Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.
Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.
The coastal town of Ålesund is the commercial capital of the Møre og Romsdal district. But more important, it is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, which some claim make Ålesund one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. This Art Nouveau style emerged when the town was completely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904 destroyed nearly 800 buildings and left 10,000 residents homeless. It is said that the fire started by a tipped oil lamp. Rebuilding was carried out with the help of many young, foreign architects who added their own flourishes to the architectural blend of German Jugendstil and Viking roots. Today, narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. As one of the few remaining Art Nouveau towns in the world, in 1998 Ålesund was awarded the coveted Houens National Memorial Prize for the preservation of its unique architecture.
The Geirangerfjord, which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, is Norway's most spectacular and perhaps best-known fjord. The 16-km-long (10-mile-long), 960-foot-deep Geirangerfjord's most stunning attractions are its roaring waterfalls—the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil, and the Suitor. Perched on mountain ledges along the fjord, deserted farms at Skageflå and Knivsflå are being restored and maintained by local enthusiasts.The village of Geiranger, at the end of the fjord, is home to fewer than 300 year-round residents, but in spring and summer its population swells to 5,000 due to visitors traveling from Hellesylt to the east. In winter, snow on the mountain roads often makes the village isolated.
The Geirangerfjord, which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, is Norway's most spectacular and perhaps best-known fjord. The 16-km-long (10-mile-long), 960-foot-deep Geirangerfjord's most stunning attractions are its roaring waterfalls—the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil, and the Suitor. Perched on mountain ledges along the fjord, deserted farms at Skageflå and Knivsflå are being restored and maintained by local enthusiasts.The village of Geiranger, at the end of the fjord, is home to fewer than 300 year-round residents, but in spring and summer its population swells to 5,000 due to visitors traveling from Hellesylt to the east. In winter, snow on the mountain roads often makes the village isolated.
Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.
Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.
Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town - which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland's fantastic wilderness - with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.
Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.
Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.
Expand your horizons on this comfortable, award-winning ship, intimate and thoughtfully created by experienced nautical architects and designers to enrich your interaction with your destination in every way.
The ship offers multiple restaurant venues and unique dining experiences, from casual cafés and pool grills to wine-pairing menus and regional specialties.
There is no such thing as a typical evening onboard, nor shortage of entertainment. Whether it’s a cabaret, opera, classical or popular music concert, the theatre is home to an inspiring choice of productions. Film fans can feast on classic movies and the latest blockbusters in one of the cinemas. Or take in the breeze as you take in a film at the open-air cinema.
When the stars come out, so does the entertainment. From sipping an artisan gin and exchanging stories with newfound friends in Paps, the Explorer’s Bar, to enjoying the sounds of the guitarist, pianist and singer in one of the lounges. Take a seat in the plush theatre for a dazzling show, or dance the night away in Torshavn nightclub. Sing along to a band, or lie back by the pool under the night sky to watch a movie on the giant screen – the popcorn is on the house. However you choose to spend your evenings on board, being bored is never an option
Viking believe the best way to understand a country is through enrichment. Each cruise is thoughtfully curated with hand-picked itineraries so you can immerse yourself in history, music, art, cuisine—everything you need to know about your destination. And before you step foot on shore, you will glean insights from history experts and academic luminaries in our theater, chosen by the Viking Enrichment Board.
Your journey is about feeling good all over. Onboard you’ll find plenty of ways to reconnect with yourself. Mind, body and soul.
Make a splash in the Infinity Pool. Do laps or just lap up the sun in the main pool. With its retractable roof it’s the perfect pool even if the weather is not.
Tai Chi in Tallinn? Pilates in Provence? Staying fit isn’t about breaking records, it’s about whatever makes you happy, and our inspiring choice of classes, state of-the-art gym and outside studio will help restore your vitality.
Viking Cruises welcomes disabled guests but wishes all guests to understand that challenges will exist onboard and during shore excursions. The ocean vessels have elevators, but there may still be thresholds that could make movement difficult. Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs; accordingly, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is limited. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Motorized scooters are not typically suited on international cruises and cannot be accommodated. Viking does not accommodate animals except for certified therapy or Seeing Eye dogs on our international itineraries.
When you make your reservation, please let them know of any disability that will require special attention while you are on your Viking Ocean Cruise itinerary. Should you have any medical, physical or other special needs, check the deck plans to gain an understanding of the layout of any particular ship, and should contact Viking Cruises, Inc., at 0800 298 9700 directly with additional questions and to obtain a copy of their policy statement.
In most cases Viking can accommodate special dietary needs. Every meal has vegetarian options and chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests. Guests requiring special diets (low salt, diabetic, gluten-free and low cholesterol) should alert Viking 90 days prior to departure and remind the Maître d’ when onboard.
Due to the nature of the cruises, Viking do not maintain specific facilities or services for children aboard cruise vessels. On all cruises children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by and share a cabin with a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult over the age of 21. Viking are unable to accommodate children under the age of 12 and reserve the right to limit the number of children onboard any particular vessel between the ages of 12 and 18.
During the day onboard and ashore, dress is casual including shorts, jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the pool and Sports Deck. For evenings, while there are no “formal nights,” the recommended dress is elegant casual for most restaurants, performances or other special events. Suggested attire for ladies includes a dress, or a sweater or blouse worn with a skirt or slacks; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional, but not required. Dinner in The Restaurant remains casual, with daytime dress deemed appropriate.
Along with comfortable walking shoes and dressier shoes, we suggest that you pack a collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear, a lightweight jacket or warm sweater; sunglasses, a sun hat or visor, and sunscreen; and toiletries. And depending on the season, you may also want to add a warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear.
Viking offer complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffees and teas are available 24 hours a day. For those who would like premium cocktails or wines and spirits, Viking offers the Silver Spirits beverage package. Ask for details onboard or when making your reservation.
All Viking ship interiors, staterooms and balconies are nonsmoking except for the designated outdoor smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 8. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.
Sleep easy in a comfortable king-size bed with fine cotton linens for the sweetest dreams. Elegant décor and calm colours create the perfect sanctuary (because lazy days are often the best days). Wake up to breakfast in bed (24-hour room service is complimentary). Tune in to the latest technology, with free Wi-Fi and TV with movies on demand. Your generous ensuite has a shower that drenches you, heated floor and fluffy towels to warm you and indulgent lotions to pamper you. Bathroom bliss.
Whichever stateroom you choose, you can look forward to a private sanctuary of understated elegance, one that features all the comforts of home and your own spacious veranda.
Unique and exclusive, the lavish Owner’s Suite is, quite simply, the best accommodation onboard. An incredible 1,448 sq. ft. it offers one-of-a-kind features personally selected by Torstein Hagen, including his favourite wines and recommended reads. As a guest in the Owner’s Suite you will want for nothing.
From 757 to 1,163 sq. ft., Explorer Suites are perfect if you want to push the boat out. Viking's most spacious and luxurious accommodation, these suites feature a large wraparound veranda to take in the incredible views. You can look forward to all the inclusions of the previously mentioned staterooms as well as priority main dining room reservations 90 days before departure, and three guaranteed reservations in each speciality restaurant. There are just 14 Explorer Suites, and it is advised that you book yours early.
Looking for even more space and more treats? At 405 sq. ft. these lovely suites boast all the inclusions of the previously mentioned staterooms. You can also look forward to a welcome bottle of Champagne, and complimentary dry cleaning and laundry service. And you can settle in to your room earlier at 11am, and enjoy priority reservations in the main dining room 80 days prior to departure, as well as three guaranteed reservations in each speciality restaurant. There are only 32 suites in this category, so be sure to reserve yours soon.
If you like a little more space, our Penthouse Veranda is even larger at 338 sq. ft. and features a generous sitting area. You’ll enjoy even more extras, including a mini bar with alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water and snacks that is restocked daily, and complimentary shoe shine and pressing service. Your room will be available from 1pm, and you’ll enjoy priority reservations in the main dining room 70 days before departure, as well as two guaranteed reservations in each speciality restaurant, also 70 days before departure.
Treat yourself to the little extras that make a big difference. Our Deluxe Veranda Stateroom is the same size as the Veranda Stateroom and offers the same features, as well as a mini-bar of soft drinks, water and snacks that is replenished daily. In-suite binoculars, a coffee maker and luxurious cashmere blanket all add to the pleasure. You can also look forward to priority room availability from 2pm, and preferred choice for dining, with priority reservations in the main dining room 60 days prior to departure, as well as one guaranteed reservation in each speciality restaurant.
Relax in our welcoming and comfortable Veranda Stateroom. At 270 sq. ft. including a 46 sq. ft. veranda, it is wonderfully spacious and inviting. This stateroom features a king-size bed with luxury linens, and a beautifully appointed ensuite with heated floor and indulgent toiletries. Your host of complimentary extras includes soft robes and slippers, flat- screen TV with movies on demand, 24-hour room service, and Wi-Fi. You can check in from 3pm.