There are lots of big things to love about almost any cruise ship, but it is often the little ones-whether it comes down to creature comforts or better food choices-that add up to a better cruise experience.
Here are 19 not-so-little things about Viking Ocean ships that may make you fall in love with cruising:
Heated Floor
This one is actually huge. Is there anybody that enjoys the feel of cold bathroom floors? You may find yourself saying "aah," every time you step inside.
No-fog Mirrors
Really. The mirrors in the bathroom don't fog up, not even after two steamy showers while getting ready for dinner after a long day of touring.
Deep Drawers
What a delight to have space for your stuff in the bathroom!
If you've ever stood in a cruise ship bathroom wondering exactly where the designers expected to stow your stuff, you will agree that two deep drawers in the bathroom are no little thing.
Pop-up Lighted Mirror
There are always those moments when one cabin occupant needs a mirror while the other one needs the bathroom. No-fog mirrors in the bathroom help with the dilemma, but the handy pop-up, lighted vanity mirror at the desk provides another option. Plus, there's more space for your stuff beneath the mirror.
Bedside Switch
One little bedside switch. One little LED light near the floor on the wall across from the bathroom door. Who could ask for more?
Bedside USB Outlets
Two USB outlets next to the bed for each cabin occupant. Because who doesn't have two devices that need charging every night?
[READMORE]READ MORE: What Sets Viking Ocean Cruises Apart in the Caribbean[/READMORE]
Motion Sensitive Closet Lights
How nice is it to have a closet light that not only comes on when you open the sliding door but also lights up and stays lit as long as there is motion nearby?
Leave the closet door slightly ajar when you retire at night, and it works in tandem with the bathroom nightlight to help you find your way in the dark as soon as you stand up.
Balcony Table
I can't be the only cruiser that gets peeved at tiny little round tables on cruise ship balconies. Viking provides tables of the proper size and height for two people to actually enjoy a meal on.
Daily Stateroom Soft Drinks
There's not much on Viking's website about the mini bar in the non-suite classes, so here's what to expect: The mini bar is stocked with a selection of canned soft drinks, bottled water, a couple of mixers like soda water, two bags of salty snacks and two small candy bars.
Each day, a member of the bar staff (not your stateroom attendant) will arrive and refill the fridge. You may leave a note inside requesting different choices, like all diet or no diet drinks. There is no charge for the typical replenishment. If you have purchased the Silver Spirits beverage package or are in a suite, beer and even full-size bottles of wine will be among your choices as well.
Couches Galore
Everywhere you turn, there are comfy couches, including in the dining room, around the pool and even on the sports deck. There is something so inviting about spaces with couches, as if you just stepped into a cozy den at someone's home.
Throw Pillows and Blankets
These are ideal when a cruise takes you to chilly destinations. But even in warm climes, there are times when the air conditioning can be overwhelming.
At home, you'd have a light throw to cover your feet. Grab a blanket and make yourself at home almost anywhere on a Viking ship.
Indoor / Outdoor
Viking ships were designed to cruise the world, whatever the outside temperature. With that in mind, there are spaces throughout the ships that can be opened or closed as the weather dictates.
The main pool is the largest of these, but even the dining areas can become al fresco with the opening of a handful of sliding glass walls.
Full-circle Promenade Deck
Outdoor promenades are often missing on larger vessels in favor of spaces that generate revenue. It is refreshing to see Viking Ocean include promenades in their designs. You can easily access the promenade on deck two and make a complete circle of the ship.
Digital Art and Signage
The scope of the digital screens onboard a Viking ship is impressive-from the giant, ever-changing art at the top of the staircase in the Viking Living Room to the slow-motion blooming of a cherry tree in The Chef's Table specialty restaurant.
The informative digital signage throughout the ship is a welcome addition that helps keep you in the right spot at the right time.
Bridge Tours
Don't expect every cruise to offer a bridge tour, as it is done at the Captain's discretion. Ask at the customer service desk in the Viking Living Room on deck one if a tour is planned for your cruise.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Viking Ocean Cruises Announces New Itineraries Through 2019 [/READMORE]
Hand Washing Stations
Hand sanitizer only goes so far. How delightful to find actual hand washing areas at the entrances of the World Café buffet dining areas.
Gourmet Hamburgers
No matter where you roam, sometimes what you want for lunch is a big, fat, juicy burger cooked and topped your way. (With fries and onion rings, please.)
The Pool Grill on the port side of the pool deck has the real deal. (No limp patties stacked up and waiting for you. No commercially-produced buns.) These guys work hard to serve up juicy meat cooked when you order it, on a fresh-baked roll and topped with anything from guacamole to sautéed onions. And the hot dogs aren't bad either.
Fresh Buffet
Along the same line, it is amazing to find a cruise buffet with so many cooked-to-order or cooked-in-view offerings. Most of the hot food choices throughout the day are produced in the cooking stations right there behind the serving lines. It's downright un-cruisey.
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