Latest news with #VikingJupiter
The Age
3 days ago
- The Age
Exploring Scandinavia: Jessica Rowe's Viking cruise through nordic wonders
Waking up next to the Stockholm archipelago, I pull back our cabin's curtains to reveal the soft, yellow dawn light gently pushing against the low, grey clouds. Their reflection is mirrored in the Baltic Sea, the surface swirling in a mixture of luminous gold and silvery grey, like chiaroscuro in a Rembrandt painting. 'Why are you up?' asks my mum, still snuggled under her blanket. 'This is what I'm doing, Mummo!' I say, gesturing at the fairy-tale vista from our balcony aboard the Viking Jupiter. Jessica Rowe (with her mother Penelope, left) in one of the furry hats she packed for her Scandinavian cruise. It's not long before Mum joins me, wrapped in her dressing gown. I've got mine on, too, not to mention a cream faux-fur hat. We are on the Viking Homelands Tour, a trip we've talked about for years (Scandinavia has long fascinated us both). It first weaved its magic for me when Mum passed on her passion for Viking sagas and Scandi noir novels and dramas. More recently, I've been taken with the region's fashion, licorice, pastries and fairy tales. Though neither of us is usually short of words, we're silent as we cruise past the beauty of the archipelago. Rocky outcrops make way for larger islands; small summer houses, painted red or navy, nestle among birch and pine trees. 'Look, a swan!' says Mum, pointing in the distance. Her eyesight is better than mine, so I put on my glasses. 'Oh, it's Swan Lake!' I say to Mum as more white swans come into view. Sunsets are magical in Södermalm, one of Stockholm's hippest districts. Credit: iStock Water is central to the identity of the Swedish capital. I zip a puffer over my PJs and head to the top of the ship for a panoramic view of this city of islands. In front of us is Gamla Stan, the Old Town, founded in the 13th century. Turning around, we see Södermalm, one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. Our cruise had begun in Bergen and, before we set sail, there was a day to wander through one of Norway's oldest cities. Then, each morning during the 15-day trip, my body clock seems in sync with our port arrivals so there's no need to set the alarm. The gentle morning light guides us into ports including Eidfjord, Stavanger, Oslo, Ålborg, Copenhagen, Berlin (via Warnemünde), Bornholm, Gdansk and Tallinn. In each, we got to experience their beauty and hear their fascinating histories.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
I spent two weeks on a Nordic cruise with my mum. Here's how it went
This story is part of the July 20 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. Waking up next to the Stockholm archipelago, I pull back our cabin's curtains to reveal the soft, yellow dawn light gently pushing against the low, grey clouds. Their reflection is mirrored in the Baltic Sea, the surface swirling in a mixture of luminous gold and silvery grey, like chiaroscuro in a Rembrandt painting. 'Why are you up?' asks my mum, still snuggled under her blanket. 'This is what I'm doing, Mummo!' I say, gesturing at the fairy-tale vista from our balcony aboard the Viking Jupiter. It's not long before Mum joins me, wrapped in her dressing gown. I've got mine on, too, not to mention a cream faux-fur hat. We are on the Viking Homelands Tour, a trip we've talked about for years (Scandinavia has long fascinated us both). It first weaved its magic for me when Mum passed on her passion for Viking sagas and Scandi noir novels and dramas. More recently, I've been taken with the region's fashion, licorice, pastries and fairy tales. Though neither of us is usually short of words, we're silent as we cruise past the beauty of the archipelago. Rocky outcrops make way for larger islands; small summer houses, painted red or navy, nestle among birch and pine trees. 'Look, a swan!' says Mum, pointing in the distance. Her eyesight is better than mine, so I put on my glasses. 'Oh, it's Swan Lake!' I say to Mum as more white swans come into view. Water is central to the identity of the Swedish capital. I zip a puffer over my PJs and head to the top of the ship for a panoramic view of this city of islands. In front of us is Gamla Stan, the Old Town, founded in the 13th century. Turning around, we see Södermalm, one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. Our cruise had begun in Bergen and, before we set sail, there was a day to wander through one of Norway's oldest cities. Then, each morning during the 15-day trip, my body clock seems in sync with our port arrivals so there's no need to set the alarm. The gentle morning light guides us into ports including Eidfjord, Stavanger, Oslo, Ålborg, Copenhagen, Berlin (via Warnemünde), Bornholm, Gdansk and Tallinn. In each, we got to experience their beauty and hear their fascinating histories.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I spent two weeks on a Nordic cruise with my mum. Here's how it went
This story is part of the July 20 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. Waking up next to the Stockholm archipelago, I pull back our cabin's curtains to reveal the soft, yellow dawn light gently pushing against the low, grey clouds. Their reflection is mirrored in the Baltic Sea, the surface swirling in a mixture of luminous gold and silvery grey, like chiaroscuro in a Rembrandt painting. 'Why are you up?' asks my mum, still snuggled under her blanket. 'This is what I'm doing, Mummo!' I say, gesturing at the fairy-tale vista from our balcony aboard the Viking Jupiter. It's not long before Mum joins me, wrapped in her dressing gown. I've got mine on, too, not to mention a cream faux-fur hat. We are on the Viking Homelands Tour, a trip we've talked about for years (Scandinavia has long fascinated us both). It first weaved its magic for me when Mum passed on her passion for Viking sagas and Scandi noir novels and dramas. More recently, I've been taken with the region's fashion, licorice, pastries and fairy tales. Though neither of us is usually short of words, we're silent as we cruise past the beauty of the archipelago. Rocky outcrops make way for larger islands; small summer houses, painted red or navy, nestle among birch and pine trees. 'Look, a swan!' says Mum, pointing in the distance. Her eyesight is better than mine, so I put on my glasses. 'Oh, it's Swan Lake!' I say to Mum as more white swans come into view. Water is central to the identity of the Swedish capital. I zip a puffer over my PJs and head to the top of the ship for a panoramic view of this city of islands. In front of us is Gamla Stan, the Old Town, founded in the 13th century. Turning around, we see Södermalm, one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. Our cruise had begun in Bergen and, before we set sail, there was a day to wander through one of Norway's oldest cities. Then, each morning during the 15-day trip, my body clock seems in sync with our port arrivals so there's no need to set the alarm. The gentle morning light guides us into ports including Eidfjord, Stavanger, Oslo, Ålborg, Copenhagen, Berlin (via Warnemünde), Bornholm, Gdansk and Tallinn. In each, we got to experience their beauty and hear their fascinating histories.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Forbes
Ocean Or River? Discover Which Viking Cruises Sailing Is Right For You
Viking ocean ship in London Viking Not all cruises are created equal—and that's especially true when it comes to Viking Cruises. Known for its refined, adults-only approach to travel, Viking Cruises offers two distinct types of voyages: river cruises that wind through the heart of Europe, and ocean cruises that span multiple countries and coastlines. Both experiences are top-notch, but they deliver very different vibes. So how do you decide which one fits your next vacation? It all comes down to what kind of traveler you are, how you like to explore, and whether you want the ship to be the destination—or the launchpad for it. Here's what you need to know to pick the Viking cruise that suits you best. Viking Sky in Geiranger, Norway Viking Viking's ocean cruises are designed for travelers who want to visit a variety of destinations without sacrificing comfort or enrichment along the way. These ships cover more ground than river vessels, often sailing between multiple countries on a single itinerary. Take, for example, the 15-day Into the Midnight Sun journey aboard Viking Jupiter, which sails from London to Bergen and includes stops in Scotland and the Norwegian fjords. You'll wake up in a new country every few days—but you'll return to the same spacious, all-veranda stateroom every night. Unlike most large cruise ships, Viking Ocean vessels are intimate and uncrowded, carrying under 1,000 guests. That means no casinos, kids, or waterslides—just serene Scandinavian-inspired design, quiet lounges, and spaces to gather with fellow travelers over a board game or cocktail. Guests have unlimited access to a full-service spa (including a thermal suite), a well-equipped fitness center, salon, library, self-service laundry and even a planetarium. Dining is a major highlight, with multiple restaurants offering everything from sushi to regional tasting menus. And between ports, you'll find a full slate of lectures, cooking demos, and cultural programming to keep you engaged. The main trade-offs? You may dock in shipyards or further outside city centers, sometimes requiring a tender or shuttle into town. But for those who enjoy sea days and want variety, comfort, and onboard community, Viking Ocean delivers a sophisticated experience. River Cruises: Immersive, Up-Close Exploration Viking longship on the Seine Viking If Viking Ocean is about the journey, Viking River is about the destination. These sleek, narrow ships are built to navigate Europe's iconic rivers, docking in the heart of each city or village along the way. You won't need a shuttle or a map—just step off the ship and start exploring. A great example is Viking's Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary, an 8-day cruise that sails roundtrip from Paris with stops in Giverny, Rouen, and the beaches of Normandy. You'll glide through pastoral French landscapes, dine on regional cuisine, and learn the history of each port from local guides. Onboard, the experience is quiet, elegant, and low-key. With just 190 passengers, river cruises foster a strong sense of community. The ships feature two dining venues and staterooms that are comfortable, if compact. Entertainment is minimal, but you'll be so busy ashore it may not matter. And because river ships travel at a slower pace and on calm waters, there's no risk of seasickness. The limited space does mean fewer onboard options—no spa or thermal suite here—and smaller closets, which can be a challenge on longer trips. But for travelers who want to maximize time in port and experience Europe like a local, river cruises offer unmatched intimacy and access. Who Will Love Each Cruise Type The Infinity Pool on-board the Viking Star Viking Choose a Viking Ocean cruise if you: Want to visit multiple countries in one trip Enjoy a variety of dining and activity options Like a mix of sea days and port days Appreciate onboard amenities like spas, lounges, and enrichment programs Prefer more space, both in your stateroom and around the ship Dining al fresco at Aquavit Viking Choose a Viking River cruise if you: Want to walk off the ship and be in the center of town Prefer historical and cultural immersion over onboard entertainment Are sensitive to motion and want a smoother ride Value quiet, community-oriented travel experiences Don't mind fewer frills in exchange for more time ashore Whether you choose river or ocean, Viking Cruises offers an elegant, all-inclusive experience that prioritizes meaningful travel and destination immersion. It all comes down to your travel style: Do you want the ship to be part of the destination, or a comfortable home base for exploring what's beyond the dock? Either way, there's no wrong answer—just the one that suits your next adventure best.
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Why I love Viking Cruises' thermal spa
Relaxing on a cruise for me usually means sitting in a pool, or better yet, a hot tub. On some occasions, I have paid extra (usually at least $50 per day) for access to a thermal spa. Most of these have some version of a sauna (often an infrared sauna), a steam room, a salt room, and many some relaxing chairs. Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits I've generally found these underwhelming and not worth the price. In many cases, they lack a true water feature, often having a rain shower, but no hot tubs, cold plunge, or any sort of therapy pool. That's not the case on Viking Cruises which offers an included thermal spa that's truly an immersive experience. It's included in the price of your cruise and as I head from London across the Arctic Circle on Jupiter Viking as part of its "Into the Midnight Sun" voyage, it has become a daily ritual. In addition, while I have not done this, the cruise line offers classes in the Norwegian tradition of alternating hot and cold experiences. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Why we love Viking Cruises' thermal spa (1:38) Transcript: Hey there all, I am Dan Kline, Executive Editor of Come Cruise With Me, that is soon to be part of Travel Host, we're really excited about that. I'm on a 14 day adventure on the Viking Jupiter. Now first of all, I'm going to talk a little bit about the fact that today, the sun, and I'm pointing to my balcony, will not go down. We are going to have 24 hours of sunlight, makes it hard to know when to switch from drinking light beverages to darker beverages. I usually have a gin and tonic in the afternoon if it's a Sunday like it is, not a work day, and switch to bourbon at night, but there is no night, it is perpetual sun, but one of the ways I'm dealing with that is something that's my favorite thing on the ship. There is a thermal spa here that is in the men's room, there's a sauna, so you can sit in the sauna, you can then go into the plunge pool. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. I have not been daring enough to go into the plunge pool. In the communal area, there is a thalassotherapy tub, got that one out, with bubbles and you sit in the thing and it's warm but not hot. There's a hot tub next to that, there's also a steam room, and there is a snow room. You can go and, can't quite make a snowman, but play with snowballs, get yourself good and cold, go back into the steam room. There's also classes you can do, they cost a little extra, that'll show you sort of the Norwegian ritual of doing this. I haven't done that yet, but it is a beautifully appointed spa, and it is all included. On many cruise lines, I've done these sort of thermal suites, and they're not as nice as this, and they're not included. So this is a really big perk if you're on Viking, and it's something I'm going to be doing probably every day to try to keep my sanity, as I do not sleep much, given that the sun, as I said, is not going down. I am Dan Kline, come cruise with me soon. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
