For our first Viking experience, we thought it would be fitting to explore the lands of the Vikings on a cruise to Iceland and Norway. Originating in the Scandinavian countries, the Vikings with their innovative ship building methods and advanced seafaring skills, started settling in Iceland in the 9th century around 874AD, and went even further afield to Greenland and North America. Not to mention, Viking Cruises was founded by Norwegian businessman Torstein Hagen in 1997 beginning with European river voyages. Now Viking offers river, ocean, and expedition cruises on all seven continents and consistently wins high honors.
We boarded the Viking Saturn in Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik and were greeted with glasses of Champagne as we entered “The Livingroom” area on Deck 1. With its sleek Scandinavian design, we felt an immediate sense of comfort and serenity -- a contrast to our adventurous itinerary which will take us up over the top of Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle and then traversing the Norwegian Sea over to Norway's stunning fjords.
The Viking Saturn debuted in early 2023, as the ninth sister ship in Viking's ocean fleet. All Viking Ocean ships have the same layout and décor offering a sophisticated and serene cruising experience designed for adults only. The 930-passenger vessels feature all-balcony staterooms, a Nordic-inspired spa, two pool areas, and a variety of dining venues and relaxation areas. Reflecting Viking's commitment to cultural enrichment, the ship provides libraries, lectures, cooking classes, and a beautifully designed environment inspired by Scandinavian traditions.
Viking now has 9 identical ocean ships with a 930-passenger capacity, and two slightly larger ships from the newer second series -- Vela and Vesta – with 998-passenger capacity, and a total of 16 ocean ships planned.
For me, Viking feels more like a yachting experience rather than a cruise experience because there are none of the usual hassles you may encounter on other cruise lines. It’s all about relaxation and comfort: no children, no casino, no smoking, no photography sales, no formal nights, no art auctions, no shopping table promotions, no charge for WiFi, no charge for self-serve launderette, no inside staterooms, no waiting or crowding at elevators, no spa sales pressure, no entrance fee for the spa, no extra charge for specialty restaurants, no nickel and diming…it’s like a breath of fresh air!
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Viking Saturn, like its sister ships, offers 465 cabins in 6 cabin grades from which to choose. The higher level you choose, the more amenities, perks and advantages you get, such as being able to reserve excursions, spa treatments, and specialty restaurants sooner, among other added room amenities:
42 Veranda cabins on Deck 3 (270 SF) 272 Deluxe Veranda on Decks 3,4,5,6,7,8 (270 SF) 104 Penthouse Veranda on Decks 4,5,6 (338 SF) 32 Penthouse Junior Suites on Decks 6,7,8 (405 SF) 14 Explorer Suites at the front and back of Decks 3,4,5,6 (757–1,163 SF) 1 Owner’s Suite on Deck 7 (1,448 SF)
Insider tip: The Explorer Suites are the most luxurious, but will feel the most ship movement since they are at the very front and back of the ship.
Room Amenities
We chose a Deluxe Veranda on Deck 4 near the middle of the ship to avoid feeling the motion of the ocean on this adventurous itinerary around the top of Iceland and crossing the Norwegian Sea.
I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by many of the comfort features which I didn’t know about ahead of time: the spacious bathroom has heated floors, a mirror that doesn’t fog up, and generous Freyja toiletries with a refreshing scent that’s perfect for men or women. I also appreciated the lightweight robes, instead of big bulky robes.
We did find out about the Nespresso machines ahead of time and brought our own supply of favorite pods. I can’t remember any other ship we’ve been on that provided in-room coffee makers. These are included in all cabins except the 42 standard Veranda category on Deck 3.
Insider tip: On the Iceland to Norway itinerary there isn't really a better side of the ship to be on. Sometimes our side had the better view and sometimes the other side had it.
DINING
All of our dining experiences were excellent. I am vegan and my husband loves seafood and we both had a delicious selection of choices at all meals. Some examples included: Grilled lobster Thermidor, Tiger prawns, Seared scallops, Pasta Puttanesca, Vegan creamy mushroom gnocchi, Baba Ghanouch... In addition, staff from all over the world are Swiss-trained and English-speaking, delivering the highest level of service. I can’t say enough superlatives about them: cheerful, friendly, helpful, attentive, sweet, delightful, a pleasure! They remembered our names and drink preferences from the first day! I don’t know how they do it. Breakfast
Breakfast venue choices include for a full breakfast: The Restaurant and The World Café. For early risers, Mamsen’s in the Explorer Lounge and the Viking Bar on Deck 1 offer coffee and pastries.
Lunch
Places for lunch include The World Café, the Pool Grill, Mamsen’s, and The Restaurant open only on sea days.
Afternoon Tea in the Wintergarden
Adding some fancy, Viking does an amazing afternoon tea every day from 4pm to 5pm in the Wintergarden with different sandwiches, cakes and scones. I think this is great option for people who like to eat a late dinner. We came only once because we prefer to be early-birds for dinner and didn't want to fill up too much. We also preferred going to the Explorer’s Lounge for pre-dinner drinks and snacks.
Bars & Lounges
There is the Viking Bar centrally located on Deck 1 in the Livingroom area that serves coffees, teas, cocktails, snacks and sweets from 6am to midnight. There are three bars on Deck 7: the main Pool Bar, Aquavit Bar by the rear infinity pool, and Explorer’s Lounge bar up front.
AFTER SUNSET
One of my favorite things about cruising is all the stunning sunrises and sunsets you see.
Before dinner, you can relax in the Atrium area on Deck 1 and enjoy cocktails from The Viking Bar while listening to a virtuoso pianist play classical music on a Steinway piano. Or, you can also relax with a cocktail in the Explorer’s Lounge forward on Deck 7 and listen to a guitarist play more contemporary tunes.
There are four options for dinner: The Restaurant which doesn’t require reservations; the two specialty restaurants: Manfredi’s Italian restaurant (pictured above and below) or The Chef’s Table which both require advanced reservations but at no extra cost. The fourth option is the buffet at The World Café offering a more casual dining experience. The dress code in all the restaurants is relaxed and casual. There are no formal nights and men never have to wear a jacket and tie, just a collared shirt which can range from a polo or golf shirt to a dress shirt.
The Chef's Table (pictured above) is a multi-course dining experience featuring a tasting menu with wine pairings. There is a different international theme each evening from Cantonese to California and everything in between. Insider tip: When making reservations, try to ask for seating by the window or in the middle of the room because there are a lot of tables along the back where one person will be facing the wall.
After dinner enjoy a show in The Star Theater and if you’re still not tired, Torshavn nightclub located outside the theatre is open for dancing from 9:00pm until closing each evening.
Viking doesn't offer a casino, but there are several electronic gaming tables in the Atrium on Deck 2 that offer over a dozen games such as: Air hockey, backgammon, Black Jack, checkers, chess, Mahjong, solitaire and many more. These tables are very popular especially on sea days. Speaking of sea days, The Nordic Spa is a great place to spend your time... THE SPA Since ancient times Nordic people have had a close connection with water. The ritual of bathing -- the steaming sauna, the dip in the snow, a swim from the dock, a warm outdoors soak -- is a custom honored still today by many, in every season. The Nordic spa ritual on a Viking cruise involves alternating between hot and cold environments to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body, following a cycle of warming up in a steam room or sauna, cooling down in a snow grotto or cold plunge pool, and then relaxing. Guests can perform the steps themselves and repeat the cycle, with additional elements like cold bucket showers or birch twig "swatting" often available to enhance the experience.
Some inviting sounding treatments offered include: Arctic Cure, Nordic Restart, Northern Stillness, Swedish Mindful Massage, and Swedish Deep Tissue Massage. In addition to the expansive fitness center for exercise, there is a walking/jogging track around Deck 2 and also on the Sundeck on Deck 8. I loved getting outside and walking around the ship (4 times around = 1 mile). AFTER SPA THERAPY, SOME SHOPPING THERAPY The Viking gift shop features clothing, gear, and souvenirs. The Viking jewelry store offers an impressive selection of fine jewelry. There is also a third store selling perfumes, handbags, luggage and costume jewelry. Reykjavík, Iceland
Scattered showers in Reykjavik bring many rainbows Reykjavik, on the south-western coast of Iceland, is the country's capital and largest city. About two-thirds of Iceland’s 395,000 population lives in the capital area around Reykjavik. It's home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. Interesting fact: Iceland's current President, Prime Minister, National Police Commissioner, State Prosecutor, and the Bishop of Iceland are all women. Throughout Iceland’s history, these roles have typically been held by men. The striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome offer sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills. Harpa is another of Reykjavík's most striking landmarks and was built as a center of cultural and social life in the heart of the city.
Iceland’s scenery is stark with almost no trees. Only about 1.5% of the country is covered by trees. Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, covers roughly 8% of the country's land area. Approximately 80% of Iceland is not inhabited. Large portions of the country are covered by lava fields, glaciers, and cold deserts, making them unsuitable for human settlement.
ĺsafjördur, Iceland in the Westfjords Peninsula
We had rough seas overnight from Reykjavik and arrived to a cold and rainy Ísafjörður in the far north-west of Iceland. It's a remote fishing village with a population of about 2,500 nestled in Iceland’s Westfjords region. The scenery here reminds me of the dramatic green cliffs of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. We are traveling on the last cruise of the season in September which has its advantages and disadvantages. There are fewer tourists, but unfortunately a higher chance of bad weather.
The fare on Viking includes one excursion per port which is a good option for an overview of the destination if you haven’t visited before. There are also many options at an additional cost ranging from active adventures to cultural experiences for more in-depth exploring.
The old town has wooden houses with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town’s maritime history, including a collection of old fishing boats. The old hospital, now a cultural center, contains archives and photography.
Akureyri, Iceland
We arrived in the beautiful city of Akureyri, just 62 miles from the Arctic Circle, in the north of Iceland on a gorgeous, sunny day. Who knew people lived up here?
Akureyri is known as the "Capital of the North," Iceland's second-largest urban area with a population of 19,500. This charming city, located at the foot of the country's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, is famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including skiing, whale watching nearby, and visiting the world's northernmost botanical garden with 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers that grow here thanks to Akureyri’s warm microclimate. As we toured around town, we noticed the unique traffic lights with heart-shaped red lights. It's a key commercial, fishing, and agricultural center with a rich history, serving as a perfect base for exploring northern Iceland's wonders like the Mývatn Lake and Goðafoss waterfall (pictured below).
Iceland has an estimated 10,000 waterfalls, earning it the nickname the "Land of Waterfalls". These waterfalls vary in size and beauty, with some becoming famous attractions while many others remain hidden gems across the island. They are fed by abundant glacier meltwater and rain, resulting in a high density of waterfalls throughout the country.
We crossed the Arctic Circle and received certificates for the achievement after the Bluenose Ceremony where some people plunged into the hot tub that had been filled with ice cubes.
Seydisfjördur, on the far eastern side of Iceland
Here again, towering fjord hillsides with dramatic rushing waterfalls remind me of Kauai.
On our own, we ventured out on foot during a stroll around picturesque Seydisfjördur from the pier where we set out for a leisurely walk. We strolled amid colorful streets and saw the striking Blue Church. Brimming with creativity and rich in history, the town boasts a flourishing arts scene.
Sailing the Norwegian Sea
On our way from Iceland to Norway, we were supposed to make a stop in the Faroe Islands, but unfortunately it had to be cancelled because of high winds and rough seas. The ship's staff quickly scrambled to arrange an alternative stop at the Shetland Islands and had everything all in place. We received a new daily itinerary and excursion tickets but sadly again, our call had to be cancelled at the last minute for the same reason. These are the risks of traveling in the North Sea at the end of the season in September. The ship's captain avoided the rough seas and we had a smooth journey on to Norway, giving us a little extra time to enjoy the scenery of the Norwegian fjords.
Because of the previous port of call cancellations, we arrived in Geraingerfjord early in the day instead of at night, allowing us to see the stunning scenery, but unfortunately the famous seven sisters waterfalls were almost nonexistent, again since it is the end of the season. Despite this, Gerainger is a stunning destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We witnessed Geiranger's pristine majesty as we ascended to the heights of Geirangerfjord on a magnificent drive. Woman picking apples in Gerainger
We drove up a zig-zag winding road to Eagle's Bend viewpoint, passing through 11 breathtaking hairpin turns. At the road's pinnacle, we could see the spectacular scenery that has earned Geirangerfjord its UNESCO status. Later, we also drove to Flydalsjuvet viewpoint for more impressive views.
Infinity pool on the back of the ship overlooking the small town of Gerainger.
Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the Art Nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. There are panoramic views of Ålesund’s architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. Flåm, Norway – A tiny town with a big impression in a deep fjord with a backdrop of waterfalls
Flåm is a picturesque village at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Norway's Sognefjord, famous for dramatic scenery, outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, and the scenic Flåm Railway. This popular tourist destination is a key part of the 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour and offers attractions like the Stegastein viewing platform and the Flåm Railway Museum.
Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana)
One of the steepest and most beautiful railways in the world, this journey goes from sea level in Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and steep valleys. Marvel at the stunning landscape of a Norwegian fjord from a viewpoint high above the Aurlandsfjord.
On a tour, take a drive along the waterway, enjoying views of this narrow fjord’s steep mountains—some reaching nearly 6,000 feet—and deep waters. Stop at a church in the original village of Flåm and learn about the local history. After taking a switchback, you will reach Stegastein Viewpoint. Set between Aurland and Laerdal, the viewpoint is a 100-foot-long laminated wood ramp that sits more than 2,000 feet above the fjord. Its design expresses a desire to lift visitors out into open space and enhance their experience. Breathe in the fresh air and admire the panoramic views of the fjord and the village of Aurland beneath you. After time for photos, descend to Aurland, a charming village nestled between the shores of the fjord and towering mountains, before returning to the ship.
Flåm beer tasting at Aegir Microbrewery
Ægir is a modern craft brewery based in Flåm where they make a range of traditional styles while also experimenting with new and exciting ideas. We tried five brews from light to dark while enjoying the atmosphere of the Ægir BrewPub which is quite an attraction with architecture and furnishings inspired by Norse mythology, and the exterior reminiscent of a stave church.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway's second-largest city after Oslo known for its dramatic setting among mountains and fjords and a rich history as a Hanseatic port. Hanseatic refers to the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northern Europe that existed from the 13th to the 17th century.
Bergen is also a UNESCO World Heritage city, recognized for its historic harbor district, Bryggen. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses.
When we arrived in Bergen, we docked next to Viking Vela, one of Viking's newest ocean ships. Vela, with a passenger capacity of 998 guests, is a slightly upsized version of Viking's previous ocean ships which carry 930 guests. The ship was delivered in December 2024 and is designed for a luxurious, intimate cruise experience as always.
Viking Vela in Bergen Norway
MORE INFORMATION
https://www.vikingcruises.com/ https://viking.tv/ @vikingcruises #myvikingstory https://www.visiticeland.com/ https://www.visitnorway.com/
