Cruise
A Viking Jupiter Ocean Cruise – Six Things I Loved Most About This Seven-Country Cruise
Article by Judi Cohen (TravelingJudi), photography by Judi Cohen and Viking
There’s a particular kind of calm that I felt from the moment I stepped aboard Viking Jupiter in Barcelona, for a 15-day cruise, “Trade Routes of the Middle Ages”, visiting seven countries and making 10 port calls in Spain, Portugal, France, England, The Netherlands, Belgium, with disembarkation in Bergen, Norway.
From the warm welcome by attentive staff to the uncluttered, understated elegance of the Scandinavian design and blond woods, there was a sense of warmth and coziness throughout the ship. Viking Jupiter felt like the kind of small, boutique hotel I prefer while traveling.
Here are the six things I loved the most about this Viking cruise:
All-Inclusive, Without the Catch
One of the most refreshing things about this cruise was what wasn’t constantly being sold. Specialty dining? Included. Shore excursions in every port? Also included. The Nordic spa, with its snow grotto, pool
and steam room? Absolutely included. There was no upselling, no surprise charges, and no need to keep my credit card handy. Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner? Included. Even the drink package was refreshingly reasonable, and à la carte wine prices were fair. Viking does not charge a corkage fee for wines you bring onboard.
I never once had to think about paying extra for Wi-Fi, specialty dining, or using the gym. Everything was included, and it made a world of difference. I was free to fully immerse myself in the joy of the journey. I felt pampered and unbothered, and that to me, is the ultimate luxury.
One of the places I had dreamed of visiting for years was finally in reach on this voyage. A premium shore excursion, offered in Portsmouth, was a half-day tour of Stonehenge. Without hesitation I turned one of my dreams into a memory on this cruise. I stood at the edge of the Salisbury Plain in silent awe, the ancient stones of Stonehenge silhouetted against a blue sky. These long-awaited moments were unforgettable, but so too were the unexpected delights in other ports, where I joined included excursions and explored independently. Le Havre charmed me with its modernist concrete architecture, including St. Joseph’s Church, while Amsterdam’s Spring tulips, lively canals, and walkable neighborhoods quickly became a favorite.
Small Ship, Big Comfort
The Viking Jupiter felt intimate without being crowded. The ship holds 930 guests, but there were only 860 guests on my sailing. There was always a quiet spot to be found, whether in the cozy library nooks, the Explorer’s Lounge, or the spa’s warm stone loungers. My cabin, like the ship itself, was thoughtfully designed for comfort and practicality. Heated floors in the bathroom were a welcome treat, especially on cooler mornings in the North Atlantic Ocean. The plumbing fixtures were easy to use, and even the toiletries were tailored to older travelers, with large-print labels and easy-to-open packaging.
This wasn’t just a cruise; it was an invitation to slow down and let my adventurous spirit shine. The ship itself felt like a sanctuary. It was elegant, quiet, and thoughtfully curated for travelers who value learning as much as leisure. My days onboard were filled with just the right amount of activity: enjoying classical music performances in the soaring atrium, or simply curling up in the Explorer’s Lounge with a cappuccino and a book as the coastline drifted by.
Service That Anticipates Your Needs
Every interaction I had with the crew left me impressed. Whether it was my room stewards, Jinny and Kenny remembering my love of chocolate, the spa attendant offering an extra towel before I could ask, or the waitstaff at Manfredi’s and the Chefs Table greeting me by name, the level of attentiveness was exceptional. It’s clear that Viking invests in their staff, and it shows. There were always enough people around to help, yet I never felt overwhelmed or hovered over.
Dining: Casual or Elegant, Always Delicious
Meals were another highlight, beautifully prepared, regionally inspired, and always accompanied by complimentary wine, beer or a soft drink.
From the casual bites at Mamsen’s (those Norwegian waffles, split pea soup, traditional cakes, are reason enough to sail again!) to elegant multi-course themed meals with wine pairing at The Chef’s Table, every meal felt like a treat. I loved that I could turn up in The Restaurant or enjoy an extensive buffet in the World Café, which featured freshly made sushi, creative salads and multiple carving stations, wearing jeans and a sweater, or dress up a little for a refined Italian dinner at Manfredi’s. The flexibility to be casual or polished, depending on my mood, was a quiet luxury I appreciated.
Afternoon Tea was served at 4:00pm each day in the whimsical Wintergarden, while the Pool Grill served up scrumptious lobster tails, grilled shrimp, cheeseburgers and fries.
Enrichment and Entertainment That Matter
Viking’s commitment to cultural enrichment is one of the reasons I keep returning. Onboard lectures by historians and local experts added depth to each destination. I came away not only relaxed, but also inspired and informed. The evening entertainment struck a lovely balance, with classical performances in the Atrium, guitar and vocal sets in the Explorers Lounge, or cabaret type shows with singing and dancing in the Star Theatre.
Thoughtful Touches, Start to Finish
Everything from booking to disembarkation was handled with care. Viking booked my flights, arranged transfers, and clearly communicated the physical demands of each shore excursion through briefings, port talks, and detailed guides. As someone who appreciates knowing what to expect, I felt empowered and supported.
Accessibility was clearly a priority on the ship. Elevators were plentiful, and the ship was easy to navigate. While some excursions required climbing a few bus steps, Viking reserved front seats for those who needed them.
In addition to paid laundry service, each cabin deck had a self-service laundry room with washers, dryers and ironing boards, and complimentary laundry detergent.
Final Thoughts
As our ship entered the harbor in Bergen, nestled among Norway’s fjords and mountains, I reflected on how rich this journey had been. In just two weeks, I had visited seven countries, explored ten diverse and fascinating ports, and finally stood in the places I had long dreamed of.
What made this cruise exceptional was the way it blended depth with ease. From inclusive onboard comforts to the enriching, iconic and the unexpected, experiences ashore, Viking delivered it all.
Viking has three categories of ships, and I’ve been fortunate to experience them all in different regions. The ocean ships, like Viking Jupiter, with a capacity of 930 passengers sail worldwide, Viking’s Expedition ships accommodating 378 guests, visit Antarctica, the Great Lakes, and the high Arctic. The Viking longships with space for 190 passengers navigate Europe’s rivers, while Viking also has distinctively designed vessels for the Nile, Mekong, and the Mississippi rivers.
Across every ship, Viking maintains impeccable design and décor, superior onboard service and amenities, as well as thoughtful, included shore excursions and enrichment programs. When booking with Viking, airfare, insurance and transfers can be arranged, making the entire journey seamless and stress-free.
