Viking Sea: Fun, Luxury and Relaxation Mixed In A Floating Hotel

From its gleaming white hull to the spectacular atrium with its stunning staircase and enormous screen showcasing exquisite photography from Vikings destinations, Viking Sea is a feat of Scandinavian design and technology. Everything on board feels well made and beautifully crafted. This is a home away from home, a floating boutique hotel, with bright open spaces, contemporary Nordic-style furnishings and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Cool blonde wood, glass everywhere to make the most of natural light, designer chairs and Scandinavian accents including stylish rugs and cushions, hide and cashmere throws abound. There are also some incredible works of art and superb prints around the ship.

Staterooms have the same cool vibe, with incredibly comfortable king-sized beds, and good-sized bathrooms with walk-in showers and heated floors, and all have balconies so you can take full advantage of all the wonderful views. There’s a decent coffee-maker and also a laundry room which you can use free of charge. For relaxation, the main swimming pool is chic and elegant, with an adjacent Jacuzzi, perfect for soaking after a days exploring in port. There’s never any shortage of sun loungers or chairs or sofas, and within moments of reclining you will be brought iced water and a cold facecloth.

There are some wonderful spaces to relax with a cocktail or two, including the Explorers’ Lounge, with its sweeping vistas; and Torshavn, a delightful New York-style club and bar. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on a Viking ocean cruise; opt for the Silver Spirits package, and cocktails are included as well. On the top deck you’ll find lounge chairs, mini golf and workout equipment – everything you could need for a warm day at sea. There’s also a well-equipped gym next to the LivNordic Spa. The Spa itself is stylish and serene, with the look and feel of a London day spa, and an extensive treatment menu. Facilities include a sauna, snow grotto, swimming pool and plunge pool, as well as heated beds which are made for falling asleep on. There’s also an elegant salon where you can have your hair blow-dried or a manicure or pedicure while enjoying the ocean views.

Other highlights on board Viking Sea include The Wintergarden, an elegant space for afternoon tea; the Living Room, with its intriguing books and cafe; and the Star Theatre, with its movie star-themed cushions featuring the likes of Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. One of the most remarkable things about Viking Sea and sister ship Viking Star, though, is the quality of the restaurants. The World Cafe is a spacious buffet-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Aquavit Terrace is ideal for lunch or dinner al fresco;

The Chef’s Table offers an intimate atmosphere and cuisine based around the destinations on your itinerary. The real stars though have to be the Italian restaurant Manfredi’s, which has the look and feel of a classy New York trattoria and serves some of the best steaks you’ll ever taste at sea; and Mamsen’s, the charming Norwegian-style deli named after Viking’s Founder and Chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother. It’s a little haven offering open sandwiches, mouth-watering waffles and gateaux on pretty Scandi-style china, and as it’s located in the Explorers’ Lounge you can enjoy the outstanding views while you dine.On other cruise lines you might expect to pay a supplement to dine in the ‘speciality’ restaurants; not on Viking ocean ships, where all food is included in the price of your cruise, as well as Wi-Fi.

Special mention should also go to the on board boutiques, which are refreshingly chic and stylish, and stock everything from exquisite jewellery to handmade Scandinavian products.Viking Sea is a state-of-the-art ship, made for those who want to travel the world in contemporary luxury and style but feel instantly at home in calm, comforting spaces with every modern convenience at their fingertips. It’s a bit like sailing on a private yacht (there’s even an Owner’s Suite, complete with its own sauna and wine cabinet, for the ultimate ship-within-a-ship experience). An excellent addition to the Viking Cruises ocean fleet.