In days past if you heard that the Vikings were headed your way you packed your favourite animal skin and ran in the other direction. But in travel, the word Viking is now synonymous with river cruises and small ship ocean cruising thanks to Viking Cruises creating tailored itineraries.
You have likely sold a Viking River Cruise but have you ever seen their impressive fleet of ocean-going vessels? Well, now is your chance with the arrival of Viking Sun in Australian waters for the first time. If you are one of the lucky agents that have registered for a ship inspection (sadly, all places are now finalised) you will be touring Viking Sun and seeing why this fleet of ships now strikes awe, instead of fear, into people all around the world.
Midnight Sun
Quite simply, Viking Cruises do things differently ditching cruise clichés for a tailored experience with small ships that make you feel like Norwegian royalty.
Check out the unique offerings on these two ships will be conquering Australian ports for the first time.
A celebration of Scandinavian culture
The first thing you will notice about a Viking Cruises ship is the size. Viking’s point of difference is a small, easily piloted, ship that can get you closer to the action than bigger cruise ships.
There is a cheeky nod to the Viking longships – and more Viking history – in the huge Living Room where the bar takes on the sleek shape of the early seafaring vessels. In The Atrium a huge video screen celebrates Scandinavian culture showing the work of photographer Alistair Miller and Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (of The Scream fame)
The Snow Grotto is a sensory treat. To re-create the ancient Nordic practice of hot-and-cold treatments guest sit in the grotto as snowflakes sprinkle down on them before heading to the spa.
Nearby, the sleek Nordic spa and fitness centre is a place where you can work out, chill out or get a Scandinavian-inspired massage or facial.
Wintergarden Sitting Area
Nordic cuisine and cutting-edge design
Foodies will love the intimate access to the Chef’s Table that will make them feel like a celebrity. Here you will be treated to a tasting menu from a range of chefs perfectly matched with wines from Viking’s master sommeliers. While at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant you will enjoy trattoria-style dining using fresh local produce.
Put your feet up in The Library, a perfectly curated collection of books that allow a deep dive into travel and to the regions you are exploring on your cruise, or take a swim in the glass-backed Infinity pool that faces out to the stern – the pool even has a retractable dome for all-weather swimming.
The rooms and suite onboard are all about highlighting simple, yet stunning, Scandinavian design all with a private veranda.
When to see Viking Sun and Viking Orion:
Viking Sun will be in Melbourne February 8; Sydney February 10-11; Brisbane on February 13; the Whitsunday Islands on February 15; Cairns on February 16; Thursday Island on February 18 and ending its visit in Darwin on February 21.
Viking Orion will be operating domestic cruise itineraries starting from Dec 2018, and into 2019/ 20.
Infinity Pool
Do you want to know more about Viking Ocean Cruises? Check out the Facebook live happening on February 3, direct from Christchurch, New Zealand.
To be part of the Viking conquest visit Viking Cruises.
Where would you like to cruise with Viking Cruises?
Written by Paul Chai, KarryOn contributor
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