Viking Saturn
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
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Lon...(Piraeus)
Viking rules Europe’s rivers, boasting an impressive 75% market share for North American travelers, but the cruise line’s growing relevance in ocean cruising is poised to continue with the 2023 debut of the Viking Saturn. This ocean-specific vessel, focused mostly on Mediterranean and Scandinavian/Nordic voyages, fits 930 guests as a classic small ship offering. Notably, every guest room on the Viking Saturn features a veranda or outside space. The ship was built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, and sails under a Norwegian flag. Philanthropist and Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera, Ann Ziff, serves as Saturn’s godmother.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Viking Saturn is an all-veranda ship, so each stateroom features outdoor space. Other regular perks include twice-daily housekeeping, sleek and cozy Scandinavian-inspired design, premium Freya toiletries, plush robe and slippers, and large bathrooms. All rooms include creative storage space, heated bathroom floors, minibar and refrigerator, a guest room steward, and a safe.
In terms of suites, the highest end room is the Owner’s Suite, a 1,448 square foot treasure that includes a boardroom, library, and private sauna.. The next level down is the Explorer’s Suit, which ranges in size from 757-1163 square feet. For suits the 405 square foot Penthouse Junior Suite rounds out that level of stateroom. All suites get early booking priority for dining reservations, the spa, and shore excursions as well as additional perks like early embarkation.
From a basic accessibility standpoint, there are multiple elevators as well as wide hallways on this ship. According to Viking, guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests should provide their own wheelchairs (except in emergency cases, of course). Motorized scooters cannot be accommodated. A link to the brand’s accessibility form can be found here.
Food & Drink
The World Cafe is a large buffet-style restaurant that has a more casual feel. It’s open for all three meals a day. Inside the Explorers Lounge on Deck 7, cruisers can enjoy Mamsen’s, a Nordic-style breakfast spot with famous waffles. Guests can also try out a couple of specialty eateries on Deck 1: Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant (don’t miss the incredible bread basket) and The Chef’s Table, an exclusive tasting menu experience that rotates menus every few days.
The Aquavit Terrace (and inside bar) at the back of the ship is a pretty, petite spot with dynamic views. A larger bar and lounge spanning two floors, the Explorers Lounge, is another lovely option. For afternoon tea/people watching, cruisers should plan to visit The Wintergarden. The best late night watering hole, especially for live music, dancing, and cocktails, is Torshavn; it almost feels like a hidden speakeasy. A large bar on Deck 1 in The Living Room area is another showstopper and features a stunning atrium. There’s also a Pool Bar on Deck 7 next to the large main pool.
Entertainment
Viking offers broad entertainment options without the cheesiness of a casino. Trivia, name that tune, and multiple live musical performances help keep guests diverted. Multiple entertainment spaces, including cozy Torshavn, keep the ship from feeling crowded. Viking also sets itself apart with excellent educational opportunities like lectures from the onboard historian and naturalist; these experiences make for a more well-rounded trip and allow visitors to engage more deeply with the destinations they’re exploring. Special programming like movie nights with a projector by the pool, and complete with popcorn and blankets, round out Viking Saturn’s onboard offerings.
Spa & Fitness
Leaning into its Scandi roots, the aptly named Nordic spa features a traditional hot-cold cycle, including a snow grotto and sauna. Services like Swedish massages and cleansing facials are on offer for an additional fee; when you book a service, you get access to the spa for that whole day, so it’s a great option to get organized and pamper yourself on a sea day. Additionally, a large fitness center is complimentary.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Although not required, Viking recommends that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines ahead of your departure and as recommended by your healthcare provider. For additional information on Viking’s health and safety, you can visit here. Hand sanitizer is available in many places on the ship, a COVID-era change made permanent.
Dress Code
During the daytime, casual dress is allowed, like jeans and sneakers for walking tours. Please note, guests should be aware that some shore excursions involve visits to religious sites. In those instances, it’s best to wear long pants and cover shoulders. Also of note, swimsuits, workout wear, and coverups should be reserved for the gym and pool areas.
Unlike other cruises, there are no set formal nights, though the evening dress code is elegant casual for dining and entertainment. For women, that could mean slacks and a blouse or sweater or a dress; for men, that could include trousers and a button up shirt. Pro tip: The evening dress code doesn’t extend to the World Café, which remains a casual dress environment even after 6:00pm. Also of note, guests should be aware that some shore excursions involve visits to religious sites.
Junior Cruisers
Not allowed. No one under 18 is permitted on a Viking Cruise.
Service
Staff is ever-present but not overly attentive to the point of hovering. Viking does a great job with their guest to staff ratio. Additionally, they have a Viking Service Guarantee, where you can be refunded 100% if not satisfied with service. For full details, check out the FAQ page.
Tipping
It is customary to tip the onboard staff. To make it easy, Viking automatically adds a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $17 USD per guest per day to guests’ shipboard account. (Visit Guest Services if you’d like to increase the amount or pay in cash.) This fee appears on your final invoice at the end of the voyage and helps guests avoid agonizing over who to tip and how much to tip each person. The money is then shared among all staff, like stewards and waiters. For guides and drivers on shore excursions, Viking suggests tipping $3 USD. Additionally, according to the website, “you can also pre-purchase gratuities at our standard recommended rate in My Viking Journey. If your package includes prepaid gratuities, you will not acquire the discretionary charge of $17 USD per guest per day on your final invoice.”