Viking Sea Review

5.0 / 5.0
1,567 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
5.0
Excellent
Overall
Colleen McDaniel
Editor-In-Chief

Viking Sea, the second oceangoing ship from longtime river cruise stalwart Viking, is a stunning vessel that seamlessly integrates comfort and modern, Scandinavian style. The ship's small size means it rarely feels busy and is able to get into ports bigger ships can't reach.

Sailing on Viking Sea feels a bit like you've been invited into a friend's home. The decoration is personal and elegant without being stuffy, and you really feel like you could flop just about anywhere to relax and be comfortable. So many of the decorative touches are personal to Viking chairman Torstein Hagen that you feel like you get a glimpse of him and his taste: from photos of him as a child, tributes to his mother and generally the things he loves, such as books, music and simple, clean elements. Decor shipwide relies heavily on shades of blue, gray and white, along with light wood and materials such as leather and wool. The company made a 3-million-euro investment in art onboard Viking Sea, with feature artists including Edvard Munch and Jakob Weidemann. (You can take a nifty art tour using your mobile device and the ship's free Wi-Fi.)

A cruise on Viking Sea focuses heavily on destinations, and passengers are entitled to one included excursion in each port the ship visits. Upgraded "premium" excursions also are offered and are excellent, but many passengers are content with the included option. Viking provides local guides who speak English and know the regions well. Onboard programming complements the excursions; lectures focus on port history and culture.

Because itineraries and time in port are so important on Viking Sea, the ship doesn't have a casino or splashy water features. The ship is unabashedly geared toward adults 55 and older. Programming and entertainment options match the target crowd, though the production shows offered onboard in the theater are a rare weak spot that could use some revamping.

The ship rarely feels crowded, as multiple spaces for relaxing are available throughout the ship, and everyone seems to have his or her favorites. They have their favorite restaurants, as well, and with alternative options such as Italian Manfredi's and an evening at The Chef's Table included in the fare, you will have to make reservations to get a seat. It's worth it, though: Dining onboard is fantastic.

Viking Sea is an innovative, special ship because of the thoughtfulness that went into every space. It's the things you never knew you needed but are thankful to have: USB ports and outlets in the atrium seating area, in case you need to power up your Kindle or camera; blankets in the theater; heat lamps poolside; outlets bedside so you can sleep with your phone charging next to you; even bookmarks left in your books if you're otherwise lacking. The little touches and the extraordinary service make sailing Viking Sea a delightful experience.

Pros

Destination-focused ship with superb dining and service

Cons

Lack of entertainment features like casino might turn off some

Bottom Line

Inclusive cruise provides immersive experience without high-end luxury pricing

About

Passengers: 930
Crew: 550
Passenger to Crew: 1.69:1
Launched: 2016
Shore Excursions: 731

Fellow Passengers

Passengers on Viking Sea are well traveled and seek new experiences. A large number of people have cruised Viking's riverboats in Europe, prompting their curiosity about the ocean product. Most passengers fall into the 55-and-older category. The minimum age to sail is 18.

Viking Sea Dress Code

Passengers onboard Viking Sea wear "resort casual" clothing, which in the evening means somewhat dressy, with men wearing slacks and button-down or polo-style shirts and women wearing dresses, skirts and blouses, or slacks and blouses. Viking Sea has no formal night, but some men do wear jackets to dinner, though it's certainly not required. During the day -- and anytime in the ship's World Cafe buffet -- more casual clothing such as shorts, jeans, T-shirts and capris are acceptable. Passengers tend to wear swimwear in the pool or spa area only.

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More about Viking Sea

Where does Viking Sea sail from?

Viking Sea departs from Piraeus, Piraeus, Laviron, Venice, Rome, Civitavecchia, Manaus, Barcelona, San Juan, Istanbul, Vancouver, Seward, and Los Angeles

How much does it cost to go on Viking Sea?

Cruises on Viking Sea start from $2,999 per person.

Is Viking Sea a good ship to cruise on?

Viking Sea won 32 awards over the years.
Viking Sea Cruiser Reviews

Great cruise but choose excursions wisely

The Viking Sea is in great condition! All the amenities and features of this beautiful ship worked great.Read More
TN Viking Cruiser

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 78s

Atlantic Crossing

We are about to set sail again with Viking on December 28, for the Hawaiin Sojourn. We will have even more sea days on this cruise. Love Viking!!!Read More
Atlantic Crossing

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 53s

Veteran Cruisers-Viking Newbies

We did a pre cruise extension booked through Viking. Hotel was excellent and Viking staff on site to assist as needed. Service on the Ship was excellent.Read More
kkelley

many10+ Cruises

Age 25s

No Brazil!

The food was good, but not as good as our last cruise on the Viking Sea. The passengers were comfortable to be around. They mostly dressed well for the type and style of ship.Read More
AZ to Brazil

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 75s

Viking Ocean Cruises Fleet
Viking Neptune

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