World of cruising casts a new line
The world of cruising came up with a new line last week: Viking Ocean Cruises. This welcome reality arrived with the christening of its first ship — the Viking Star — at an elaborate show on May 17 in Bergen, Norway.
Viking dominates the rivers of Europe and, while it won’t dominate the oceans, it may change the way you cruise on them given the comments below.
The Star was launched in style on Norway’s most important holiday, Constitution Day, celebrating independence from Denmark in 1814. Was it the most important launch of ship the year? Yes. Seven years ago, I wrote that the Celebrity Solstice, the first of five ships in the class named for it, was the best interior design of a ship that I’d seen. The impression it left has stayed with me … until I saw the Star.
You won’t find a casino on this ship. You won’t find an inside stateroom. What you will find are balcony staterooms that start at 25 square metres.
Here are my six reasons why the Viking Star is impressive:
1. It’s homey. I don’t think I’ve ever used homey to describe a ship. It’s “Scandinavian modern” with a touch of tradition via neutral colours from blond to dark woods, light to dark woven fabrics and a furniture arrangement that screams conversation. There are no long lines of sofas and chairs, just pockets of design I would gladly put in my living room. It’s comfortable and it flows from bow to stern. Homey fits.
2. Al fresco. In cool weather, she buttons up. Bring on warm summer European weather and she opens right up, providing what I think is more al fresco dining per square metre than any ship. Outdoor dining space is complemented by dining area windows that open fully on warmer days.
3. Wintergarden and Explorers’ Lounge. These will probably be the Star’s two most popular areas. The Wintergarden is tied to the pool in mid-ship. A glass roof and blond wood tree sculptures highlight this bright, warm area. A second part of the roof becomes a movable cover for the pool. Explorers’ is a two-storey lounge with a captain’s view of what lies ahead. It features libraries and history, light food fare, a bar and lounge chairs facing the window if you’d rather just watch or read rather than talk.
4. People. There were 123 passengers who spent the first 50 days on the Star and they fit the typical Viking Star passenger. They were curious, active and interesting. That best describes the 55-plus, English-speaking demographic you will find on Viking ocean ships.
5. Spa with a snow grotto. After steaming away in a sauna, many Scandinavians love nothing more than to cool down with a plunge into icy cold water or a roll in the snow. This thermal suite, designed around that concept of alternating hot and cold, will be a popular, no-charge spot in a well-designed spa.
6. No charge. That applies to the self-serve laundry, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, one tour per port, Wi-Fi and specialty restaurants. Like anything new, there is still some work to do. The Wi-Fi and TV were unreliable at times and even the chairman agrees the buffet area needs some smoothing out.
Above all, Viking believes ocean cruising is all about the destination and the comfort in getting to it. That means late-night and overnight departures will be become this latest cruise lines hallmark.
The Star will spend a year or more in Europe but, with new ships annually, I suspect it won’t be long before one of those new Viking cruise ships winters in the Caribbean.
Phil’s Pick of the Week
Lots of ports on this Viking Star’s 15-day cruise beginning with an overnight in Barcelona. Departure: Feb. 21 Ports: Toulon, Monte Carlo, Corsica, Florence/Pisa, Rome (overnight), Malta, Tunis, Sardinia, Algiers, Valencia
Starting price: $5,899 CAD vikingcruisescanada.com
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