Viking Venus

The 2020-launched/2021-inaugurated MS Viking Venus cruise ship is the seventh in a 10-ship series of identical vessels built for Viking Ocean Cruises. Viking OCEAN’s long-term plans include a fleet of 16 sisterships, all built by Fincantieri and registered under the Norwegian flag.

The vessel (IMO number 9833175) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257552000) and registered in Bergen.

History - construction and ownership

The 930-passenger Viking Venus offers a destination-focused cruising experience, with fewer days at sea, longer port stays, and more overnight calls in key destinations. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, free shore excursions, and included wine and beer at lunch and dinner.

Each Viking Ocean ship offers a wide range of fare-inclusive amenities and services, including all shore excursions, transfers, Wi-Fi, wine and beer (served at lunch and dinner), and access to the Nordic Spa (steam room, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, snow grotto, sauna, and cold plunge pool). The aft infinity pool (a resistance swimming pool located on Deck 7) is another distinctive complimentary feature.

All Viking Ocean vessels are built in compliance with the latest maritime safety regulations and are equipped with advanced safety systems, including “Safe Return to Port.” The ships also incorporate modern technologies such as energy-efficient hybrid propulsion (diesel generators and gas turbines), optimized hull forms, and bulbous bows for improved fuel efficiency. The design includes solar panels (installed on the Magradome pool cover), further reducing emissions.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Venus staterooms (465 in total) include 47 Suites, 32 Penthouse cabins, and 386 Veranda/Balcony cabins across 18 categories.

All passenger cabins feature private step-out verandas and offer modern amenities, including king-size beds (“Viking Explorer,” with deluxe mattresses and linens, and cashmere blankets), en-suite bathrooms (heated floors and mirrors, glass-enclosed showers, hairdryers, premium Freyja bath products, bathrobes, slippers, and towel warmers), and seating areas (sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, wardrobe, and full-length mirror with integrated lighting). Additional features include satellite phones, smart HDTVs (3D infotainment/interactive systems with Internet access, room service ordering, movies on demand, live webcam views, and Viking Cruises channel content), in-room binoculars, electronic safes, individual climate control, coffee machines, and minibars (replenished daily with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks).

The ship has 10 decks, of which 6 are dedicated to passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking Venus offers multiple dining venues, including the main Restaurant, buffet venues (Viking Deli and World Cafe), Aquavit Terrace (alfresco dining), specialty restaurants (Italian Grill and Chef’s Table), and two private dining rooms. Viking Venus cruise fares include shore excursions, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, and Wi-Fi.

Signature onboard facilities include two swimming pools (Main Pool and aft Infinity Pool), a covered pool deck (with Jacuzzi, bar, and grill), the Viking Living Room (Atrium Lobby Lounge), two cinemas, a modern wellness complex (Spa & Fitness Center and Beauty Salon), the Wintergarden (poolside lounge), Aquavit Terrace (aft outdoor bar/lounge with Infinity Pool and hot tub), Torshavn Piano Bar, a dedicated sports deck (Deck 9, with walking track and outdoor gym/yoga area), Theatre Lounge & Bar, Lobby Bar, and various retail shops and boutiques.

The wraparound Lanai/Promenade Deck (Deck 2) fully encircles the vessel. The two-deck Explorer’s Lounge features a large bow-facing observation area—an uncommon feature on many modern cruise ships. Overall, the ship’s design emphasizes a boutique hotel-style ambiance.

All Viking Ocean ships feature a “Snow Grotto,” a unique spa experience where powdery snow falls from the ceiling. This thermal suite experience is designed to stimulate circulation and includes a sequence of heat (sauna/steam bath) followed by cooling in the snow room. The spa complex also includes a hot tub, sauna, heated ceramic loungers, therapeutic showers, and a saltwater thermal pool. Access to the Snow Grotto is complimentary for all passengers.

Itineraries

Viking Venus itinerary programs (like all Viking Ocean ships) focus on destination-rich cruising with included excursions and curated onboard experiences. Compared to similar vessels operated by other cruise lines, Viking itineraries typically feature fewer sea days, longer port stays, and frequent overnight calls.

In the UK, Viking Ocean ships are homeported in London-Greenwich, England.

In late September 2020, Viking Ocean announced a new voyage for Viking Venus—the 29-day “Baltic Jewels and The Midnight Sun” itinerary (London-Greenwich to Stockholm, Sweden), scheduled to depart on July 22, 2021. The cruise visits 10 countries and includes 19 complimentary guided shore excursions. Prices started from USD 18,500 (~EUR 15,830) per person for a Veranda stateroom (double occupancy).

In mid-March 2021, new 8-day “England’s Scenic Shores” itineraries were announced, departing roundtrip from the UK (Portsmouth and Liverpool). These were Viking Ocean’s first scheduled sailings for 2021 (May 22, May 29, and June 5) following the COVID-related pause in operations. The first departure followed the christening ceremony (planned for May 17) and was available exclusively to UK residents.

In May, additional July–October departures were announced (11-day roundtrips from Valletta, Malta) for three Viking Ocean ships (Venus, Sea, Star).

• The “Malta and Adriatic Jewels” itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Valletta and visits ports in Montenegro (Kotor) and Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik), as well as Gozo Island (Mgarr Harbour, Malta).
• The “Malta and Greek Isles Discovery” itinerary also starts with an overnight in Valletta and visits ports in Greece (Kalamata, Piraeus-Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Souda (Crete)).
• The “Malta and the Western Mediterranean” itinerary begins with an overnight in Valletta and visits ports in Sicily (Messina), mainland Italy (Naples, Civitavecchia-Rome, Livorno, Genoa), and Spain (Barcelona).
• Also offered is the 21-day “Malta, the Adriatic and Greece” itinerary (a back-to-back cruise), starting with an overnight in Valletta and visiting Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Mgarr (Malta), Valletta (overnight), Kalamata, Piraeus-Athens (overnight), Santorini, Rhodes, and Souda (Crete).

For the Malta-based 2021 season, Viking partnered with Lufthansa (Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Germany’s largest airline) to offer nonstop transatlantic flights between Newark (New Jersey, USA) and Malta, exclusively for Viking Ocean customers.

All Viking Ocean ships focus on destination-rich itineraries featuring the brand’s “small ship” cruise concept and curated onboard experiences. Compared to similar vessels operated by other cruise lines, Viking Ocean itineraries emphasize fewer sea days, longer port stays, and frequent overnight visits.