Viking Ocean Cruises' Latest Viking Sky Reviewed

The Viking Sky mostly repeats the excellent design established by Viking Ocean Cruises' first two sister-ships-the Viking Star and Viking Sea. As the initial fleet has been award-winning, there seems little reason to change the model. The same modern Scandinavian decor graces the intimate ship that still feels grand where it should: mainly the welcoming atrium, dubbed The Viking Living Room, and the Explorers' Lounge. The latter is an impressively expansive double-decker observation venue with built-in Norwegian deli and bar for snacks and drinks.

Externally, the ship maintains the same sleek lines with a superstructure that tapers in and an upper deck that flares out. The infinity pool remains the piece de la resistance cantilevered high over the stern as a striking architectural feature. The ship is perfectly sized-never over crowded and never taking too long to get from one end to another-always feeling like home onboard. It really is the antithesis to mega cruise ships and the ideal alternative for those travelers seeking something different without paying through the typical luxury roof for it.

Viking got lots of things right with the Venice-class ships-so-called for their suitable size in the Italian port-but one thing that remains high on the list aboard the Viking Sky are the oversized showers. Beginning with entry-level accommodations, all guests enjoy spacious staterooms that extend to praise-worthy bathrooms with the premium bathing enclosures. They finally depart from the minuscule standards of old and only get bigger as cabin choices get larger still. I do still wish there was a torso-level soap shelf here in addition to the lower shaving one alone. Also impressive is how the bathrooms are designed with a limited entry threshold eliminating the dramatic step-up found on most other ships.

Of course, the cabins outside the bathroom are great too with every category coming complete with a veranda in which to enjoy the destination. Beds are cozy with somewhat stiffer but spongy mattresses and plush coverings, and other highlights include two USB charging ports at each nightstand plus another five at the desk in addition to standard outlets. Also great are in-room refrigerators replenished daily with inclusive beverages as well as complimentary gourmet room service selections. There's also enough storage to go around with higher categories naturally affording the most for a week or longer.

The cruise line has always been dedicated to the destination first and foremost, so its activities are primarily based shoreside with fewer onboard. On the ship, excellent enrichment programming is an extension of this focus adding further historical context to the places visited. A great permanent heritage exhibit once more sheds light on the Vikings themselves. Otherwise, there is no central library because the entire ship serves as one. From the atrium to the observation lounge, books fill every nook and cranny of the vessel to be discovered.

Coming along for the ride again is the exception LivNordic spa where guests can enjoy the thermal suite and changing facilities entirely free of charge. Only treatments cost extra. The fantastic thalassotherapy pool, whirlpool, snow room, steam room, sauna, chilled plunge pool and heated tile loungers are all still marvelously available complimentarily on Viking Sky. On this particular ship, the adjacent fitness center has even expanded in size. There is no casino onboard, and it is not missed. Poker and other games can be played among friends electronically at interactive tables, though.

Dining is another standout with The Restaurant acting as the full-service main dining room. Fare is always fresh and satisfying while often featuring the cuisine of the region cruised to. Upstairs, the World Cafe usually offers many of the same choices buffet style, and the Pool Grill prepares its own wonderful gourmet burgers such as the spicy Pancho Villa. Also nearby, the Wintergarden is home to daily afternoon teatime, and Mamsen's is the aforementioned Norwegian deli for snacks from sweet waffles to hearty split pea soup.

Also included in the cruise fare are the ship's specialty restaurants. Only reservations are required at Manfredi's and The Chef's Table. The former Italian restaurant is sublime thanks to delicious traditional favorites like Steak Florentine and porcini mushroom risotto. The latter presents set themed tasting menus on rotation including a new French one from Directory of Culinary Development Anthony Mauboussin. Dishes like Crottin De Chavignol and La Quenelle De Sole Souffle were out of this world. Also not to be missed, even as the only venue with a surcharge, is The Kitchen Table for pairing a local market visit with an interactive cooking demo and dinner.

Admittedly, entertainment is not Viking's strongest suit, and that's mostly okay. The Sky is not a ship in desperate need of production shows, and the ones it has are decidedly canned. The live singers and dancers are talented, but pre-recorded backing tracks unfortunately give performances in the Star Theater a karaoke sound mix. Inverse to most other ships, guest entertainers here like playful comedian and magician Mel Mellers generally outshine revues.

In-house entertainment is actually best in cabaret form at Torshavn with just the singers, a live band and much improved audio mix. In fact, the house pop band on the Sky is surprisingly tops as are the other classical musicians. Munch Moments is a particularly lovely tableau set in the atrium where the stunning digital tapestry displays the visual artist's work while the soothing instrumentalists play on.

What makes the Viking Sky feel most like a home away from home is its fantastic crew. Having now sailed on Viking Ocean Cruises five times, it's a pleasure to see familiar faces onboard from previous ships. They are all so smiley and friendly and make up the software that makes the excellent hardware all that much more worthwhile. The Sky is only number three in the fleet, and many more highly anticipated sisters are still on the way.

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