Viking Sky
We had the privilege to travel aboard the Viking Sky June 1-8, 2023. We boarded the ship at Port of Civitavecchia about an hour south of Rome. Our boarding time was 2:00. We arrived and the embarkation process was amazingly easy. We have traveled on many different cruise lines in the past but this was our first Viking Ocean cruise, and I have to say this was the fastest and easiest embarkation we have EVER experienced!
Once aboard we were greeted with a cool towel and a cold water and we went off to find our stateroom. We were in a deluxe veranda stateroom, room 6038 to be exact. Once on board we were met by our room steward. He showed us around the room and told us our luggage would be there shortly. We made our way down to the first deck to make reservations for the speciality restaurants for the week. We went back up to the room and our luggage was waiting. Honestly, there was plenty of room to unpack and put everything away.
The room setup was as follows:
When we walked into the room the bathroom was on the left. You stepped up to go in and there was a shower (actually fairly large- easy for Jack to stand and even move around in (for reference Jack stands over 6 ft tall). There was plenty of storage space, drawers, under the sink storage and shelves on both sides of the sink.
As we walked forward there as a small built in on the left that contained a coffee machine, a set of drawers (one contained the safe) and shelves. I removed most of the items from the shelves (shoe horn, shoe polish, etc) and placed them in the closet on the top shelf in the back to get it out of the way. I placed majority of Jack’s clothing in these drawers and on these shelves. The closet was right past this on the left but facing the balcony rather than the hall. There is a set of 3 drawers in the closet, I used those for myself. Shoes went into the bottom of the closet, we hung the rest of the clothing.
Both sides of the bed have a night stand with usb ports, US and European plugs, a drawer and shelf. The bed is a king side bed with personal lights on each side. There were 2 chairs and a coffee table between the bed and the balcony. Across from the seating area was a sitting area/desk with a top that opens. It was perfect for me to place all my makeup in so that I could get ready while Jack showered. There was also a small fridge on the right but we never used it. In fact we were rarely in the room.
We also had a balcony and spent some time out there but not a ton of time. The ship was so quiet, and peaceful there were plently of public spaces you could retreat to.
Our room was located towards the back of the ship so it was easy access to the World Cafe. So a quick walk and up a few steps up we were at the buffet which had 2 sides and access to indoor and outdoor seating along with the infinity pool that looked over the end of the ship. We chose to eat breakfast there each day, which was huge for me because a buffet is NOT my favorite. However, I never felt that icky “buffet” feeling. The kitchen staff would make you fresh eggs, pancakes, anything you wanted. The wait staff was very attentive and by the end they knew us by name, I enjoyed eating outside each morning watching us pull into dock.
Laundry- Each deck has a self service laundry with soap included. There are 3 washers and 3 dryers and 2 ironing boards. I only waited one time for a washer. Having the self service laundry was so helpful in being able to travel in a carryon for the entire trip. (some of the more expensive cabins have laundry included)
Embarkation and Disembarkation - I have been on cruises as long as I can remember. This was BY FAR the easiest process I have ever witnessed! We never stood in line (well one time as were we getting on the tender in Monte Carlo- but that was large swells in the water not a ship problem) If you take a Viking Excursion they have you very organized in the theatre and lounge areas by departure time you walk straight out to the numbered bus and you are on your way!
Final Disembarkation was just as easy- a few tips
If you haven’t cruised before if you are not carrying your own luggage off the ship you must have your luggage out the night before you leave by midnight and the next morning when you leave the ship your luggage is waiting in the holding area. If you chose to carry your luggage off the ship (as we did because we packed in carryon’s) you can just walk off whenever you want. (This is different that the large mega ships) We also spent the night in port the night before disembarkation so we were able to walk off whenever was good for us.
TIP!
You must leave your room by 8:00am so no reason to make a late flight arrangement. There is NO late check out, they have to flip the ship for the next passengers.
Ship-
There are 2 speciality restaurants, a main dinning room, a front of the ship small dining area open for breakfast, snacks, and lunch and later in the day drinks, a pool cafe and the world cafe. We ate at every restaurant, with the exception of the cafe at the front of the ship (it was Norwegian food, I wasn’t interested but I have heard that the waffles were amazing!) and I personally NEVER had a bad meal!
We found that the ship was fairly empty although it was completely booked out. We ventured to the spa which was AMAZING! The snow gratto, the giant whirlpool, the saunas, the cool tubs, a great place to hang out and relax. There is an amazing gym, whoever I rarely saw anyone in there. There is also a salon if you would like your hair/nails done.
Not one time did we feel as if we were crowded, or as we were a number. I believe the only line I ever stood in was for ice cream the last night, and I was only behind 3 people. The staff learned our names, our likes, and made a point to speak, and serve whenever possible! Everyone was friendly and attentive.
There are plenty of spots we never discovered, or discovered late such as the bar at the front of the ship, you can walk along the front of the ship. It is called the explorer lounge, a full glass wall of windows provides the perfect place to watch the ship maneuver. Everyday at 4:00 in the WinterGarden Atrium they have high tea, we never went, we were usually in port, but it looked neat. We also never ventured to the shows, we just preferred the sunset and wine on the deck or in the first floor piano bar.
I would 100% recommend a Viking Cruise- in fact we are already booked on another one in April 2024!!!