Onboard Viking Cruises' Viking Sun
February 03, 2020 at 11:58 AM
SHIP INSPECTION Jan 2020
Ship: Viking Sun - Ocean cruising
Year built: 2017
Good to know: all Viking Ocean ships are sister ships and identical.
Is Viking for you?:
Viking will be the perfect cruiseline for you if you are well traveled, looking for an adults only cruise (no children under 18yrs old on board), have a spirit of adventure and like cruising to discover a destination - while sailing in understated luxury and outstanding service. There are no casinos on board or beer buckets by the pool like the cruiseline points out.
Viking ships are elegant, modern and warm at the same time with woods, unique artwork and skins on the couches. It is your home away from home.
Viking Sun Wintergarden
What cabin to book:
With Viking, the higher the cabin you book , the more inclusions/benefits you will receive. You will get earlier access to pre-book your complimentary specialty restaurants or shore excursions. You will also have earlier access to pre-book your optional paid excursions - useful for popular trips like The Vatican or St Petersburg options.
The lead-in category on Viking Sun is the Veranda cabin. It is a great pricing, however I would recommend to upgrade to the next category, the Deluxe Veranda to enhance your experience. In the latter you will enjoy a coffee machine, your mini bar replenished daily, and you are guaranteed a reservation in each specialty restaurant.
For more room and more inclusions, consider a Penthouse Veranda or an Explorer Suite.
Viking Sun Dining
What I loved about the Deluxe Veranda: the clever placement of the jewelry/make-up storage in the main desk. Just lift the flap and you have the perfect lighting to apply your make-up and store your jewelry.
I was also impressed with the size of the bathroom and shower for a lead-in cabin.
Viking Sun Deluxe Veranda
The Owner’s Suite:
A rare opportunity I was lucky enough to experience. The Owner’s Suite cabin 7001 is a one of a kind Suite. With a full conference room, your own wine cellar and sauna off the bathroom with Ocean views, this Suite is absolutely stunning. Warm tones mixed with understated luxury will make you forget you are sailing the seas and away from home. This is a true piece of art.
The Viking inclusions:
Your Viking cruise whether river or ocean offer the same inclusions so you can relax and explore the destination – one complimentary shore excursion per port, free Wifi, drinks at lunch and dinner, complimentary specialty dining , gratuities to name a few.
The Viking difference:
A few details separate Viking from other cruiselines. For instance, there is no charge to book the 2 specialty restaurants on board - reservations pre-cruise a must to avoid missing out though! They are popular.
Bring as much wine bottles as you’d like on board - as long as you can carry it, you can bring it! Viking does not charge corkage fee. No need to hide in your cabin to drink the wine you have just brought back from that stunning wineyard. Bring it to the restaurant and enjoy it at dinner or at the lounge pre or post dinner.
Do you enjoy having a drink or two outside your meals on a sea day for instance, Viking offers an amazing pricing on its Drinks Package. For just USD20 per day per person, you can enjoy as many drinks as you would like without worrying about your bill at the end of the cruise. Pre-book your package with us and enjoy peace of mind.
Worried about packing enough clothes for your 14 day cruise, you can pack light for your Viking cruise. Every floor offers a free laundry room with all you need, you can even watch TV while you wait! If washing your clothes is not on your list of things to do on holiday, you can of course use the laundry service.
Insider tips:
Viking App: download the Viking app. It will be such a useful tool pre and during your cruise. You can manage your shore excursion bookings, daily itinerary and even listen to art commentary for all the art displayed on board.
Al fresco dining: once on board, head to World Cafe, choose from all the delicious options on offer and make your way outdoors to the lovely al fresco dining area set up at the back.
What to wear at dinner: there are no formal nights on board a Viking ship. It is casual chic. The only requirement in the main restaurant is no jeans or shorts. In the main restaurant, it is open dining and seating. No need to make a reservation either.
THE shore excursion on your list: on selected sailings, consider booking The Kitchen Table as a shore excursion. The Chef will take you to the local market on shore. Bring back and cook your dinner with the Chef’s tips in a dedicated cooking facility on board.
Do not miss out on the spa: apart from the treatments, which would be an extra charge, you can use the spa complimentary. Start or end your day the Norwergian way at the spa. Take a cold shower under the ‘bucket’ (an actual wooden bucket!), spend a few minutes in the steam room before heading to the snow grotto with real snow! Repeat three times to help stimulate your circulation and overall immune system.
This month we are featuring a Viking Explorer sale on ocean and river cruises
Don’t miss out on fantastic offers on Viking river and ocean sailings across the world – on sale until 31st March 2020 or until sold out! Offers are different depending on the cruise but include: COMPANION FLY FREE, FREE city extensions, SAVINGS up to AUD$200 per person. Find out more in the latest edition of Channel Magazine!