This ship was designed while bean counters were sleeping.
That's why we don't see expensive suites that take place of the observation deck.
We don't see extra charge restaurants that take place of the promenade deck.
We don't see obstructed balconies.
We don't see lifeboats standing on the decks.
We don't see a sealed floating block of flats (neither large, nor small).
What we do see is a ship that looks like a cruise ship, that feels like a cruise ship, and that is as enjoyable as a cruise ship.
Forward observation deck
Shall I call it beautiful?
No.
I have a better word.
This is a proper observation deck (above the bridge, with "wings" on both sides):
360° promenade deck.
This is a luxury feature that can be found nowhere else but on a cruise ship.
This is also an official jogging track on Viking.
The company opted for not providing deck loungers on the promenade deck.
The forward part of the deck.
You can take a look at the mooring deck here.
Two tenders and a lifeboat on both sides of the ship are suspended so that all of us can enjoy the luxury of unobstructed promenade deck.
What window is this (behind lifeboats)?
Atrium, Deck 3.
A rescue boat
The aft part of the promenade deck is wide enough to accommodate a few tables and chairs.
The aft end of the Restaurant (main dining room) overlooks the spacious area of the promenade.
Pool deck (Deck 7)
The central pool area has a sliding glass roof (aka magrodome).
This area is adjacent to the Wintergarden as we know.
The green wall at the background is hiding a movie screen.
Looking aft:
Looking forward:
Rough seas:
Aft Pool
The legendary "infinity pool" is not exactly what you might expect.
As we noted earlier, the pool area is roughly two times smaller than it looked on the early renderings.
I don't want to say that the aft pool deck is actually crammed, but it's close to that:
What is cantilevered is the external "pocket" that prevents water from leaking on the balconies down below:
Anyway the aft pool area is charming.
Upper Promenade on Deck 8
Same place (looking aft):
Deck 9
A sitting area on the sports deck:
We would love to see more private spaces for sunbathing on the ship.
A "dedicated" quiet sun deck located away from main passages would have been a big plus.
We always spend some time on "private" sun decks on larger cruise ships.
It's not the case with Viking ocean ships due to their small size.
The aft pool deck is quite small and busy as it also serves as a relatively busy "al fresco dining" area.
The main pool area is spacious but it does not have a "private feel".
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The central pool area has a sliding glass roof (aka magrodome).
This area is adjacent to the Wintergarden as we know.
The green wall at the background is hiding a movie screen.
Looking aft:
Looking forward:
Rough seas:
The Wintergarden is seen at the background. The doors are open.
Pool bar:
Aft Pool
The legendary "infinity pool" is not exactly what you might expect.
As we noted earlier, the pool area is roughly two times smaller than it looked on the early renderings.
I don't want to say that the aft pool deck is actually crammed, but it's close to that:
The aft end of the buffet opens to this pool area.
There is too much "al fresco dining" for such a small space;
Someone wrote that this pool was
"cantilevered".
It has been posted and reposted since then.
In fact the pool is not cantilevered - its edge is level with the edge of the deck.
It has been posted and reposted since then.
In fact the pool is not cantilevered - its edge is level with the edge of the deck.
What is cantilevered is the external "pocket" that prevents water from leaking on the balconies down below:
Anyway the aft pool area is charming.
I am pleased to note that Viking
Cruises have brought some improvements to the original "Advanced
Vista-class" concept.
To be precise, they have corrected some deficiencies.
The first one is their combination of forward observation lounge & observation deck. It’s simply outstanding.
Yes, it's now better than the corresponding features on the originals.
The second one is not as visible but absolutely wonderful: they extended the "Lido deck" on both sides of the buffet.
Now you can walk to the aft pool deck bypassing the buffet (on the original ships we have to go through the buffet or go one deck up and then down).
This also provided for the "al fresco" sliding walls in the buffet.
To be precise, they have corrected some deficiencies.
The first one is their combination of forward observation lounge & observation deck. It’s simply outstanding.
Yes, it's now better than the corresponding features on the originals.
The second one is not as visible but absolutely wonderful: they extended the "Lido deck" on both sides of the buffet.
Now you can walk to the aft pool deck bypassing the buffet (on the original ships we have to go through the buffet or go one deck up and then down).
This also provided for the "al fresco" sliding walls in the buffet.
Upper Promenade on Deck 8
The aft part is a board-to-board bridge
Views from Deck 8:
This is where the "cabanas" would have been (per early renderings), looking forward:
Same place (looking aft):
Deck 9
"Sports deck" - the
uppermost forward deck.
Viking ocean ships are too small for sizable sports courts - this is what we have to accept.
The "Sports deck" offers some kinds of physical activity outdoors.
Viking ocean ships are too small for sizable sports courts - this is what we have to accept.
The "Sports deck" offers some kinds of physical activity outdoors.
We would love to see more private spaces for sunbathing on the ship.
A "dedicated" quiet sun deck located away from main passages would have been a big plus.
We always spend some time on "private" sun decks on larger cruise ships.
It's not the case with Viking ocean ships due to their small size.
The aft pool deck is quite small and busy as it also serves as a relatively busy "al fresco dining" area.
The main pool area is spacious but it does not have a "private feel".
Back to Open Decks Page
Back to Viking Review Main Page
