Viking Orion

Home
Viking
Viking Orion

SHIP OVERVIEW

Viking Orion debuted in 2018. Expand your horizons on comfortable, state-of-the-art ships, intimate and thoughtfully created by experienced nautical architects and designers to enrich your interaction with your destination in every way. Whether you seek to expand your palate, your knowledge, or just your circle of friends with like-minded people, Viking designed its ships with a unique onboard experience in mind, from the serene Wintergarden, perfect for a calming cup of tea; to The Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of wellness; to the Library, carefully curated with books to add to your knowledge. Not to mention inspiring onboard talks that help you understand every destination in depth. All set in tasteful, understated elegance. And all designed to deliver a life-enriching experience that stays with you forever.

  • CRUISES
  • STATISTICS

STATISTICS

  • Year Built

    2018
  • Year Refurbished

  • Year Entered Present Fleet

    2018
  • Country of Registry

    Norway
  • Tonnage (GRT)

    47,800
  • PAX (basis 2)

    930
  • Max Pax (inc. Uppers)

    930
  • Passenger Decks

    8
  • Number of Crew

    465
  • Officers' Nationality

    International
  • Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality

    International

STATEROOMS

  • Suites

    14
  • Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview

    0
  • Oceanview No Balcony

    0
  • Oceanview With Balcony

    0
  • Balconies

    465
  • Interior

    0
  • Accessible

    20
  • Total Number of Accommodations

    1000
  • SUITE
  • BALCONY
  • OCEANVIEW
  • INSIDE

Deck Plans

SHIP REVIEWS

OVERALL RATING

4.7

Star Star Star Star Star
Based on 19 reviews

SUBMIT YOUR REVIEW

Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

SUBMIT A REVIEW

All Around Great Experience

SEPTEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Only 950 or so passengers on board. Top shelf food.

CONS

Wifi was sketchy if it even worked at all.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Every member of the crew we walked past had a big smile and genuinely looked happy. They engaged us, looked us in the eye and were all so polite and eager to please. The stateroom as well as the decks and restaurants were immaculate at all times. The food was amazing. The guest speakers were excellent as well as very informative. We learned something new daily! The only thing that was disappointing was the availability of wifi. It was basically nonexistent. This being our first cruise we had nothing to compare it to. Turns out, we don’t need to try any other cruise line. Viking has made us lifelong customers. Thank you!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking Rocks

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

First class customer service and wonderful accommodations on the ship. Never felt crowded on the ship with 900+ passengers. Excellent fitness center. Food, and options, very good. Many other pluses.

CONS

Wi-fi connectivity was spotty, as was Live TV reception at times.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Have been on several Viking cruises and they never disappoint. Have a variety of excursions in each of the ports, but need to decide and book early, some fill up fast. Using Viking Air makes all the transfers seamless, and you an work with them, as we did, on layover times so not to feel rushed.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking Alaska Cruise: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly June 2023

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Once on board the staff and ship impressed me. The train ride and wildlife excursion were the hit on this trip.

CONS

Viking Air was a disaster from start to finish. Disembarking had issues that seemed unorganized.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

My journey began with Viking Air and how the operator charged my roommate and me for booking, no matter how many times I corrected her. My roommate had to fix it. Unless you arrived on the same day as the cruise left, you had to pay for the bus to get you to the ship. I was not allowed to pay and upgrade once I was booked, but I called United and was upgraded. I ended up paying for my one suitcase, a first. I ended up paying more for air than I would had I booked it myself. The good was the actual cruise and what they had to offer. The ugly was the number of sick people coughing and staying in their rooms. No communication from Viking. Last year I was on a Viking river cruise which was one of my best trips. But, I came home with Covid.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Wonderful

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The common areas were a great place to listen to music and watch the scenery. Never felt over crowded.

CONS

Could have used more time in a few of the Ports to explore more.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Had a lovely time.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

An Experience

SEPTEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Highly professional service. Striving to meet your every need. Positive personalities. Great chefs. Multiple choices in dining. Spacious state rooms. Lovely amenities.

CONS

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This cruise was a special experience in being cared for, in dining and in the destinations. The excursions were well planned and there were opportunities to be prepared for the destination. The on-board time was both relaxing and entertaining. There is time & space for “alone time” as well as for communal time. There was never a crowded feeling.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska Inside Passage and Kenai Fjord Cruise

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent customer service, great food, exquisite ship appointments

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

What a luxurious way to see Alaska's inside passage. Our travel agent recommended the Kenai Fjord cruise as a "must" and it was spectacular!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Alaska cruise on the Orion

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent food

CONS

Subpar activities on the ship, not enough time in ports, too frequent use of tenders rather than docking at a pier.

RECOMMENDED

No

The overall impression if this cruise was boring and often inconvenient.The Orion often had to anchor and tender to shore. The time in port was often too short to allow a person to explore the port after an excursion. The optional excursions were pricey and the included excursions were mediocre. The daily activities were not adequate and the evening entertainment was mediocre as well. The best feature and the the only one deserving praise was the food.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking orion

APRIL

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Excellent service, happiest crew, efficient

CONS

Feather pillows

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Loved every minute, took people as a priority, dream trip

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Great Trip to the Caribbean

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Ship's staff really took care of us!

CONS

None, really.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a great trip. We relaxed and did not participate in many activities, by choice. Thus, it was very hard to evaluate them.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking Orion

FEBRUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Strict Covid protocols (daily testing and health questionaire, daily temperature check, contact tracers). Comfortable staterooms, variety of dining options, included tours with a variety of optional tours.

CONS

Evening entertainment was limited to listening to a string duo, piano player or a show in the theater.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

The ship is beautiful and the staff is very attentive. The head chef is great about accommodating dietary needs. The specialty restaurants were very nice. Chef's Table rotated the menu every three days. Manifredi's restaurant had either a set menu or a variety of other menus. But it seemed to be the same foods and it got boring after a while. The buffet always had a good variety but again, the same things were frequently served. I would highly recommend this for older passengers who like a lot of sea days. Because this itinerary had so many sea days, Viking had numerous lecturers who gave a great variety of short lectures. There was also a craft specialist who gave lessons as well as a bridge card instructor. The included tours had a lot of walking on uneven surfaces which are not always easy for those walking with canes. And the optional tours were more for active passengers. Booking local tours separately would be a better option for those with limited mobility.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Orion

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Service,Food, Organization,Friendliness of staff , size of ship

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Cruise was great. One free tour per tour was great. Service,food, friendliness of staff , size of ship & organization was great.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Komodo& the Australian coast

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

excellent crew, food, entertainment, relaxing venues, and spotless ship

CONS

none

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Would like to we visit the area again Maybe a little more time in some of the ports, they probably don't have complete control and are govern by the ports schedules

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking orion

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great food in main restaurant and 7th deck rest.

CONS

Not impressed with specialty rests.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

<div>One the best of our cruising. Wonderful staff. Great venues. A little short on storage space, but it worked.</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Cruise to New Zealand and Australia

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The entire staff was extraordinary. The food was great. The shows were very good.

CONS

The included tours were somewhat good. Sometimes there was to much of the business and resdential areas on the tour. The opitional tours were out of our budget. We don't think linens need to be changed so often.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Over all, the trip was a once in a lifetime for us as we are 82 and 87. We are thoroughly happy with Viking as a whole but after experiencing the ocean cruise, we prefer the river cruises. It seems the included tours included more varieties.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

the land down under

JANUARY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

outstanding food, beautiful cities, nice people, well organized (included) tours as well as options for additional tours

CONS

none

RECOMMENDED

Yes

We had a fabulous cruise on the Viking Orion in Australia and New Zealand. Most days we took advantage of the included tour in the morning, then went sightseeing/exploring on our own in the afternoon. Delectable food is always available on board, so we frequently returned to the ship for lunch, then started out again. Viking offers a free shuttle to town if the ship docks farther than easy walking distance, so that was a huge convenience. "Port talks" the evening before were helpful to give us an idea of what to do and see, and now, Viking provides a list of books to read prior to embarkation to make us knowledgeable about our destination, which makes the trip all the more meaningful.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking Mediterrean Cruise

AUGUST

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Beautiful Ship; Friendly, Attentive Staff; Many Varied Activities and Excursions; Excellent Food with Multiple Dining Options

CONS

Limited Storage in State Rooms; American Beer Selection; Limited Shade in Pool Area

RECOMMENDED

Yes

What a truly wonderful vacation! The ship is well designed with many areas to enjoy. Staff was always pleasant and helpful. Highly organized staff so that boarding and leaving the ship was smooth and painless. Excursions were a pleasure despite the stifling European heat. Multiple dining options with a wide variety of well prepared food. Fabulous spa massage and a couple of visits to the spacious, immaculate gym. Overall this was such a wonderful experience I have difficulty finding anything to criticize. Anyone looking for a first class cruise experience should book a Viking cruise!

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Cruise of a Lifetime!

JULY

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Newness and size of ship. Excellent Food. Attentive Staff. Cabin Amenities. Spa Facilities. Free onboard laundry.

CONS

Weak WiFi in cabin. Not all elevators operational. Coffe Makers in cabin didn't work. Average entertainment. Excursion included were average.

RECOMMENDED

Yes

This was a wonderful cruise on a brand new ship with an attentive staff and great cabin amenities. The food was wonderful and the Spa facilities exceptional. I especially loved the free laundry facilities available on each deck. Viking communication could be improved as the itinerary change in Barcelona was made before I booked and I was not made aware of this change prior to booking. We also weren't informed of the terminal change for departure in Barcelona which lead to a long taxi ride trying to find where Viking was docked. Also we booked a Penthouse Deluxe Veranda cabin and were told the refrigerator would be stocked with alcoholic beverages and replenished every day. This was not the case in our cabin. But aside from these few details I would most definitely book with Viking again and will recommend to others

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Viking spirit

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Great staff

CONS

None

RECOMMENDED

Yes

Ship docked a few minutes from Effie's tower. This was a great central location for walking around Paris .

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Our First Viking River Cruise

JUNE

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Friendly, clean, great cruise director

CONS

Food was just okay, the piano player (who was very good) was the only entertainment.

RECOMMENDED

No

It may have been the itinerary along the Seine, but the cruise just didn't match other river cruises and cruise lines we have experienced. The highlight was Normandy. The food, which we expected to be outstanding, was just so-so. We ordered steak, and we were told you will get it the way it is cooked - I like it medium-rare, but it was well done. On other cruise lines, the entertainment is great considering the small ship size; this ship only had a single piano player. We loved the cruise director; she was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. The entire staff was friendly and very helpful.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Enter for a chance to Win a Free Vacation!

Receive Special Offers via Email Sign Up Now!