Viking Orion Cruises

Life aboard Viking Orion
Every southern summer Viking Orion sails out of Sydney and Auckland., offering cruises with the world’s most modern Line, with all-inclusive fares, and an upper-premium experience. Viking Orion arrives in Australia from SE Asia every year for a four month season (November to February), running 15-night cruises (with only four sea days) each way between Sydney and Auckland. Departing March each year, there’s a grand voyage from Auckland via Sydney, SE and E Asia, to Vancouver, over 92 nights. (Many sectors are available.) From May to August annually 11-night cruises sail each way between Vancouver and Anchorage, for scenic viewing of the Alaskan fjord-lined coast. Again, after cruising the Alaskan coast for a season, Viking Orion returns via the Orient and Indonesia to Sydney. Note that at each port the fare includes at least one free tour. Stays in port are late, and a number are overnight. Viking’s all-inclusive cruises mean guests are freed from concern about additional costs. The ship – while not the destination – provides a super level of luxury; and on shore the focus is on the food, culture and customs of ports. Travel + Leisure awarded Viking #1 Ocean Cruise Line in its “World’s Best Awards” – 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The ship docks close to port towns and cities, and with a maximum of 930 guests lost time waiting for shore excursions is minimal. The Norwegian heritage of the ship is evident with the light wood grains throughout that show their natural beauty. Colourful textiles such as rugs and tapestries recall the patterns of early Norwegian artists and craftsmen. Subtle accents of leather handrails and touches of slate and teak express warmth and character. There are displays of Viking heritage and artworks. Public areas are spacious, relaxing, and child-free. And for quietude your stateroom is sound-proofed. Everything in the ship's presentation has been well thought through and executed.

Accommodation
Each stateroom in the Viking Star features a private balcony, complementary 24h room service, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi, 42in flat-screen LCD 3D TV, interactive TV system with movies on-demand, mini-fridge, drinking water, security safe, mini-bar, king bed, hairdryer, showers, heated floor, anti-fog mirrors, binoculars, direct dial satellite phone and cellular service (pay), luxury linen, robes and slippers. Staterooms have elegant décor in calm colours and a beautifully appointed ensuite. All guests have a great view from their private veranda. There are five categories of stateroom, and 18 classes. Veranda and Deluxe cabins start at a good-sized 25 sq.m.

The higher suites are larger and come with more of the finer extras, such as welcome champagne, shoe-shine, and more guaranteed access to specialty dining. As for sizes, Penthouse Verandas are 31 sq.m., Penthouse Junior Suites are 38 sq.m., Explorer Suites 70 sq.m., and the Owner's Suite 135 sq.m. The latter includes a boardroom. Staterooms display fine Scandinavian designs and materials. You'll appreciate the oversize glass-enclosed walk-in shower and premium Freyja toiletries. Note that the higher the suite, the earlier pre-sailing bookings can be made for excursions, salons and restaurants, so get in early. Also higher suites allow for earlier embarkation.

Food and Dining
Viking specialises on destination-focused dining, while still offering traditional Western menus. Of the 10 dining venues, The Restaurant seats 284 and serves three full meals changing daily. The menu includes regional cuisine and always-available American classics enhanced with locally sourced ingredients. Alcoholic drinks are inclusive at all meals. The glassed-in dining room opens to the promenade and views of passing scenery. All tables are for six persons. There are three alternative restaurants. At Manfredi’s Italian chianti by the carafe, freshly prepared pastas and generous antipasto are accompanied by fresh seafood. At The Chef’s Table sommeliers and culinary masters create the perfect pairing of food and wine during a multicourse tasting.

World Cafe has open kitchens and buffet-style meal service, with deli, pasta and wok stations, sushi bar and desert choices. Dine inside, or al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace. For breakfast try Mamsen in the Explorer's Lounge, with Norwegian specialties. For casual dining try lighter meals at the Pool Grill. Each afternoon the very English Wintergarden provides tea and pastries, backed by the strains of a string quartet. Twenty-four hour room service offers everything from breakfast to signature dishes. There's an on-board cooking school for guests who wish to learn how to prepare local specialties. All ship-wide service comes from Swiss-trained personnel.

Entertainment
Viking sponsors Our Culture Curriculum, an exclusive onboard program that brings local history to life, with lectures on history and art, tasting of vintage wines from the destinations, informative port talks, enriching Destination Performances featuring folkloric shows, and musicians playing regional and classical music. Venues include the Star Theatre seating 450, with movies, lectures and performances. The higher-deck forward-viewing Explorers' Lounge features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and a Nordic atmosphere designed with epic explorations in mind. The Atrium is a social centre with live music, drinks, conversation and private reading.

On-shore ventures have been specially selected, with at least one excursion complimentary for each guest at every port. Note that, to get your first choice, book on-line early. There's ample time on shore, and smaller ports take you away from the usual tourist traffic. On-board you'll have a wide selection of personal fitness and beauty regimes, table board games, lecture presentations, and in-cabin movies. Wi-Fi is everywhere, though as with most ships it will be slower than at home. With spacious staterooms and many public spaces on this 'small ship' you'll not feel crowded.

Explore the decks

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