Viking Ocean Ships

The Living Room is the heart of every Viking Ocean ship and usually the first space guests see on boarding. A sweeping staircase rises through a three-level atrium, and a baby grand piano plays through the day. Cozy seating nooks hold board games and a curated library of real books. The bar keeps cookies, sandwiches and light bites coming with coffees, teas and cocktails, and Guest Services and the shore excursion desk sit just off to one side.

All the way forward, the Explorers’ Lounge is Viking’s version of the observation lounge, with sofas and armchairs facing floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor area for photos and stargazing. A bar named for the Hagen family patriarch serves drinks throughout, and a piano brings entertainment every evening. The upper level adds more forward-facing seating and another library. On Viking Orion, it’s also home to the planetarium, with telescopes just outside for the night sky.

The Wintergarden is designed for any time of year, with a glass ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows and a back wall that opens up to become part of the pool area. Classical music plays on the piano every day, and the space hosts afternoon tea and small gatherings. It’s a quiet place to read a book or catch up with friends. Enclosed lanais on either side add sofas and tables with big views, perfect for a game of cards.

The Main Pool sits under a retractable glass roof, so the crew can open or close it and keep the area cooled or heated to suit wherever the ship is sailing. The pool runs down the middle, with padded loungers at the edge for dipping your toes, a hot tub just behind and loungers that extend ottoman style. The Pool Bar serves drinks throughout, and the Pool Grill in the corner cooks burgers, hot dogs and chicken alongside a full salad bar.

At the back of the World Café, the two-story Aquavit Terrace opens to the outdoors when the weather allows, with a large bar and tables under the overhangs. Step farther aft and you reach the glass-backed Infinity Pool, where guests can swim right to the stern and watch the wake. Padded ledges, a hot tub and ottoman-style loungers surround it, with bar service from the terrace and seating in both sun and shade.

Manfredi’s is one of Viking’s alternative restaurants, and like The Chef’s Table it carries no extra charge. Guests in higher stateroom categories can reserve earlier and more often, but every guest gets to dine here. The meal starts with handmade pastas and antipasti such as bruschetta and Caprese salad, then moves to dishes from land and sea, with a wine list to match each course. Booths and tables for two, four or more fill the room.

The Kitchen Table is Viking’s culinary school at sea, built for guests who love to cook or want to learn more about a culture. Classes cover technique, history and how the region’s flavors work together, and some begin with an excursion before everyone heads to the kitchen. Each station has induction cooktops and sinks, and cameras above the chef’s demonstration kitchen feed large screens so everyone can follow along. Then you get to eat the results.

The Nordic Spa reflects Viking’s Norwegian heritage, and Danny calls it one of the most extensive at sea for a ship this size. The thermal suite is included for all guests, with a thalassotherapy pool, a hot tub, heated stone loungers, experience showers, a steam room and a snow grotto for a Nordic hot-and-cold circuit. Each locker room adds a sauna and a cold plunge pool. A salon and a large fitness center with an aerobics studio are nearby.