Viking Orion cabins and suites

Below is a review of Viking OCEAN's ship Viking Orion staterooms, including furnishings, price-included amenities, and complimentary services:

• Decor features light woods and nautical colors.
• King-size “Viking Explorer” bed (with deluxe mattresses and linens, cashmere blankets), convertible to twin beds.
• Luxurious private bathroom with heated floor and heated mirror, glass-door shower, hairdryer, premium bath products and toiletries (by Freyja), deluxe bathrobes, slippers, towel warmers, and ample storage space.
• The seating area includes a sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, and wardrobe. A full-length mirror (with integrated lighting) can also function as a night light, with the on/off switch conveniently located by the bed.
• Satellite phone (direct-dial, located on the vanity desk), smart HDTV (3D infotainment/interactive TV system for Internet access, room service ordering, movies on demand, live webcam views, and the Viking Cruises channel for news, enrichment lectures, and port talks), in-room binoculars, personal safe, individual climate control, and 220V/110V power outlets (European and US standard plugs). The cabin’s key card must be inserted into a slot (located by the entry door) to activate the electrical outlets and lighting.
• Coffee machine and mini-bar (replenished daily with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks).

On all cabin decks, there is a launderette (complimentary self-service laundry room) equipped with ironing boards, washers, and dryers. Detergent is also provided free of charge.

All cabin categories include complimentary movies on demand and 24-hour room service. All Suite categories (as well as Deluxe cabins) also include complimentary laundry, pressing, and shoeshine services.

• Welcome Champagne bottle (Suites and Deluxe cabins).
• Priority cabin access: Explorer and Junior Suites (11 am embarkation), Penthouse Veranda (1 pm), Deluxe Veranda (2 pm), Standard Veranda (3 pm).
• Priority dining reservations (days prior to departure, in brackets): Explorer Suite (90), Junior Suite (80), Penthouse Veranda (70), Deluxe Veranda (60), Standard Veranda (none).

All guests (excluding those in Standard Balcony cabins) also enjoy priority reservations for Viking Ocean shore excursions.

Veranda and Deluxe Veranda cabins (categories V and DV) are very similar in size (225 ft² / 21 m², plus 45 ft² / 4 m² balconies). Each features a lounge area (2 armchairs and a coffee table), and the balcony is furnished with 2 chairs and 1 table (suitable for outdoor dining). The main differences are that V-Veranda cabins do not include a mini-bar, and guests cannot pre-book dining reservations at the ship’s restaurants. Veranda staterooms also lack binoculars, coffee machines, and cashmere blankets (standard in higher categories). Additionally, Deluxe Veranda guests can access their cabins one hour earlier on embarkation day (2 pm vs 3 pm).

Penthouse Veranda cabins (category PV) are larger (280 ft² / 26 m², plus 60 ft² / 6 m² balconies) and offer upgraded services. The balcony furniture is the same as in lower categories. The seating area includes a sofa, coffee table, and one easy chair. These cabins provide more storage (additional drawers) and a slightly larger bathroom (including a larger shower). Extra services include priority dining reservations (in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s), as well as complimentary pressing and shoeshine. Embarkation day access is from 1 pm.

Penthouse Junior Suites (category PS) are the ship’s smallest suites (335 ft² / 31 m², plus 70 ft² / 7 m² balconies). The lounge area includes a sofa, coffee table, two easy chairs, and two HDTVs (one facing the bed and one in the seating area). The bedroom is separated from the living area by a curtain. Additional amenities include early check-in (11 am), guaranteed dining reservations (Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s), and complimentary laundry, dry-cleaning, pressing, and shoeshine services. There are also two wheelchair-accessible Mini Suites with roll-in showers and roll-out balconies.

Explorer Suites (category ES) range in size from 460–700 ft² / 43–65 m², with additional 165–490 ft² / 15–46 m² balconies. These suites are located forward and aft (on the ship’s corners), offering panoramic views on two sides. Compared to forward-facing suites, aft-facing suites have larger balconies (furnished with loungers), smaller living rooms, and larger bathrooms (with windows facing the balcony, whereas forward-facing suites have a TV instead). Forward suites feature glass windbreaks on the balconies, which do not wrap around fully like the aft verandas. Each Explorer Suite includes a 4-seat dining table, living room (sofa, coffee table, two armchairs), and walk-in closet. Perks are similar to those of Penthouse Suites.

Viking OCEAN’s Explorer Suite bathrooms are among the best-rated at sea. Each features a glass-enclosed shower and bathtub with ocean views, a separate sitting area, and a spacious double-sink vanity with ample storage. Additional features include Italian handcrafted fixtures and a heated tile floor.

The Owner’s Suite (category OS, located forward-starboard on Deck 7) is the ship’s largest accommodation (1,320 ft² / 123 m², plus 175 ft² / 17 m² balcony). It includes a living room (sofa, coffee table, chairs, wet bar), separate dining area (6-seat table), walk-in closet, powder room, separate bedroom (king-size bed, walk-in closet), and a private boardroom (meeting room with a 10-seat table, guest bathroom, and butler’s pantry with a small oven). The master bathroom features a double-sink vanity and a large power shower, as well as a unique oceanview sauna. The veranda is furnished with two cushioned wooden loungers, a table, and two chairs. Perks include a custom-stocked mini-bar, early check-in (11 am), guaranteed dining reservations, and complimentary laundry, dry-cleaning, pressing, and shoeshine services.

The complimentary 24-hour Room Service menu includes pasta (with bolognese, pesto, or pomodoro sauces), grilled salmon, cured Norwegian salmon (gravlax), grilled chicken, burgers (including vegetarian options), chef’s salad, and cheese plates. Breakfast options include hot and cold sandwiches, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal, eggs, and fresh fruit.

Viking OCEAN cruise deals are all-inclusive, meaning the following are included in the cruise fare:

• One complimentary excursion in each port of call along the itinerary.
• Complimentary beverages, including beer and house wine at lunch and dinner (red, white, and occasionally rosé).
• Free Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage) and unlimited Internet access.
• Complimentary specialty restaurant dining (except for the lowest-category Balcony cabins).
• Gratuities: the recommended amount is USD 14 per person, per day, automatically added to the onboard account. Adjustments can be made at the Guest Services desk (Deck 1 Lobby). Alcoholic beverage purchases incur an automatic 15% gratuity.

Beverages at onboard lounges and bars are not included and are priced approximately at $6 for cocktails, $4 for beer, and $5–6 for wine by the glass. Viking Cruises’ “Silver Spirits” beverage package costs $420 per cabin (for two guests) and includes unlimited cocktails (up to $9 per drink), beers, and premium wines by the glass, plus one bottle of sparkling wine, specialty coffees, and unlimited soft drinks.