Viking Sky is a really special ship, and this was the best cruise I've ever taken. The staff and crew are wonderful and want you to have the best vacation possible, the ship has a lot of space for everyone and is very relaxing and beautiful, and the food is really good. Also, drinks are very reasonably priced! It was only about $7.50 for most cocktails, and gratuity is included in that price.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarking in Greenwich is not your usual embarkation. We checked in and got our key cards in a big tent near Greenwich Pier, which was very quick and easy - the fastest check-in ever. Then you head to the pier and board a boat which takes you to a platform in the Thames River that the ship is anchored next to. We went through security in the building on that platform and then boarded the ship from there.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food was excellent onboard! I ate in Manfredi's four times, and the rest of the cruise we ate dinner in the MDR besides just a night or two in the buffet. There's a daily 'destination menu' that is themed to where you are docked that day, plus the changing part of the menu and then the dishes that are always offered every night. Interesting choices throughout the cruise included reindeer, venison, and duck. Manfredi's was also delicious and they make nearly all of the pasta (across the entire ship) right onboard! Buffet was great but I think could have had more of a selection. With a few variations, it was usually the same things every day. The gelato is not to be missed - and be sure to check both sides of the buffet for the sandwich of the day - sometimes it's different on either side. One thing I'd ask Viking to do is change the hours that the buffet is open for breakfast and lunch - especially on port days. It's usually only open for lunch from 12 - 2:30, which means any excursions that leave at 12 or earlier and run through that time have no choice when back onboard but to eat at the pool grill (which is good but has a small menu!) or order room service. It should open at 11 or 11:30 for lunch, and breakfast should run up until 10:30 or 11. Kind of switch over quickly while people are there, maybe? It's a better workaround for people on excursions.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The Viking ocean ships don't have a ton of bells and whistles, which is absolutely fine for the demographic that sails with them. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and even as possibly the youngest guest onboard, I really enjoyed that atmosphere. The pools are awesome - they are heated and very warm, the main pool is great and has a little waterfall feature to one end. The infinity pool in the back is also great and kind of deep depending on how much they filled it that day (it varies!) I just wish they kept it "infinity" all the time - usually when at sea it wasn't filled to the top. The Vitality Pool in the spa is also awesome, and lots of people could be found there a lot of the time. There are jets and it's a great place to chill for a while. I also loved the other features in the spa, like the snow room and dry sauna. A lot of people utilized all of the hot/cold elements! Another activity I enjoyed was the mixology class, and I'd really recommend it. You learn how to make four drinks (and receive the recipes in your cabin later) for only $20. One thing I didn't like - on one of the first days of the cruise there was an event in the jewelry shop onboard. I arrived about two minutes early, and the main event (with a giveaway) had already happened! I wasn't the only one that arrived on time but missed it. They shouldn't advertise something like that starting at a certain time and then do it early. Afternoon tea in the Wintergarden was nice - you choose from a large menu of teas and they bring you little finger sandwiches and pastries.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
There was a lot of music around the ship, which we appreciated. A guitarist seemed to always be in a different spot at most times, and he was really good. The pianist was great and played in the atrium a lot, and then there was an instrumental trio and the Viking Sky band that played around the ship, too. All great. The stage shows were a mixed bag. The cruise director and assistant cruise director both have a background in entertainment so each did their own stage show on different nights, and they were excellent. The theater was packed and we all enjoyed them. Then there was also a special guest onboard for part of our cruise - The Voice UK finalist Toni Warne. She did two different shows and she was amazing! I think everyone was really impressed with her, she can sing so many different genres, too. We also went to an ABBA themed show by the Viking singers and dancers, and it was not good. Singers were pitchy and seemed to lack the stamina needed for a show like that. The two that were dancers only were good, though.
Children's Programs
Viking ocean ships only allow guests 18 and older
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service was amazing! I can't speak highly enough of the amazing crew that we met onboard - all the way from the room stewards and servers up to the captain himself! Maria and her serving team in the MDR were absolutely wonderful. I was traveling with my mom and she has food allergies, so the first night we were seated in Maria's section and she said that we should ask for her every night because she would get to know the allergies and be able to take good care of us. And she certainly did! The front desk quickly figured out that we wanted her section every night and we didn’t even have to ask anymore. Also - we went to dinner at different times every night and either got in right away every time, or only had to wait about 5 minutes a few times. The ship hardly ever felt crowded. Crew members around the ship almost always smile and greet you - many by name! Our room stewards were awesome, too. And we got to interact with the captain many times throughout the voyage, and he’s a very personable and down-to-earth man. We really like him.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This was the best designed ship I've ever been on. Public spaces are beautifully designed, with a cozy Scandinavian style. There are pillows and blankets everywhere, and being on this ship truly feels like being at your home away from home. It's a modern, comfortable elegance. The ship was very clean, too.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Ship tip
Sign up for bridge tours/galley tours as soon as possible. If your excursion is timed so that you'll miss lunch, be sure to eat a big breakfast. You can make one reservation at Manfredi's before the cruise, but once onboard you can make more if there are openings. It’s a must-eat kind of place and it’s included in the cost of the cruise!
Thanks Sarah, just like to know when reading reviews. I am sure your review is accurate but the reality is you can never truly reflect an accurate review because there is no concept of “value”. I used to be taken to restaurants regularly and noticed my views on them were significantly different when I had to pay top dollar myself. We are trying Viking very soon and can’t wait.
Thank you for your detailed and specific observations on your Viking experience as it as very informative and objective.
We Re looking forward to our first ever Viking Ocean cruise in January, 2019. I am sure it will be as delightful and interesting...and we will be better informed now as to what to expect.
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