On a recent trip from Bali to Darwin, one of our Tour + Cruise Specialists, Sarah, got to experience the Viking Venus for 5 days. This award-winning all-verandah small ship allows just 930 guests making it perfect for adventures off the beaten track.
It’s important to note that this was only a segment of the Viking Venus cruise, as it usually finishes in Sydney.
To book a Viking Cruise, contact a Tour + Cruise specialist like Sarah who can discuss more information and their personal experiences!
Viking Venus Check-In
Check-in for the Viking Venus cruise was remarkably seamless. Each guest receives a tap card and hands their passports over, with numerous staff members available to assist guests. From entry point to cruise boarding plankway, it took maybe 5 minutes.
Upon boarding, guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and swiftly ushered into a quick safety briefing. Afterwards, I had the freedom to explore the ship at my own leisure. I could access my cabin immediately, however luggage did not arrive until around 2 PM [which is standard]. This minor delay was easily managed as I enjoyed cocktails onboard and took the opportunity to familiarise myself with the ship’s amenities. It seemed like most guests settled in really fast and it had a real ‘home away from home’ feel.
It’s good to note that getting on and off tenders was straightforward; however, those with mobility issues might find it challenging due to the boat’s sway. Fortunately, there were plenty of staff available to assist guests.
Viking Venus Staff
The staff throughout the cruise were exceptionally welcoming and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Upon arrival, my room attendant introduced himself and ensured I was comfortably settled in. Notably, I observed many staff members reconnecting with returning travellers from previous cruises, a testament to Viking’s commitment to fostering relationships within their community.
The Cabin
My cabin, a Deluxe Veranda, was impressively clean and spacious. The cabin featured ample storage space, including room for our luggage under the bed, several draws and a closet. Other small luxuries include the waffle robes, a Viking umbrella, and binoculars for sightseeing.
With free Wi-Fi, a king-size Viking Explorer Bed and a 42” flat-screen TV, it was hard not to cozy up in the cabin the whole time. Inside there is a mini bar with soft drinks, water and snacks, as well as a personal coffee machine with a great range of tea and premium coffee available.
The ensuite was large with a spacious glass-enclosed shower and came with Premium Freyja toiletries and a hairdryer. My favourite addition would have to be the heated floor! I can imagine it being perfect for colder climates.
Out of the 6 different staterooms, the Deluxe Veranda is on the smaller side at 270 sq feet. However, the private veranda really turns it into a great open space!
Dining Onboard the Viking Venus
Dining onboard was a highlight of the cruise. The Chef’s Table offered an exquisite culinary experience with exceptional food and service. However, I recommend avoiding window seats while dining at sea, as it can be unsettling and may induce motion sickness!
The beverage package provided premium wine pairings wide range too, including French, Spanish, German, Portugal etc. that enhanced our meals, which included delectable options such as duck and regionally inspired specialties like Lobster dumplings and granita.
While Manfredi’s Italian restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, the food did not stand out as much compared to other dining venues on board; however, the generous wine pours and perfectly sized servings were appreciated.
The buffet surpassed expectations with its high-quality offerings, including smoked salmon, a wide breakfast selection with made-to-order eggs, and fresh juices from an on-board machine. Lots of desserts
The Torshavn, a charming jazz bar with dim lighting and live music, provided a cosy speakeasy vibe that was enjoyable.
Afternoon Tea in the Wintergarden was a delightful experience in a beautifully open and airy space, complemented by a soothing piano player that added to the ambience.
‘The Restaurant’ was a nice space to enjoy some time alone, smaller menu but still high-quality food and an extensive wine selection.
‘Pool grill’ served a purpose, but was my least favourite. It was very much American burgers and hot dogs, school canteen style, which was not really what we were looking for.
The bars opened at 10 AM, providing ample opportunities for socialising with fellow Viking travellers—predominantly Americans and Australians, with some British guests as well.
The Silver Beverage Package proved worthwhile; it would easily cover its cost with just two cocktails per day. Clients are advised to pay for this package pre-cruise in AUD to avoid additional card fees incurred on board.
Amenities and Spaces
The ship featured multiple pools, including a large central pool beneath an enclosed glass ceiling that could be opened during sunny weather. It was great to see that staff were quick to respond to changing conditions. There was also an infinity pool with a bar nearby and outdoor dining. The top deck also has a small golf set up and sitting area to sit and relax, along with a running track.
As it was close to Christmas, tasteful decorations adorned the ship, culminating in a massive gingerbread house display on our final day that engaged both guests and staff in festive activities.
My personal favourite area was the Explorers Lounge at the front of the ship- a serene space featuring live music, an extensive cocktail menu, and attentive service where staff remembered drink orders. Onboard you’ll find a massive library with lots of comfy seating areas, throw rugs and overall a really nice space. It also hosted ‘Mamsen’s’ where you could grab a light afternoon snack that focused on Norwegian specialties. It was nice to have a small bite by the fireplace, sip a cocktail and chat with other travellers.
The spa facilities were outstanding, featuring a sauna, steam room, snow grotto, cold plunge pool, and a jetted spa pool, all designed for ultimate relaxation. The spa provided plush towels, robes, spa slides, plus amenities like hair dryers so guests did not need to bring their own or head back to their suites. The gym was well equipped with everything from free weights to ellipticals and treadmills, all pretty new and state-of-the-art.
The Atmosphere on Viking Venus
The overall atmosphere on board was relaxed and calm. I recommend that clients book shore excursions and dining reservations prior to embarking; day one was chaotic due to long lines of guests trying to organise their plans at the last minute. This disorganisation led to complaints about wait times that could have been avoided with better pre-cruise planning [on the client’s end].
Summary of Viking Venus
In summary, my experience aboard Viking Venus was marked by exceptional service, delightful dining experiences, and a tranquil atmosphere that made for an unforgettable cruise journey.
Being one of the youngest on board, it was still a great fit for me personally and I would definitely cruise with them again. I liked that there were no kids, no loud music or noise and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. I met some really interesting people and staff onboard, which says a lot about a company that maintains staff over multiple voyages/seasons- ultimately enhancing the customer experience.
If you’re interested in booking a Viking Cruise, check out our deals page for more.
