While Viking is widely recognized for its award-winning river cruises, its ocean division has steadily grown into a leader in small-ship luxury cruising. Viking Ocean offers a luxurious, adults-only experience with thoughtfully designed ships, immersive itineraries, and an emphasis on destination-focused travel. Every ship in the fleet follows Viking’s signature philosophy of top-tier elegance and service.
If you’re thinking about sailing with Viking Ocean, this guide will help you choose the best ship for your journey. Based on cruiser reviews and firsthand experiences, we’ve ranked the fleet from best to worst so you can pick the ship that’s right for you.
My Method for Ranking Viking’s Ships
I carefully ranked Viking’s ocean ships by analyzing reviews from multiple sources, including CruiseCritic and TripAdvisor. These reviews reflect firsthand experiences from real passengers. I also explored cruise forums, where seasoned travelers discuss the little details that can make or break a cruise.
To get a more personal perspective, I looked at comments on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where people often share their honest experiences. By gathering insights from multiple sources, I was able to create a ranking that reflects both expert reviews and real-world traveler experiences.
Viking Jupiter
Maiden Voyage: 2019
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Scandinavian design, all-veranda staterooms, infinity pool, planetarium, and Nordic thermal spa.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Viking Jupiter, the sixth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, is known for its understated luxury and destination-focused cruising. The ship offers an adult-exclusive experience, catering primarily to travelers over 55 looking for relaxation and cultural experiences. Onboard, you’ll find meticulously designed spaces inspired by Scandinavian elegance, from leather-wrapped railings to reindeer-hide draped sofas.
The ship’s staterooms are a standout feature, with even the smallest featuring 270 sq ft (25 sq m) of space, heated bathroom floors, and private verandas. Dining is another highlight, offering a variety of cuisines, including Nordic delicacies at Mamsen’s and rotating themed menus at The Chef’s Table. The World Café raises the bar with its over-the-top sushi presentations, while Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant is a guest favorite.
The ship offers plenty of activities designed to educate and inspire, from lectures by resident historians to captivating 3D planetarium shows. For those looking to unwind further, the Wintergarden is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or quiet reading.
Common Praises:
- Exceptional service: A reviewer mentioned, “Our cabin stewards knew our names and my every wish was their pleasure. I felt so cared for throughout the trip.”
- Rooms praised for spacious layouts.
- Dining options varied and were delicious.
- Relaxation areas thoughtfully designed.
Common Critiques:
- Lukewarm food complaints: One passenger said, “Most of the food was served lukewarm at best, which really detracted from the dining experience.”
- Excursions felt rushed or unorganized.
- Limited entertainment for younger travelers.
- Pool deck is too quiet for some tastes.
Viking Sea
Maiden Voyage: 2016
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Scandinavian design, infinity pool, spa with polar room, included shore excursions
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The Viking Sea offers a refined and serene cruising experience, perfectly suited for adults seeking luxury and relaxation. Its Scandinavian-inspired design reflects modern elegance, with beautiful artwork and personal tributes from Viking’s chairman. The ship’s smaller size allows it to access unique ports, while its thoughtful layout ensures plenty of places to unwind without crowds.
Dining on Viking Sea is a standout feature, with options ranging from The Chef’s Table to Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant. The onboard experience focuses on cultural exploration. Excursions and engaging lectures are included to connect guests with destinations. Passengers often praise the spa’s thermal suite and the convenience of amenities like USB ports and bedside outlets.
The entertainment caters to a more mature crowd, with a focus on educational content and musical acts. With no casino or children on board, the atmosphere is quite peaceful, which is a big plus for many.
Common Praises:
- Rooms praised for spacious layouts.
- Included excursions enhance cultural immersion.
- Spa facilities are a passenger favorite.
Common Critiques:
- Limited entertainment: A guest remarked, “No entertainment is an understatement. Bars didn’t even play music.”
- Food occasionally described as ordinary.
- Pool accessibility issues for some passengers.
- Wi-Fi reported as being slow.
Viking Sky
Maiden Voyage: 2017
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Infinity pool, thermal spa, excellent dining, floor-to-ceiling windows
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
The Viking Sky offers a modern, luxurious cruise experience with a relaxed vibe. Tailored for adults 55+, it features Scandinavian design, cozy seating, and stunning ocean views. Its smaller size allows for unique itineraries, reaching ports larger ships cannot. Passengers enjoy a low-hassle experience with free Wi-Fi, included specialty dining, and excursions in every port.
Every detail on the Viking Sky feels thoughtfully curated, from heated bathroom floors in the cabins to USB ports and cozy soft blankets in public spaces. Dining options include the popular Manfredi’s Italian restaurant and The Chef’s Table, both included in the fare.
Entertainment onboard is wide in variety, with interesting lectures, live music, and casual performances. While some guests may find the included excursions basic, optional premium tours offer deeper dives into local culture.
Common Praises:
- Exceptional service: One passenger mentioned, “The crew and staff onboard our ship were beyond friendly and accommodating.”
- Rooms are spacious and well-maintained.
- Food praised for variety and quality.
- Thoughtful design in public areas.
Common Critiques:
- Limited entertainment: A reviewer remarked, “There were so many passengers complaining on this trip, I imagine they felt themselves overworked.”
- Some excursions are too basic.
- Service occasionally slows at dinner.
- Beds are sometimes described as too firm.
Viking Venus
Maiden Voyage: 2021
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: LivNordic Spa, infinity pool, beautiful interior design, insightful lectures
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
If you’re looking for a relaxing and enriching cruise, Viking Venus is the perfect choice. The ship caters exclusively to adults, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway. The LivNordic Spa, featuring steam rooms, saunas, and a snow grotto, receives high praise in reviews
Dining is another standout feature, with guests enjoying fresh sushi, seafood, and specialty dishes in venues like The World Café and Manfredi’s. Every stateroom features heated bathroom floors, USB ports by the bed, and private balconies. Additionally, the ship offers onboard lectures and access to exceptional shore excursions focusing on history and culture.
However, the ship’s entertainment options are tailored to a quieter crowd, appealing more to those who prefer lectures and classical music over late-night activities. Onboard, you’ll also find excellent free Wi-Fi, helping guests to stay connected throughout their journey.
Common Praises:
- Cabins are spacious and thoughtfully designed.
- Food praised for variety and freshness.
- Spa is a major highlight for relaxation.
Common Critiques:
- Limited dining variety: A reviewer mentioned, “The main dining room had a limited menu and didn’t impress us.”
- Entertainment lacks exciting evening options.
- Shore excursions often felt rushed.
Viking Star
Maiden Voyage: 2015
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Nordic spa with snow grotto, complimentary Wi-Fi, destination-focused itineraries
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
The Viking Star, Viking’s inaugural ocean ship, set a new standard for small-ship cruising when it launched. Viking designed the ship to bring its river cruise atmosphere to the ocean. It focuses on destination immersion with extended port stays and onboard enrichment. With sleek Scandinavian design and touches like heated bathroom floors and family recipes at Mamsen’s Café, the ship creates a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere.
The Nordic Spa stands out with its thalassotherapy pool, saunas, and a snow grotto—a chilled room where fine snowflakes create a winter wonderland. Dining includes standout venues like the Chef’s Table and the World Café, offering fresh, high-quality options daily.
Common Praises:
- A+ service: A reviewer mentioned, “The service was the best of any hotel or cruise we have ever experienced.”
- Spacious cabins with great amenities.
- Excellent food with varied options.
Common Critiques:
- Tour quality could be improved: One passenger said, “Only one tour felt rushed with too many people in the same area.”
- Food quality inconsistent.
- Entertainment options could improve.
- Some cabins need refurbishment.
Viking Saturn
Maiden Voyage: 2023
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: All-balcony staterooms, LivNordic Spa, Scandinavian-inspired design, and enrichment-focused activities
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
The Viking Saturn is a modern ship designed for a serene and luxurious experience, with Scandinavian design at its core. As an adults-only ship, it’s the perfect choice if you’re seeking a quiet and relaxing getaway.
The ship offers thoughtfully designed all-balcony staterooms that appeal to guests. Options include the 270 sq ft (25 sq m) Veranda Staterooms and the opulent 1,448 sq ft (135 sq m) Owner’s Suite, complete with a sauna and curated wine collection.
Onboard, the Viking Saturn excels in providing a refined, low-key atmosphere. Rather than bustling nightclubs or casinos, passengers can enjoy enriching activities like cooking classes, art lectures, and wine tastings. Dining is a highlight, with venues such as The Chef’s Table offering regional tasting menus and Manfredi’s specializing in Italian cuisine. The ship’s two pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the aft, and the LivNordic Spa, provide plenty of relaxation options.
Common Praises:
- Friendly staff: One reviewer shared, “The staff were professional, friendly, and attentive.”
- Spacious and well-maintained staterooms.
- Excellent food, especially regional options.
- Quiet spaces for relaxation onboard.
Common Critiques:
- Excursions need better organization: A passenger noted, “Excursions felt disorganized and rushed.”
- Food quality inconsistent across meals.
- Transportation on tours felt outdated.
- Some guides were difficult to understand.
Viking Mars
Maiden Voyage: 2022
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Nordic Spa, all-balcony staterooms, enrichment-focused entertainment
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Viking Mars, the seventh ocean ship in Viking’s fleet, offers a luxurious yet approachable cruising experience. The ship has a well-designed layout that helps create a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere.
The ship’s staterooms are a highlight, featuring spacious designs, heated bathroom floors, and private balconies that offer beautiful views. The meticulous attention to detail in cabin features, such as motion-activated closet lights and quiet-close drawers, improve the overall experience.
Dining onboard is another standout aspect, with a range of venues, including Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and the buffet-style World Café, which offers diverse international flavors.
Common Praises:
- Spacious staterooms with thoughtful amenities.
- Well-designed cabins with plenty of space.
- Excellent food with varied options.
- The embarkation and disembarkation process was seamless.
Common Critiques:
- Excursions need improvement: One passenger noted, “Some included tours were a little unorganized.”
- Food quality inconsistent across venues.
- Entertainment geared toward older audiences.
- Specialty restaurants could be better.
Viking Orion
Maiden Voyage: 2018
Capacity: 930 passengers, 550 crew
Signature Features: High-tech planetarium, Nordic Spa, all-balcony staterooms
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Viking Orion offers a stand-out cruising experience that’s both relaxing and engaging. As the fifth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, it follows the familiar Scandinavian-inspired design that passengers love. From light birch tones to subtle shades of blue and smart lighting, the ship gives off an elegant and calming atmosphere.
What sets Viking Orion apart is its onboard planetarium — a unique feature among cruise ships. The 26-seat dome theater brings celestial exploration to life, providing awe-inspiring 3D shows and connecting to the ship’s telescope. This ties in beautifully with the ship’s overall theme of exploration, which is also reflected in the carefully curated photographs and space memorabilia found in its interiors.
The ship’s staterooms are another highlight, featuring private balconies, heated bathroom floors, and fog-free mirrors. Guests can also relax in the thermal suite, which includes a snow grotto and thalassotherapy pool, or enjoy a range of dining options. Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table impress with their fine dining, while the World Café provides casual yet high-quality meals.
Common Praises:
- Attentive staff who remember names.
- Spacious staterooms with thoughtful design.
- Food praised for its five-star quality.
Common Critiques:
- Excursions need improvement: One passenger noted, “The included tours were disappointing.”
- Food is often described as cold.
- Limited onboard activities for younger guests.
- Some found staff interaction robotic.
Viking Neptune
Maiden Voyage: 2022
Capacity: 930 passengers, 470 crew
Signature Features: Infinity pool, Nordic-inspired spa, and Aquavit Terrace
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Viking Neptune offers a refined yet laid-back cruise experience, featuring sleek Scandinavian design. With room for 930 guests, the ship features spacious decks, upscale amenities, and unique itineraries.
Onboard, every stateroom includes a private balcony and thoughtful design features, such as heated bathroom floors and spacious layouts. For those seeking added luxury, suites offer perks like complimentary mini-bar services and priority reservations.
Dining aboard Neptune caters to refined tastes, with venues such as The Restaurant, Manfredi’s Italian eatery, and The Chef’s Table offering diverse menus. Guests enjoy complimentary specialty dining, wine, beer, and even room service. However, some reviews suggest food quality can vary.
Common Praises:
- Outstanding service: A reviewer shared, “The staff were friendly and extremely helpful.”
- Attentive crew that remembers guest names.
- Elegant staterooms with heated floors.
- Complimentary Nordic spa with thermal suite.
Common Critiques:
- Food quality concerns: One passenger mentioned, “The food got a little boring, and the specialty dining was not up to par.”
- Limited activities on sea days.
- Some itineraries could be improved.
- Specialty dining is not worth the extra cost.
Viking Vela
Maiden Voyage: 2024
Capacity: 998 passengers, 465 crew
Signature Features: Infinity pool, Wintergarden, and Nordic-inspired thermal suite
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8/5)
Viking Vela, the newest Viking ship, continues the brand’s focus on elegant, adults-only cruising. With its launch in late 2024, this ship represents a slight departure from its predecessors, being slightly larger and more technologically advanced. However, as a new ship with limited reviews, opinions should be taken with a grain of salt.
The ship includes a variety of elegant common areas such as the panoramic Explorers’ Lounge, the airy Wintergarden, and the al fresco Aquavit Terrace. Cabins feature private balconies, premium toiletries, and heated bathroom floors, offering a comfortable retreat no matter the itinerary. Staterooms range from 288 sq ft (27 sq m) Veranda cabins to the expansive Owner’s Suite with its private sauna.
Dining is a highlight aboard Vela, with a range of complimentary options, from the global cuisine at the World Café to themed tasting menus at The Chef’s Table. While the onboard entertainment skews toward classical music, lectures, and low-key performances, the ship also features a few lively spots, such as Torshaven for jazz and blues.
The ship’s itineraries focus on the British Isles, Norwegian fjords, and Northern Europe, providing passengers with opportunities to explore scenic destinations and cultural landmarks. However, reviews have noted that the shore excursions and onboard activities may feel limited compared to other lines, particularly during sea days.
Common Praises:
- Exceptional service: A reviewer shared, “The crew and the service were outstanding in every respect.”
- Spacious staterooms with lots of storage space.
- Elegant Scandinavian design throughout.
- Complimentary spa access with unique features.
Common Critiques:
- Disappointing excursions: One passenger mentioned, “Many of the advertised tours were later pulled and not available to book.”
- Limited entertainment options on board.
- Issues with service at restaurants and bars.
- Some found the included wine underwhelming.
Viking Yi Dun
Maiden Voyage: 2017
Capacity: 930 passengers, 465 crew
Signature Features: Nordic-Chinese decor, Chinese and Western cuisine, Liv Nordic thermal suite
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
Viking Yi Dun is Viking’s only ship dedicated exclusively to sailing across Asia. It offers a cruise experience that combines Eastern and Western cultures, allowing travelers to explore diverse destinations with the comforts of Viking’s service.
The ship’s niche appeal means fewer reviews, so don’t rely too heavily on ratings alone if you’re considering this ship.
Onboard, guests can enjoy spacious staterooms with balconies, fog-free mirrors, and lighted closets, all thoughtfully designed for comfort. The dining experience stands out, offering both classic Western dishes and authentic Chinese favorites like dim sum and gungbao chicken.
The itineraries are the main draw, showcasing China’s vibrant cities and serene landscapes through curated excursions. While some tours, such as the acrobatic show in Shanghai, deliver memorable experiences, others are still being improved based on guest feedback. The crew, composed entirely of Chinese staff, is enthusiastic and accommodating despite occasional language barriers. This ship is perfect for travelers who want to explore China without sacrificing the comfort and reliability Viking is known for.
Common Praises:
- Unique cultural experience: A reviewer shared, “The Yi Dun is like no other Viking Ocean Ship. A combination of Nordic and Chinese decor and cuisine.”
- Spacious staterooms with premium amenities.
- Authentic Chinese dishes and Western options.
- Spa praised for its relaxing atmosphere.
Common Critiques:
- Language barriers: One passenger mentioned, “English proficiency is far from the standard achieved on other Viking journeys.”
- Food described as bland and uninspired.
- Misleading embarkation details caused confusion.
- Some excursions felt staged or artificial.
Which Viking Ocean Ship Should You Choose?
Most of Viking’s ocean ships deliver an excellent experience, with elegant Scandinavian design, all-veranda staterooms, and destination-focused itineraries. While none of the ships have major flaws, two stand out for the wrong reasons. Viking Vela has received mixed reviews due to inconsistent service and underwhelming included excursions. Meanwhile, Viking Yi Dun, Viking’s only Asia-based ship, has faced criticism for language barriers and lackluster dining.
For a well-rounded experience with top-tier service, Viking Jupiter and Viking Sky are great picks, offering stunning lounges, world-class dining, and spacious cabins. Viking Venus and Viking Orion are ideal for spa lovers, with their exceptional thermal suites and tranquil onboard atmosphere.
If cultural enrichment is your focus, Viking Star and Viking Neptune provide excellent lectures and destination-driven itineraries. And for a slightly newer ship with modern touches, Viking Saturn and Viking Mars balance Viking’s classic luxury with fresh enhancements.
