As a long-time subscriber to Cruise Passenger magazine and email newsletters, I was delighted to receive an invitation to visit VIKING ORION when she was berthed in Melbourne earlier this month.
A limited number of subscribers were offered drinks and canapes and a guided tour around the elegant, state-of-the-art Viking Orion.
The port is a short walk from my home in Port Melbourne and I delight in seeing all the cruise ships throughout the season; I also take a lot of photographs of these beauties visiting our bay.
After getting through security and meeting up with my husband we were greeted on board by the Viking representatives and crew.
And we indulged in the aforementioned ‘drinks and canapes’.
We have been cruising with Cunard since 2009 (we both now have Diamond status), and once with Celebrity, but we’ve been drooling over the Viking brochures and itineraries for quite some time, and then of course, there’s all those YouTube videos…
So it was such a treat to view the ship in person with our expert host, Michelle Black – Viking’s Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand.
The Viking fleet of ocean cruise ships are showcases for Scandinavian style and sophisticated simplicity.
And they’ve really got comfort covered…
But they don’t want you to forget about their Viking roots –
Eventually we non paying guests had to leave because, well, we hadn’t paid to be on board this gorgeous ship.
But not before we got to have a look at home from this vantage point –
So once again, thank you Cruise Passenger and thank you Viking for allowing us to become VIP visitors on board Viking Orion.
Life In Camelot - travel blog 
Your pictures are wonderful — I feel as though I have a great feel for this ship and your adventure at sea. Viking Sky has similar amenities. And we were overwhelmed by the size, since we had only previously taken river cruises. Here’s to more cruising in the future — after the coronavirus has passed, of course. And here’s to seeing the world in style!
Thank you for the lovely comment; it was such a pleasure to be invited on board for such a close-up and personalised tour of the ship. We can’t wait to be on the Sky later in the year and it’s great that you have embraced ocean sailing too. We are yet to do the river cruises, but I am sure they have their own unique delights as well.
Wishing you all the best as you travel to see the world. I can’t wait until the time comes when I can book another trip. Stay safe.
thanks for this great overview! we have been considering to go on a cruise for a while now, and it’s always great to read about the different options out there! the child-free thing does bum us, though!
I do hope the current world situation doesn’t put you off cruising when we come out the other side.
I wish we could do a Viking cruise! It’s always been on our list; but then they went child-free. Kind of bummed by that!
I hear you about the children. Our daughter has been cruising with us for nearly 10 years and absolutely loves it. Cunard are very child friendly and the kids will feel special because there are not as many as there are on more obvious family cruise lines, e.g. Disney or Royal Caribbean.
Great piece. Too bad the visit was for a short period of time. Looks like you captured all the necessary things though. I have also seen those Viking brochures and hope to go on a cruise with them in the near future. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Yes, they are very glamorous and all-inclusive so you don’t get the big bill at the end of the cruise.
Great article; thanks for the tips!
Thanks for stopping by and having a look. 😀
What a gorgeous ship! It looks quite elegant which is nice- many ships are so gaudy and over the top that they don’t impress me. But this is beautiful!
Yes, I agree. The Scandinavians really have such a unique sense of style. I would love to cruise on one of these ships – just have to save up…
I have never been to a cruise before but look at your post makes me really want to try once haha. I live these stunning pictures that you share, very luxury and great Viking cruise.Love it.
Yes Mai, cruising definitely makes for a great holiday. We were only visiting that ship for a few hours but we have been on many cruises with Cunard and have several more booked for the future – we are hooked.