Viking Star cabins and suites

The following is a review of Viking OCEAN ship Viking Star staterooms, including furnishings, price-included amenities, and complimentary services:

• Decor – light woods and nautical color schemes.
• King-size “Viking Explorer” bed (with deluxe mattresses and linens, cashmere blankets), with optional twin-bed configuration.
• Luxurious private bathroom (with heated floor and mirror), glass-door shower, hairdryer, premium bath products and toiletries (by Freyja), deluxe bathrobes, slippers, towel warmers, and ample storage space.
• The seating area is furnished with a sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, and wardrobe. A full-length mirror (with mini lights) 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 American standard plugs). The room key card must be inserted into a slot near the entry door to activate the cabin’s 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 passenger-use laundromat). These self-service laundry rooms are equipped with ironing boards, washers, and dryers, with detergent 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 (upon embarkation at 11 am), Penthouse Veranda (1 pm), Deluxe Veranda (2 pm), Standard Veranda (3 pm).
• Priority dining reservations (days prior to departure): Explorer Suite (90), Junior Suite (80), Penthouse Veranda (70), Deluxe Veranda (60), Standard Veranda (none).

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

Veranda and Deluxe Veranda cabins (categories V and DV) are very similar (225 ft2 / 21 m2, with an additional 45 ft2 / 4 m2 balcony). Each features a lounge area with two armchairs and a coffee table, while the balcony is furnished with two chairs and a table suitable for outdoor dining. The main differences are that V-category cabins do not include a mini-bar, and their guests cannot pre-book dinner reservations. They also lack binoculars, coffee machines, and cashmere blankets (standard in higher categories). On embarkation day, Deluxe Veranda guests can access their cabins one hour earlier than Standard Veranda guests (2 pm vs. 3 pm).

Penthouse Veranda (category PV) cabins are larger (280 ft2 / 26 m2, with an additional 60 ft2 / 6 m2 balcony) and offer upgraded services. The veranda furniture is similar to lower categories, while the seating area includes a sofa, coffee table, and one easy chair. These cabins provide more storage space (additional drawers) and a slightly larger bathroom (including a larger shower). Extra services include priority dining reservations (Main Dining Room, Chef’s Table, and Manfredi’s), as well as complimentary pressing and shoeshine. On embarkation day, Penthouse Veranda guests can access their cabins at 1 pm.

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

Explorer Suite (category ES) cabins range from 460–700 ft2 / 43–65 m2, with additional balconies measuring 165–490 ft2 / 15–46 m2. Located forward and aft, these suites offer panoramic views on two sides (plus portside or starboard). Aft-facing suites have larger balconies (some furnished with loungers), smaller living rooms, and larger bathrooms with balcony-view windows. Forward-facing suites feature glass windbreaks on the balcony and do not fully wrap around. Each Explorer Suite includes a four-seat dining table, living room (sofa, coffee table, two armchairs), and walk-in closet. Perks are similar to those offered in Penthouse Suites.

Viking OCEAN Explorer Suite bathrooms are among the highest-rated at sea, featuring a glass-enclosed shower and bathtub combination with ocean views, a separate seating area, and a spacious double-sink vanity with ample storage. Additional highlights include Italian handcrafted fixtures and heated tile floors.

The Owner’s Suite (category OS, located forward-starboard on Deck 7) is the ship’s largest accommodation (1,320 ft2 / 123 m2, with an additional 175 ft2 / 17 m2 balcony). It includes a living room (sofa, coffee table, chairs, wet bar), separate dining area (six-seat table), walk-in closet, powder room, separate bedroom (king 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 shower, along with a unique oceanview sauna. The spacious veranda is furnished with cushioned wooden loungers, a table, and chairs. Additional 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 fares are all-inclusive and include:

• One complimentary excursion in each port of call along the itinerary
• Complimentary beverages, including beer and house wine at lunch and dinner (selection includes red, white, and occasionally rosé)
• Free shipwide Wi-Fi with unlimited Internet access
• Complimentary specialty restaurant dining (excluding the lowest-category Veranda cabins)
• Gratuities: a recommended USD 14 per person per day is automatically added to onboard accounts (adjustable at Guest Services). Alcoholic beverage purchases include an automatic 15% gratuity.

All beverages served at onboard lounges and bars outside of meals are charged separately. Typical prices are approximately $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 passengers) and includes unlimited cocktails (up to $9 each), beers, and premium wines by the glass, plus one bottle of sparkling wine, specialty coffees, and unlimited soft drinks.