarian.
The Kitchen Table is the only restaurant with a surcharge (check with Viking for most recent prices). It is a private kitchen-like dining room where guests can join in a cooking class or demonstration.
Manfredi’s chef greeting our media group’s private “welcome aboard” dinner
We had lovely wines with our Italian dinner
Enrichment and Educational Activities
Viking offers series of enriching daily talks and presentations by experts and historians providing enlightening historical and cultural information about the destinations the ship is visiting, as well as other interesting topics. One night, we had a diamond expert talking about diamonds, while we sipped on champagne in the magnificent Star Theatre.
The enrichment presentations and talks are recorded and then made available to view the following day on the televisions in the staterooms, at the passengers’ convenience.
There are also libraries with a range of books, games, board games, spaces for quiet time for reflection or gazing at the stars with binoculars, or an afternoon tea in the lovely Wintergarden room.
Live Entertainment
Classical pianist playing the grand piano in the Atrium
Every evening, there is live musical entertainment, such as pianists and string classical duos, in the atrium “Living Room” area (3-decks high) and the Explorers’ Lounge and bar. In the Torshavn bar, there are musical performances by the house Viking Band and vocalists, which seemed to be a big hit with the crowd. One night, we enjoyed a riveting concert by world-renowned, classical guitarist, Mark Hussey, in the grand Star Theatre. Since Viking caters only to adult passengers 18+ years of age, the majority tend to be retired couples (according to my very unscientific observation), which means there are no ruckus late-night parties.
As well, there are movie nights in the Star Theatre.
My favourite part of the night was sitting in the Explorers’ Lounge with a glass of champagne watching the sun set over the Baltic sea while listening to a classical pianist.
I live for these moments. Sipping champagne in the Explorers’ Lounge while watching the sunset over the Baltic Sea.
Choose Your Adventure: Shore Excursions
Sailing the Swedish coast
Viking’s shore excursions are well-organized and interesting. For each port of call, there is an included shore excursion, as well as several optional excursions at an additional cost. I took part in all the included excursions and they were excellent. There is a variety of adventures, appealing to a wide-range of interests and passengers’ physical abilities (e.g. walking or hiking, cooking lessons or attending a concert).
Additionally, if you are a fully independent traveller, you can make your own arrangements for activities on shore – just be sure you are back on the ship in time before it leaves port because when that ship sails, your ship has truly sailed.
Boats and more boats. Mariehamn, Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking, autonomous region of Finland. The ancient Pommern tall ship and behind it is the docked Viking Mars.
Taken from one of the bridges in Gdańsk, Poland
Clifftop ruins of Hammershus, a medieval castle, Bornholm, Denmark
Wellness and Fitness
The Viking Mars has a bright and spacious fitness centre with state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment, and free access (included). You can run on a treadmill while looking out the window at the ocean. Personal training is available at an additional charge, as well as yoga classes.
There is also a walking/jogging track on the promenade, which I took advantage of on mornings as the sun came up (4 laps = 1.6 km). This is a good way of getting your daily steps in and walking off meals. Keep in mind, you’ll need face sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a light jacket while walking on the decks as it is chilly and in the mornings on the Baltic Sea.
One of the biggest features is a main swimming pool that has a retractable glass roof. It is a lovely, bright, open area with lots of seating and tables. It was chilly at sea (bearing in mind we are in Scandinavia), so the roof was retracted only once on the sailing during my time on the ship. I am a swimmer and for me it was a bit too small to swim laps – and the weather too cold. However, many people enjoyed the hot tubs and some even swam in the pool. There is also a small infinity pool for relaxing.
The outdoors sports deck has equipment for use (pending weather), although I did not use it.
The LivNordic Spa has a sauna, pool, steam room and snow room, as well as treatment rooms. Access to the spa is also included and appointments are not necessary. You can book a range of treatments for an extra fee, such as Swedish massage and facials. Appointments are necessary for treatments and they tend to book-up quickly on sea days.
There is also a salon where you can get your hair and nails done.
The Onboard Shops
If you forget your toothbrush, like I did, no need to worry. There are a couple of shops onboard with necessary items you may need such as sunscreen or toothpaste, or snacks. They also sell traditional Nordic ski sweaters and other apparel, travel bags, costume and fine jewellery (with brands such as Bali-based John Hardy), books, handmade gifts and souvenirs. I picked up earrings from a cool German brand, Couer de Lion.
The shops are only open when the ship is at sea due to customs issues with the ports.
All-inclusive, the way to go
Depending on your package (it may vary), almost everything you need onboard is included, such as meals, wine with lunch and dinner, all amenities (except services such as spa treatments, salon and laundry), one included shore excursion per port, entertainment, educational talks and presentations, learning opportunities, special events, all-day coffee/tea/beverages and wifi. There are also computer terminals available to use. You can add a beverage package that includes champagne and premium fine wines for a fee (there may be other additional packages, please check with Viking). The optional excursions costs are made available to you in advance, so there are no surprises.
I think this is one of the reasons some people have commented that they find Viking expensive, but it is necessary to break down the price for what you are actually getting. The benefit of the all-inclusive is your costs are known upfront and there are no hidden surprises – so you can enjoy your vacation.
The Viking Staff
Lastly, what made the Viking cruise most enjoyable was the staff who provided outstanding service. There is an Explorers’ Desk where a number of travel consultants can provide help with travel and excursions arrangements (one lovely young woman helped me with a walking map of Berlin). They were also helpful with dining considerations, directions on the ship, to managing special requests. And my room was cleaned and organized every day. They are resourceful and friendly, and seem to be well-trained. Many of them wore a uniform or the traditional Nordic ski sweater, so they were easy to spot.
Overall, I had a great experience. The entire trip went off without a hitch and I learned a lot along the way – and would not hesitate to do it again.
*For packages, prices and itineraries, please visit Viking.com for details.
I was a guest of Viking Cruises. All opinions my own.
Shannon Skinner is an inspirational TV host/producer, international speaker and writer covering travel, wellness and wine for women.
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