I was lucky enough to be able to visit Jupiter while she was in Portsmouth and have a look around. Our day started in the Winter Garden, which is inspired by Yggdrasil, tree of life, in Norse mythology, next to the swimming pool on the top deck, where we had coffee. Guests can go there in an afternoon guests can go there for afternoon tea, should they be feeling peckish. However, food is in abundance after trying the buffet for lunch, there is plenty of choice, salad, roast, veggie, pizza, fish pastry and ice-cream.
In the evening there are other options available, the speciality dining options of chef's table and Manfedi's Italian restaurant, there is no additional charge to these and you can prebook via the app before you sail, should you be there a special birthday or anniversary whilst you are on board. Should you prefer there is also the main restaurant, there is never a problem to get a table in any of these restaurants as there maximum of 930 guests at one time. Then if you make friends and wish to sit with them then different tables sizes are available (2, 4, 6, 8) in all restaurants, nothing is too much to change.
With regards to accommodation, there are no inside cabins, all cabins on board have a veranda, three types of verandas, deluxe and penthouse, then on to suites right up to owner's suite. When looking at deck plans, you may not wish to have a cabin by the lift, however, Viking have thought about that too, and how to keep noise to minimum; all lifts face away from the cabins and have the announcement is in the lift not outside as to disturb guests in those cabins. When staying a higher grade of cabin, you can prebook excursions, dining and spa treatments early, so depending on grade you have between 130-177 days before departure.
One of the most popular excursions is the kitchen table, where you go to the local market with chef, pick fresh ingredients and then go back to the ship and cook together in the kitchen, this always popular and with 12 places only will get booked up quickly. Should you prefer a slower pace the spa offers, sauna, steam and jacuzzi and an ice room for the most Nordic experience. Treatments are at a cost, which are reasonably priced and the currency on board is in US dollars.
Other facilities on board include the Star Theatre where they have entertainment in the evening, destination briefings and guest talks, there is also an area where it can be screened off, and it turns into a cinema. Torshavn is the cocktail lounge where they have, jazz cabaret music, waiter service this is open after dinner until late, little bit like a “Speak easy” bar. Mamsen's which serves tradition light Norwegian snacks from early morning to late at night, Explorers' lounge which is situated at the front of the ship and gives 270-degree views, you can sit there with a coffee during the day, pre dinner drink or night cap before bed, is the best place to get views of the open sea or watch when arriving in port. Also, there is the 3-tiered atrium that has a library, jigsaws and chess area, there are even interactive tables where you can play air hockey!
With a choice of many destinations to visit why not go on a Viking Ocean cruise, their ships are smaller so can go into the heart of the port making it easier for you to sample different places that many other ships can’t do whether that is in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Another unique feature of Viking cruise ships is that all they all have the same layout, however only two have a planetarium Jupiter and Orion. Whilst sailing at night you can go in and see the stars.
With so many cruise options available, there’s never been a better time to experience these wonderful ships. Why not get in touch to arrange an appointment? I’d be delighted to talk you through the choices in more detail and help you find the cruise that’s right for you.
Phone: 01600 463 022
Email: monmouth@milesmorgantravel.co.uk
