Setting Sail on a Baltic Voyage on Viking Cruise Lines

Viking Star (Photos by M. Richmond)

After 21 hours of flying and 24 hours without sleep, we finally arrived at our final destination: Viking Star, Viking’s luxurious ocean liner, a sleek vessel built in 2015 with capacity for only 930 passengers.

Deluxe veranda suite

Our deluxe veranda suite, fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar and even binoculars awaited us. A large bathroom with glass-encased shower, anti-fog mirror and Freyja amenities even includes a heated floor!

Plenty of cozy areas and nooks and crannies throughout the carefully laid out ship promote places to read, play scrabble, work on carefully laid out puzzles, or simply curl up in a blanket and contemplate the moving horizon. Viking Star provides a luxurious home-away-from-home without the tedious burden of having to do anything for yourself. Heaven forbid!

Explorer's Lounge

After a quick sweep around the room we head up to Deck 7 and the World Café for a delicious assortment of lunch options set along a hot and cold buffet. This deck is where you’ll also find the main pool and hot tub and the posh Wintergarden where a typical English high tea is served every day at 4 p.m. 

Small infinity pool

I make a mental note to visit the appealing small infinity pool and hot tub, which are located aft on this deck. 

Also on this deck is Mamsen’s where snacks and light breakfast – as well as the legendary waffles with caramelized goat cheese – are served. 

The Explorer’s Lounge offers a bar and a series of “living room” areas where you can peruse library offerings or watch the sea glide by. Deck 8 features more cozy nooks where you can read or simply relax.

Liv Nordic is home to the spa and wellness center where you can indulge in a vast selection of massages, facials and other treatments and is also where the hair and nail salons are located. Along the way, you can hit the sauna, dip into the cold plunge and bask in the steam bath before giving in to the frosty delight of the snow grotto – one of the few on the high seas. 

Spa Jacuzzi

Another "must" is the large, bubbling Jacuzzi. The fully equipped Fitness Center and Sports Deck provide options for working off the extra calories you’re sure to consume during your voyage. The main pool on Deck 7 has a retractable roof allowing you to take full advantage of the sun .... weather permitting.

Main pool and hot tub

In addition to the World Café, dining treats can be savored in the Italian specialty restaurant Manfredi’s, in The Restaurant or at the Chef’s Table where you will be treated to specially created culinary "masterpieces." Entertainment is bountiful with live music, specialty shows, movies and lectures throughout the cruise. There's plenty to do while on board so I suspect this cruise will be truly memorable.

Showtime in the Star Theatre

And service, as you would expect on Viking, will be exceptional!