A Glimpse Aboard: Experiencing Life on a Viking Cruises Ocean Ship

Most of my cruise experiences so far have been with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean, as well as a few occasions with Carnival and Margaritaville at Sea Islander. These ships, catering to a vast audience, typically accommodate over 2,000 passengers. In stark contrast, the Viking Jupiter, where I’m currently aboard, serves about 900 guests at full capacity.

This difference in size leads to a unique cruise experience. Despite the ship’s smaller scale, everything feels spacious and well-equipped, thanks to the lower number of passengers. The only time I encountered even a slight wait was during high tea on a sea day. Other areas tend to fill up without feeling crowded, and the attentive staff quickly learn your name and provide exceptional service.

So far, I’ve fallen in love with the Viking experience, and I want to share my insights on what it’s like to sail on a Viking Cruises ocean ship.

A Quick Look at Viking Jupiter

Hello, cruisers! I’m Dan Kline, the Executive Editor of Come Cruise With Me. I’m speaking to you from one of the upper decks of Viking Jupiter, which is a luxury ship designed for 900 passengers.

We’re currently on a journey from London to Norway, stopping at new destinations I’d never visited before. Given the unique nature of this trip, I felt it was essential to discuss the ship itself.

The attention to detail on the Viking Jupiter is remarkable. Being a smaller vessel, every space is utilized for multiple purposes. For instance, a bar can host trivia quizzes and later serve as a lecture venue, showcasing how the ship maximizes its utility without seeming cramped. I often relax on the first floor, which includes a gathering area and bar, providing coffee, snacks, and various amenities while watching the space transform for different activities.

This area, called the Explorer’s Deck, is situated above a pub where live music plays. The standout feature for me has been the staff service; they respond immediately to any request.

Higher-End Dining Experience

The dining experience on Viking is truly impressive. Yes, I’m a food lover, and during the first night aboard, I was amazed by the offerings at the buffet. Instead of the typical cruise fare, there were king crab legs, a sushi station, and much more.

The dining options don’t end there. There’s a main dining room open every night that doesn’t require reservations, a high-end Italian restaurant, and a rotating chef’s table that features a different culinary experience each day. For instance, I’ve signed up for a Chinese chef’s table tonight—a 90-minute culinary journey exploring how dishes are prepared, available for booking in the ship’s app.

This itinerary-oriented cruise allows little downtime. With only one more sea day on the 14-day journey, I am soaking in every moment. However, between the excitement and endless daylight during this voyage, I might start to crave some sleep.

Until next time, I’m Dan Kline, and I hope you join us for our next adventure!

Related: Royal Caribbean drops another popular port from multiple cruises
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Video: What it’s like on a Viking Cruises ocean ship

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