Viking Star in Venice
Viking Star in Venice / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Atrium
Atrium / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Atrium
Atrium / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Main Pool
Main Pool / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Wintergarden
Wintergarden / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Wintergarden Lanai
Wintergarden Lanai / Kristen Boatright
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Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Deluxe Veranda Stateroom / Kristen Boatright
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Aquavit Terrace Bar
Aquavit Terrace Bar / Kristen Boatright
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Infinity Pool
Infinity Pool / Viking Ocean Cruises
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The World Café
The World Café / Kristen Boatright
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Sushi at the World Café
Sushi at the World Café / Kristen Boatright
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Main Pool
Main Pool / Kristen Boatright
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Viking Sea's LivNordic Spa
Viking Sea's LivNordic Spa / Viking Cruises
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The Spa Women's Changing Room
The Spa Women's Changing Room / Kristen Boatright
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The Spa Thermal Loungers
The Spa Thermal Loungers / Kristen Boatright
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The Spa
The Spa / Kristen Boatright
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Fitness Center
Fitness Center / Kristen Boatright
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Kristen Boatright
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Mamsen's
Mamsen's / Kristen Boatright
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Smørrebrød Sandwich
Smørrebrød Sandwich / Kristen Boatright
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Manfredi's Italian Restaurant
Manfredi's Italian Restaurant / Kristen Boatright
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Manfredi's Italian Restaurant Octopus Carpaccio
Manfredi's Italian Restaurant Octopus Carpaccio / Kristen Boatright
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Mandfredi's Italian Restaurant Bistecca Florentine
Mandfredi's Italian Restaurant Bistecca Florentine / Sherri Eisenberg
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The Chef's Table
The Chef's Table / Kristen Boatright
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Chef's Table Peking Duck
Chef's Table Peking Duck / Viking Ocean Cruises
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The Restaurant
The Restaurant / Kristen Boatright
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The Restaurant Wine Selection
The Restaurant Wine Selection / Kristen Boatright
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Dessert Sampler
Dessert Sampler / Kristen Boatright
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Kristen Boatright
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The Viking Living Room
The Viking Living Room / Kristen Boatright
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The Viking Living Room
The Viking Living Room / Kristen Boatright
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The Viking Living Room
The Viking Living Room / Kristen Boatright
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Kristen Boatright
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Explorers' Lounge
Explorers' Lounge / Kristen Boatright
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Penthouse Junior Suite
Penthouse Junior Suite / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Viking Heritage Museum
Viking Heritage Museum / Kristen Boatright
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Bayeaux Tapestry
Bayeaux Tapestry / Viking Ocean Cruises
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Viking Star Review

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

This was the first ship launched by Viking Ocean Cruises, the oceangoing line by the team behind Viking River Cruises. Viking Star’s debut in spring 2015 has been followed by an additional eight identical ships —Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Jupiter, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Orion, Viking Saturn, and Viking Venus — each accommodating 930 guests. 

Which ship you book solely depends on the itinerary and date of travel you prefer since all Viking Ocean ships offer a consistent cruise experience rooted in Nordic culture and sleek Scandinavian design. In addition, Viking is best known for being more all-inclusive than many of its competitors, with Wi-Fi, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, all specialty restaurants, and even some shore excursions included in the fare.

What We Love

The Infinity Pool:  The first infinity pool at sea sits on the rear of Viking Star, with a gorgeous view of the wake.

LivNordic Spa: Created in partnership with a Scandinavian spa company, this spa is a step above what you’ll find on other ships, with a stunning thermal area that’s blissfully included for all passengers. Hats for sale that were hand-knit by a Scandinavian grandma add a personal touch here.

Best Known For

Chic Design Choices: The ship has a modern, clean design that makes all the flashy colorful Las Vegas-influenced ships look a bit tacky in comparison.

Walking Tours: Wander the streets of medieval European towns or bustling Asian cities behind a guide who speaks into a microphone that’s then broadcast to headphones in your ears.

Large, Comfortable Cabins: The staterooms have a similar clean, bright look, as well as nice touches such as 24-hour room service (which is included) and heated bathroom floors.

Who It's Best For

Sophisticated Travelers: This ship draws a well-heeled crowd of cruisers who love the calm, elegant atmosphere and the well-done takes on classic experiences, such as afternoon tea and an exquisite buffet that sometimes features local ingredients a chef picked up in port.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

You Can’t Bring the Kids: Unless they are adults, that is. Viking Ocean, like its river counterpart, only welcomes guests who are age 18 or older. On the flip side, this is one of the reasons many cruisers book Viking ships.

The Non-Included Tours Can be Pricey: While Viking does include one free tour in every port, these are typically a quick bus or walking tour that are helpful for getting an overview but aren’t very in-depth. To visit top cultural sites or explore beyond the port city on longer excursions, you’ll need to pay extra, and prices often top $150 per person.

Sherri Eisenberg
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger