Viking Cruises' Viking Star Cruise Ship Review

Viking Cruises' Viking Star Cruise Ship Review
Our Onboard Cruise Ship Review, by Raye & Marty Trencher/ October 12, 2016

Viking Cruises' Viking Star is unlike most ocean going cruise ships. It's beautiful, with understated elegance built around modern Scandinavian décor and design. We have cruised (Viking IDI - 11/2015) on one of Viking River Cruises Longships, and felt right at home on Viking Star.
     




You'll find excellent service, and a friendly staff. The same ambiance, service and style distinguish Viking Star from other cruise ships. Viking Star’s clean lines, light woods, create a calming tranquil effect from the serene Wintergarden, perfect for a calming cup of tea; to the Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of wellness.

The Main Pool has a retractable roof, and you'll find such unique amenities like an infinity-edge pool cantilevered off the edge of the ship, and a spa complete with a snow grotto.


     
The ships has many more "quite-zones" with ample seating for reading, playing cards, scrabble or just enjoying the company of fellow passengers.
     


There's even a Viking heritage exhibit, and in the stairwell landings, tapestries depicted the end of the Viking Age in 1066. In the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge the décor is themed around ancient Viking trade routes.
     



The ships' itineraries are focused on the ports-of-call. Viking Star offers one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. The Quietvox system used for shore excursions on their river cruises is also found on Viking Star.

Viking Star's Culture Curriculum, an exclusive onboard program, brings local culture to life with informative lectures on history and art; tastings of regional food and wines; and enriching Destination Performances featuring folkloric shows and musicians. On included and optional shore excursions, Viking Star provides the perfect overview of must-see cultural and historic highlights, plus delightful surprises.



Fine dining can be found in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and the wide choice of culinary options. Viking Star's alternative restaurants, the World Café, The Chefs Table and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, serve both regional specialties and American classics.
     



     


All staterooms feature balconies on Viking Star, and  at no charge, there’s 24/7 room service. Staterooms are beautifully designed, featuring a streamlined Scandinavian interior, well appointed contemporary comfort for which Viking is known. Viking Star's well-appointed ceramic stone bathrooms with Freyja bath amenities focused on the small details like the radiant heating in the bathrooms.



There are 464 staterooms, each with a balcony.  Staterooms range from a 270 square-foot veranda to a 760 square-foot Explorer’s Suite. Each stateroom has ample connections to charge all your devices.



Viking Star offers complimentary beer and wine during lunch and dinner; and WiFi,  is free, just as it is on Viking River Cruises.  Viking Star has no casino nor Broadway style entertainment. It's not a mega-ship. Only 930 guests. 

Viking Star is a thoughtful, authentic and well-designed small ship experience that brings you closer to the world’s cultures.
    


You will not find casinos, kids, umbrella drinks or needless distractions. Instead, Viking Star cruises to intriguing and often little-known ports, enjoying ample time ashore, many overnight stays and an included excursion in each port of call.
 Take a Viking Ocean Ships 360° Tour


     
Viking Star’s Inclusive Approach

If you have sailed on the larger, mega-sized cruise ships and have felt that you were nickel-and-dimed at every turn, you'll find Viking Ocean Cruises refreshing.
   
Viking believes that you should not have to open your wallet every time you want a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or an excursion ashore. Instead, they have chosen to provide guests with great value, giving you more for your money with a cruise fare that includes everything you need, from meals and beverages to shore excursions and Wi-Fi.  So it comes to no one's surprise, that Viking was named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards 2016, overtaking the spot previously held by a luxury cruise line for 20 years. The world’s newest ocean cruise line is now the world’s best ocean cruise line.

So much is included , the value cannot be understated. Even the specialty restaurants where you can dine are at no charge. Choose Manfredi’s Italian venue or take in a wine-pairing experience at The Chef’s Table or visit Mamsen’s, the casual café.

What's included:
•Complimentary transfers between airports and ship with Viking Air arrangements
•Complimentary shore excursion in every port
•Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
•Complimentary specialty coffees, teas and bottled water
•Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
•Complimentary self-service laundry
•Complimentary 24-hour room service
•Complimentary specialty restaurant dining
•Complimentary mini-bar [except Deluxe Veranda and Veranda staterooms]
•Access to  top-rated spa
•Port taxes and fees
  
Viking estimates that these included features offer a value of $203 per person, per day.

Resort casual for your evenings, and during the day, shorts, and jeans but limited your swimsuits and workout clothes to the pool, gym and spa areas. Viking Star passengers can dress up in the evenings, even though there are no formal nights. If you want to dine at the World Cafe buffet, daytime wear is acceptable. Onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. A daily gratuity is $14 per person, per day is automatically added to your onboard account, settled at the end of your cruise.  An automatic 15 percent tip is applied to all bar purchases.

Port-of-Call stays are longer than average, with some overnight stays.  A choice of  free included sightseeing tours in every port; and for an extra cost, other shore excursions option are also available.

Who is likely to sail on Viking Star?

Viking Ocean Cruises’ will appeal to 55+ travelers, who are affluent, like exploring each destination's food, culture, people and customs.  Note: no children are allowed on board. Viking has announced plans for a total of six ocean ships. By 2019, Viking will have all new 930 passenger ships, including Viking Star, built in 2015; Viking Sea, built in 2016; Viking Sky and Viking Sun, debut February and October  of 2017, and  Viking Spirit, in June 2018; and an unnamed, sixth ship coming in March 2019.

If you have cruised with Viking before, you'll love this ship. And if your new to Viking, the experience is well worth it.

If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, the world’s best ocean cruise line was created for you.

On a Viking Ocean Cruise, you can choose to sail through Scandinavia, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean. Even port calls in Cuba!

Overall, we like what we saw. A lot.
 

When you are ready to learn more about Viking Ocean Cruises give us a call at 800.365.1445 or visit our Viking Ocean Cruises web site.

Viking Cruises Has 10 New Ocean Cruise Itineraries Starting in 2017

30 New Ports of Call, Including Havana, Now Available on Viking Ocean Cruises

With the newly christened Viking Sea now part of its growing ocean fleet, Viking Ocean Cruises®  today announced the addition of 10 new itineraries to its offerings for 2017 and 2018 sailings. Adding more than 30 ports of call to Viking’s portfolio, the new itineraries will explore destinations throughout Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba.
“As we continue to grow our fleet, we have more opportunities to offer guests new and different options for experiencing the Viking way of destination-focused cruising, an approach that is completely unique in the industry,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “Our guests are experienced travelers who are curious about the great art, history and cultures of the world, which is why we design our ships and itineraries to help immerse them in the destinations they visit.”

New 2017-2018 Itineraries
Viking’s new ocean itineraries will bring guests to more iconic destinations around the world, providing rich cultural experiences with each port of call. With sailings from Bergen, London, New York, Puerto Rico, Venice and more, guests can choose itineraries ranging from eight-day to 22-day multi-country sailings. Full details on the new 2017 – 2018 offerings can be found at OCean Cruise Advisors' Viking Cruises’ website; new ocean itineraries include:

• Trade Routes of the Middle Ages – (From Bergen to Barcelona; Sailing on Viking Star, September 2017; May 2018) – During this 15-day itinerary, guests will follow the trade routes of the Middle Ages. Setting sail from Bergen, Norway, guests will explore a total of seven different countries and 10 ports with storied naval histories including Amsterdam, Paris, and two ports each in England, Portugal and Spain. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,999 per person.
• Venice, the Adriatic and Greece – (From Venice to Athens; Sailing on Viking Sun and Viking Spirit, October 2017; July – August 2018) – Guests will walk the cobbled streets of four countries and seven cities along the Adriatic Sea coast, as they cruise from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece. The eight-day itinerary, starts with two days in Venice, where guests can stroll the alleyways and learn about the city’s glassmaking tradition before calling on Croatia, Montenegro and the many ancient sites of Greece to follow. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 per person.
• South America and the Caribbean– (From San Juan to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea and Viking Sky, October – December 2017; January – March 2018) – Experience the Caribbean’s most southerly ports during this 11-day itinerary, taking in the rich cultures and bright colors of six countries and seven ports. As guests cruise the Caribbean, they’ll take in the lively ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico and historic Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, while also visiting the turquoise blue waters of Aruba and Curacao. This itinerary will also call on ports in South America including Cartagena and Santa Maria, Columbia and Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,199 per person.
• New York, Bermuda and the Western Indies – (From New York to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea and Viking Sky, October 2017; September 2018) – Guests will set sail from New York and continue down to the Caribbean during this 15-day cruise, which visits a total of nine countries and ports. Starting in “The City That Never Sleeps,” guests will soon be exploring the vibrant tropical destinations of Bermuda, Guadeloupe, St. Kitt’s, St. Martin, St. Thomas and more. Adding to the scenic views, guests can explore these port of call’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $3,599 per person.
• Iconic Cities of the Western Mediterranean – (From Barcelona to Rome; Sailing on Viking Sun and Viking Spirit, November – December 2017; January – February, April, July and September 2018) – The French Riviera and Italy’s renaissance treasures take center stage as guests embark on this eight-day Mediterranean itinerary. Guests will explore iconic ports including Barcelona, the resort town of St. Tropez, the glamour of Monte Carlo and cities throughout the rolling hills of Tuscany, before saying farewell in Rome. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $1,999 per person.
• Central American Shores and Cuba – (From Miami to Miami; Sailing on Viking Sun, December 2017) – Guests will experience the diversity of the Western Caribbean during this eight-day itinerary through four countries and five ports. Spending two days in Havana, guests will stroll the colonial streets and engage in authentic Cuban experiences. Followed by ports of call in Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize for crystal-clear snorkeling opportunities or mysterious Mayan ruins. Finally, take in all the offerings of carefree Key West with its historical US landmarks before returning to Miami. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,499 per person.
• From the Caribbean to the Amazon – (From San Juan to San Juan; Sailing on Viking Sea, December 2017) – A truly unique itinerary, guests on this 22-day cruise experience a rich variety of ports throughout the Caribbean and South America, including sailing into the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. From the jungle along the Amazon River, guests will call on ports where they will enjoy the blue waters and Caribbean island culture including Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 per person.
• Southern Mediterranean Discovery – (From Rome to Barcelona; Sailing on Viking Star, December 2017; January – March 2018) – An eight-day cultural sojourn throughout the southern Mediterranean, guests will enjoy an enriching experience as they visit timeless Rome, sample local produce in Sicily or marvel at the medieval structures in Sardinia. Guests will also get a taste of modern-day Tunis and the Casbah of Algiers, before ending their cruise in the vibrant cities of Valencia and Barcelona, Spain. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $1,999 per person.
• British Isles Explorer – (From Bergen to London; Sailing on Viking Sun, May and August 2018) – Exploring the British Isles from north to south, guests will be immersed in the rich cultures and cosmopolitan treasures during this 15-day cruise as they visit ports including: remote Viking outposts of Shetland and Orkney Islands, the legendary Scottish Highlands, uniquely beautiful Wales, and the vibrant cities of Dublin, London, Bergen and more. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $5,999 per person.
• Italian Sojourn – (From Rome to Venice; Sailing on Viking Sun and Viking Spirit, April and July-August 2018) – Stopping at a total of seven ports between Italy and Croatia, guests will take an Italian journey to some of the most culturally significant cities. Starting in the Eternal City of Rome and continuing onto Naples, where guests will enjoy its world famous culinary delights, Sicily to take in views of Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bari, Italy and Sibenik, Croatia. This eight-day itinerary culminates in the picturesque Venice port. Inclusive pricing for veranda staterooms start at $2,599 per person.

Also recently announced, Viking’s fourth ship, Viking Sun, will set sail on its maiden voyage in December 2017 for the company’s first-ever world cruise, spanning 141-days and visiting five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Sailing from Miami to London, this epic Viking journey will explore the world’s legendary cities, ports and will allow guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultures around the world.
In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service — a value of more than $1,200 per person for an average cruise.
Booking Details
Prices for the new itineraries start at $1,999 per person.  For a limited time, Viking is offering Early Booking Discounts on 2017 and 2018 departures: 2-for-1 cruise fares, plus take up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact Ocean Cruise Advisors or call them toll free at 800.365.1445

Newcomer Viking Ocean Cruises named #1, Ending Competitor’s 20-Year Winning Streak

TRAVEL + LEISURE Readers Name Viking  #1 Ocean Cruise Line In 2016 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS

Newcomer Viking Ocean Cruises named #1,  Ending Competitor’s 20-Year Winning Streak

Viking Star

 

In its first year of service, Viking Ocean Cruises®  – the first entirely new cruise line in a decade – has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 World’s Best Awards. Viking launched its first ocean ship, Viking Star®, in April 2015, and this win comes on the heels of the new cruise line launching its second ocean ship, Viking Sea®, in April 2016. Viking’s win of the #1 Ocean Cruise Line unseats luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, which held the title in the category for 20 years in a row. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are based on results from an annual survey, where readers are asked to cast their votes for the very best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, restaurants/food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on shelves in July; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

 

 

 

“Viking is the world’s leading river cruise line, and we are pleased to now be the world’s best ocean cruise line,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “We launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. We have a unique approach to destination-focused ocean cruising that is built upon our success in river cruising, and awards like this demonstrate that our approach is working. Thank you to our guests and the readers of Travel + Leisure for this great honor.”

Viking Ocean Cruises is quickly amassing industry awards. The company’s second ocean vessel, Viking Sea, was recently awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, a distinction previously bestowed to Viking Star – which was also named “Bests New Ocean Ship” of 2015 in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Picks Awards. Additionally, the ship received three top awards in the 6th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards and was the highest rated ship in its category in the 2016 version of “cruising bible,” Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Ships guidebook. Viking will welcome two additional ships in 2017, Viking Sky® and Viking Sun®, whose maiden voyage will be a 141-day world cruise spanning 5 continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Two remaining, yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in 2018 and 2020.

The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that facilitate engagement with the cultures of the world. Ships are small allowing privileged access to smaller ports and getting guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day.

Booking Details

Viking offers Special Savings Discounts on 2017 and 2018 Ocean Cruises, with up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact Ocean Cruise Advisors or call  toll free at 800.365.1445