Viking Ocean Cruise Into the Midnight Sun Post #1
Prior to this cruise our experience with Viking was only on a River Cruise. Since I have a tendency to become very ill at sea, I was considerably nervous about this sailing. We flew into Bergen and had a reservation at the Thon Orion Hotel. As we checked into our room, I noticed there seemed to be a concert stage outside our hotel window and it made me nervous about our sleep. When we went downstairs to dinner I asked what hours the concert would play. The nice desk attendant replied from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM and I was happy. Kim asked who was playing and the desk attendant replied Bob Dylan. I nearby fell over. We hurried through dinner and went straight to our room. We had a ringside seat to one of my favorite musicians. As the concert unfolded we realized we wouldn’t be able to see him as the setup was back under the roof in case of rain. That didn’t stop us from listening to a really great concert with many of his oldies played, even at New York Broadway show. He played a couple of encores and stopped just in time for the crowd to leave as the rain began pouring down.
The next morning after breakfast, we took a taxi a couple of kilometers away to the boarding area for Viking. It was starting to rain pretty well by the time we were ushered inside the welcome tent. As we had not been on an Ocean cruise with Viking we weren’t familiar with the procedures and more than once sought help from the staff. We showed our passports and they were taken in exchange for a room key that enabled us to enter our room, board and disembark the ship for tours and use as a general access method for all areas of the ship. After going through security just like at airports, we decided to tour the ship and found several items of interest aboard the Viking Sun. First was a globe on the Explorer’s deck that was gorgeous and accurate in design. Along side of it was a telescope to view the incoming ships and ports, also beautiful in overall look. In addition there were several libraries on multiple decks for your reading pleasure. This was a nice benefit since the ship was literally outfitted with a plethora of reading areas.
After the Explorer deck we ventured outside to the sports area where we found a multitude of games to capture our fancy. A very nice Bocce Ball court, Table Tennis, Miniature golf, Shuffleboard, along with a fantastic watering station in case you become dehydrated. If by chance you just wanted to get a little sun, there were many areas to sit and sun yourself. I thought Viking had done an outstanding job with this deck.
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Shuffleboard Court
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Watering Station on the Sports Deck
The inside section of this deck in addition to the libraries included board games such as chess, backgammon and many other challenging pastimes. Also shown were relic replicas from the Vikings including a stone axe and a model ship. Many items were represented for your viewing pleasure. Also noteworthy is the second deck which was equipped with all sorts of electronic games like เรียนรู้เพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับ UFA และข้อเสนอต่างๆ and a Scrabble board or two. We thoroughly enjoyed this deck many times, especially on sea days.
After reviewing the various decks and grabbing a bite of lunch we were let into our room. It was significantly larger than I had imagined. Our luggage had already arrived and was laid out for our unpacking. The room accessories included an umbrella large enough for us both, a pair of binoculars for shoreline viewing, slippers for venturing to the Spa, wonderful Freyja toiletries and a set of Wireless Tour Guide radios with one ear piece rather than the normal two that we were used to. We prefer the single now.
Next to the beds was a working and seating area. Included were two large lounge chairs, a coffee table, a working desk area and a 42″ TV for catching up on Viking news, information about our specific tours and weather forecasts. The weather during our cruise was extraordinary. This region usually receives rain 181 days a year in Oslo and 270 days a year in Bergen with it being the tenth highest rainfall city in the world. We were definitely lucky to have sunshine most days.
The desk area included free soft drinks, tonic water or club soda, nuts and several Toblerone bars which just happen to be one of my favorites, so they were constantly stocking the candy. Although there were two luxury restaurants on board, a wonderful buffet restaurant, a great burger bar for lunch next to the pool and we opted for room service on several days, generally at breakfast. It was wonderful and one can order 24 hours a day at no charge. Great omelets I must say!
Notice the balcony off the desk area. Every room on-board is equipped with a fairly private veranda. We love having a morning coffee outside when weather permits. In addition we both had wonderful, size appropriate bathroom robes that we used many times, visiting the fantastic spa on board. Whether for a massage as I had, a facial as Kim had, the wonderful steam baths, saunas or the unique Snow Room. I thoroughly enjoyed the sauna and steam room, but jumping into the freezing water afterwards wasn’t my cup of tea. I thought after being in the steam room for several minutes I could handle the cold room, but I only lasted about 20 seconds I believe. Don’t laugh until; you experience this Scandinavian tradition!
If you notice the dresser has several drawers. My dresser as shown was equipped with four drawers. Kim’s dresser was right around the corner and also had four drawers. This was more than adequate for our needs. The hanging closet to the left was supported by two more closets adjacent to the entrance door. Needless to say a couple has adequate room to store a cruise worth of clothes. We were settled in and ready to tour Bergen the next day and learn about this charming city. Let the cruise begin!
*** Portions of our cruise were sponsored by Viking Ocean Cruises. All opinions, as always, are those of my own.
Posted By atJuly 19, 2019
Architecture
A Bob Dylan concert? What an incredible way to kick off a travel experience! The Viking Sun sounds like a wonderful ship – I love the details you’ve included. The Explorers Deck alone has so many fascinating things to do.
Michele,
My apologies. I am working through some WordPress issues and did not receive an email as usual to notify me of your comment. I thoroughly appreciate you efforts and dedication. Thank you kindly for commenting!
Mike
I’ll second that — a Dylan concert right outside your room?? And free room service and Toblerones too? What an amazing trip you had and that’s not even counting the cruise. I have yet to experience a Viking cruise — and have never considered myself a cruiser, frankly — but the more I read and hear, the more I’m sure we’d give it a go. Sounds like a great experience!
Lori,
My apologies. You have faithfully shown a true effort in trying to comment and your thoughts finally came through. Thanks for continuing to try and for such nice words. Yes we were very lucky with the Dylan concert and the fact that we had hardly any rain. I can’t encourage you enough to try a week or eight day cruise with Viking River cruises. I was the same way until we took the Danube Waltz cruise from Budapest to Passau Germany in early December. We chose it because of the Christmas Markets. They were fantastic! Also it’s important to note, we have made close friends on every cruise we’ve had with Viking. I can’t tell you how many people we regularly correspond with as a result of Viking River cruises. I hope you decide to take one. Thanks for your kind words and support young lady!
Mike
I did a Viking River Cruise through China and loved it. What is the itinerary for the Midnight Sun cruise? I’m intrigued!
Patti,
My apologies again. I know I sound like a broken record, but I am just getting my blog back up and running. I not being notified via email of comments. Into the Midnight Sun runs from Bergen up the Norway Coast until Honningsvag or Nordkapp for seven days and then sails across the Norwegian Sea for two days, then on to Scotland for three days, including one day in Edinburgh. It winds up in London for a day and embarkation the final morning. Norway is really gorgeous. I honestly had no idea how beautiful it really is! Thanks for stopping by.
Mike
Exploration for sea lovers, where art thou? You really gave a detailed information about your traveling experience with Vikings. I love the deck and the arrangement of the bedroom. How can I get to travel with Vikings someday!
Thank you for your nice thoughts. You have to work hard in life and put money away for special reasons like this cruise. Thanks again.
Mike
Okay Mike, that’s very impressive. So, having an experience like this once in a lifetime would cost a man such a fortune. Well, its worth giving it a shot then and have a nice story to tell your kids!
Ogunyemi,
It really doesn’t cost a fortune, but one does have to watch for deals and promos to obtain the best pricing. Our kids are all grown and know everything about our cruises. It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.Thanks.
Mike
This will so much interest travel lovers. I love to take the cruise too, from the post here Vikings is the best and excellent way of travelling
Tim,
I had no idea how gorgeous Norway was. The Vikings defeated had the right idea!
Mike
This is a great museum. Although the viking age is long over. It is good though and I assume it is historically accurate.
Alex,
Bergen Norway is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to begin a cruise!
Mike
I would love to experience a cruise any theme will do. However, I do love the theme. I am a fan of Ragnar and company from Vikings.
Mico,
I wasn’t able to take cruises in my younger days but am truly glad we are now. Viking is the best!
Mike
I can see you had so much fun..I love Bob Dylan..My wish is to see him perform live…Wow..I’m jealous
Obalade,
Bob Dylan is a fantastic songwriter and we enjoyed the concert! Thanks.
Mike
Bob Dylan is such a great and famous star. I have witness one of his concert before and it was superb. Nomadictexan thanks for this wonderfully made post.
Oyeyipo,
Lucky you. I’ve seen Bob Dylan in concert several times also but never from my hotel window!
Mike
It sounds like you had a great experience. The cruisse sounded very interesting, I like the games part. I’m glad that you were also abble to enjoy Bob’s Dilan concert before sailing.
Rosemary,
Thank you kindly for your comment. I am happy you thought the cruise sounded very interesting. Yes, seeing the Dylan concert was an unexpected pleasure!
Mike
Cruising is one thing I enjoy a lot and taking a viking cruise just as you did, would be a fun thing to do. I know you had a nice time too.
Jeffrey,
We love to take cruises also, especially with Viking Cruises! We definitely had a great time. Thanks.
Mike
Going on a cruise is definitely one of my greatest dreams ever. Especially so if it means going to the far north of the equator where I live. Looks like you are ready to go on your fabulous adventure and that you’re going to love every minute of it. Have a wonderful trip!
AJ,
We’ve already taken the cruise and I am writing about it now. We did have a wonderful cruise and Viking treated us royally. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mike
I just read let the cruise begins and I felt like joining this cruise. I will just hope you all have fun and just explore every where expected of you.
Loise,
We did actually have a great cruise and enjoyed every tour we had on the sailing! Thanks.
Mike
It is safe to say that this is the inside of the ship?This is very luxurious. I am excited for the photos of different places during your trip. Good job.
Gray,
Yes this post was about what the ship looked like before we started the cruise.
Mike
This is good. Luxury travel has always fascinated me. I have never been on one but I wish I have. Even just once. Perhaps France or grand canyon.
Wendy,
You can find inexpensive cruises. I only try to cruise with Viking as they are rated the number one cruise lines year after year! Thanks.
Mike
Looks like amazing amenities for comfort, play and exploration. This seems like the kind of cruise I would have trouble leaving with all the fun activities and leisurely accommodations available.
Maury,
It definitely was a very nice ship and all the comforts of home plus some! Thanks.
Mike
I would really like to try the miniature golf. It looks exciting!!
Roy,
I assure you there were several things,in my honest opinion, that were more exciting on board the Viking Sun than this. Thanks for your thoughts..
Mike
The Gorgeous Globe on the Explorer Deck looks very glorious. This must have been a great experience indeed!
Cherry,
I agree the globe was gorgeous.The cruise was one of our best experiences in our lives!
Mike
Incredible work documenting your experience. I feel like I was there myself.
Meg,
I am glad to hear this. That is my objective! Thanks
Mike
This is a once in a lifetime experience, You are so lucky to have experienced it.
Frodd,
You are entirely correct. It was most definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Mike
I wonder how much the cruise costs. It sure can’t be cheap.
Patricia,
Watch their promotional page. They give discounts at times,free air on some cruises, along with two for the price of one or BOGOs as they are called. You can get really good deals then.
Mike
Thanks so much for sharing this. This will definitely be one of the activities I plan for during my vacation.
Stella,
I can think of nothing better for a vacation!I truly hope you can sail with Viking!
Mike
The explorer deck looks so neat and well maintained. They have done a good job in maintaining it well 🙂
Oliver,
You are correct. It was a special place we visited many times on our cruise!
Mike
The rooms looks very classy. This is just as premium an experience as any. Great work sharing.
Gina,
That is the nice thing about the rooms. They are all this way!
Mike
The sports area would be my favorite area. Everything there looks very cool.
Daphne,
The only drawback is if it is cold outside or the wind is blowing substantially. Thanks.
Mike
I quite like the replicas of the Viking axe and the Viking sailing ship. Such great craftsmanship.
Hank,
They were quite impressive to me also! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mike
I just love your room with the twin beds in it. At least after all the stress, you are sure of going back to a fluffy bed to rest and have all the relaxation.
Noble,
They really are great when one partner has restless leg syndrome or tosses and turns all night long! Then you don’t get kicked constantly during your night’s sleep! Thanks.
Mike
Truly, your own sickness will be lost if we have this kind of recreation. If are pampered all the way, sickness will never be in the way.
Meldred,
I was prepared with several seasickness medications and was able to stave off my seasickness! Thanks.
Mike
I really liked how you documented your experiences for our reading pleasure. I really enjoyed reading this.
Magreat,
I am truly happy to hear this. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Mike