My Viking Cruise Experience

My husband and I went on a Viking Ocean cruise for our honeymoon and it was an amazing experience, a truly luxurious experience. We picked Viking because we wanted a nice experience and, most importantly, we wanted something where there would be no guessing game as to the cost - Viking’s all inclusive pricing was what won us over. 

Our Viking Ship, the Viking Sky.

Most cruises, nickel and dime you from the moment you book your stateroom. On other cruise lines guests have to paying extra for excursions, WiFi, specialty dining experiences, and even entertainment on the ship costs extra. We did not want that.  Viking includes so much value we couldn't say no! On Viking, every stateroom has a balcony; all of the restaurants (even specialty restaurants and room service that most cruise lines are now charging for); one shore excursion in every port; free WiFi onboard; free wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; and greatly priced airfare that includes transportation to the port. 

Welcome to your Viking cruise!

We sailed on the Viking Sky for Italian Sojourn cruise that goes from Rome (Civitevecchia) to Venice (or vise versa). Upon arrival to the port getting on the ship was a very easy and streamlined service. The first thing I noticed, which would be a theme for our week on the ship, was not having to wait. We didn’t have to wait to get our luggage taken by porters; did not have to wait to check-in; we did not wait to go through security; nor was there a wait to get on the ship. I love not having to wait, my husband loves it more. (This was something that made our experience that much better and it was also something we didn’t even think about when contemplating which cruise to with.) 

No lines!

After a fast check-in and receiving our security key card we made our way directly to the non-existent security line.  Security was fast, allowing us to to headed directly onto the ship. Right before the ship was a red Viking tent with a few chairs, a basket of apples for guests to take and a pamphlet that had information about the city we were currently in - which was nice for the ports where we went on our own after our included excursion. 

Viking's Red Tent with chairs, apples, city guides and water (on the ship).

After picking up a pamphlet, we boarded the ship and we were handed a glass of champagne! Nothing says "welcome to vacation" like a welcome glass of champagne. 

We headed straight to our stateroom, we were told at check-in that it was ready (another time we didn't have to wait). The first thing we noticed was how spacious it was. 

Large staterooms

The king sized bed was a true king (no split in the middle where two twin beds are pushed together).  Our stateroom also had lots of storage between the closet, two nightstands and built in drawers and compartments.  Plus the bed was tall enough that we could store all of our luggage underneath and not have to see again until it was time to depart. 

A glimpse of the large closet back to our cabin's front door.  

One of the things that sold us on Viking was that all of the staterooms have a balcony, even the lowest priced category has a balcony (which is what we booked)!  Our balcony had plenty of room for two chairs and a large table - perfect for having breakfast on in the morning while enjoying the view of each port we visited!

Every stateroom has a balcony 

Even the desk had storage!  The desktop is where the complimentary bottle of water was placed along with the VOX boxes that are used on excursions.  The desk also held our mini-fridge which was replenished daily with cokes and snacks which included (for us) potato chips and Toblerone bars! Some categories of staterooms will even have alcohol in their mini fridge. Our cabin steward (who was also very friendly) told us that if we prefer a certain soft drink over others, he would give us more of those. 

Complimentary snacks replenished daily. 

Our room also had a seating area with a coffee table and two comfortable armchairs and that were mainly use to place our coats on as Italy was experiencing abnormally cold weather during our honeymoon. 

Seating area with coffee table.  

The piece de resistance of our stateroom was the bathroom! The bathrooms have so much storage too - drawers at the sink and on each side of the mirror there were shelves giving us plenty of space to unpack all of our toiletries! 

Lots of bathroom storage.

The shower wasn’t one of those awkward triangular shaped ones that you can find on most ships. This was a full sized/human sized shower that had plenty of space to shampoo your hair without banging your elbows! The shower also had a little ledge to sit on. 

Human sized showers in stateroom's bathroom.

An unexpected element of the bathroom was the heated floors! This was so nice in the mornings or after a rainy excursion. Large shower, countertops, storage and heated floors - what more could you ask for out of a stateroom bathroom? 


The food was excellent on our Viking cruise. All of it was also complimentary, even the specialty restaurants and room service. This was a big sell for us and we wanted a nice meal (or two) to celebrate our marriage. 

Dessert at the Chef's Table

In the mornings we would have pots of coffee and pastries delivered to the room or we would go to the World Cafe for the breakfast buffet.  At the buffet there were so many breakfast choices including a cooked to order egg station (I got an omelette or eggs Benedict); breakfast meats; potatoes; fruit; pastries; and more! At the cooked to order station I didn’t even have to wait there, being on a small ship was such a perk! (The Viking Ocean Cruises hold 900 passengers compared to mega-liners that hold 5,000 and up. These cruises, in my experience, have a lot of hurry up and wait moments. Never once did we experience this and that was wonderful.) Our favorite part of World Cafe was the pizza; gelato and sushi stations! 

At the main dining room, the Restaurant, we never waited to be seated either.  The Restaurant is the ship’s main dining room, where dinner is served every night. Breakfast and Lunch is served here when the ship is at sea or if there is a late arrival/early departure from a port.  We only ate here for dinner.  The dinner menu has two menus - a set menu that is available every night and a specialty menu based off of where the ship was for the day (this one changes daily). 

The Restaurant

As with all Viking Ocean cruises wine, beer and soda are included at meals - another great perk as we do enjoy a drink with dinner.  The wine changed daily as to what was the included wine but there was always a red or white to select from.  We actually opted for the Silver Spirits package (Viking’s drink package that includes any drinks - except champagne - throughout the day for less than $20 per person per night) so we could have specialty coffees in the morning and drinks after dinner at no extra charge. 

A glass of wine after dinner at the Explorer's Lounge. 

Another spot we enjoyed eating at was the Pool Grille.  We ate here a lot for lunch after morning excursions before heading back out into the city.  There was a Viking Burger that was very good, a Philly Cheesesteak that my husband loved; and various other sandwiches. There was also a salad bar that served rotational items. 

Pool Grille Menu

Our favorite specialty restaurant was Manfredi’s, an Italian restaurant.  Once again, no extra charge for eating here!  The food was outstanding, we ate here our last night and I wish we ate here every night as the food was so good (I want to remind you we were on a cruise sailing around Italy and this food was still amazing). 

Manfredi's Dining Room

Another huge value of a Viking Cruise are the included excursions.  At each port there was at least one included excursion.  We knew that booking our cruise that we wouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the cities we went to - either by booking an excursions that wasn’t included or having to pay for transportation to go sightsee on our own.  The included excursions, in our experience, provided transportation and a local guide to tell us about what we were seeing.  After the tour was over we could take the transportation back to the ship if we desired, or we could stay and walk around in the city center.  A lot of times we did this and would ask our guide where we should eat lunch/what we should do.  All of the guides were extremely friendly - a few went out of their way to walk us directly to a restaurant they recommended! 

In Messina on a complimentary excursion.

We did pay for two excursions on our cruise - I was not going to Italy without experiencing a winery!  These were worth every penny we spent.  A lot of cities we went to, Viking provided transportation from the port to the city center!  So if our excursion was a half day, we could go right back out without having to worry about getting a cab/walking a far distance. It was a very nice and unexpected perk. 


The last big perk of our cruise was access to the LivNordic Spa. 

Hot tub and loungers at the spa

Massages, facials, etc. were not complimentary, those were at an extra, reasonable, cost. There was complimentary access to the hot tubs, heated loungers, sauna and snow grotto.  Yes, there is a room full of freshly made snow as part of the Nordic spa tradition to stimulate one’s circulatory system. I did not do this but my husband did and loved it! 

Snow Grotto

Overall, the ship was gorgeous and the crew were extremely friendly and would go out of their way to help you.  The main stairwell of the ship had an electronic screen that would display a beautiful picture that represented each port.  The ship had a very clean and streamlined look overall.

Changing Picture

The large pool in the middle of the ship, also where you'll find the Pool Grille, had a retractable cover that allowed us to enjoy the area still despite the abnormally cool temperatures Italy was experiencing during our visit.  At night this is where they would play a movie.  They handed out popcorn and blankets for this nightly movie as well!

Pool

If you think that the all-inclusive Viking cruise experience is a perfect fit for you please contact me for pricing! Viking sails all over the world with sailings in Europe, Alaska, Caribbean, Transatlantic and more. All Viking cruises (both ocean and river) that are booked with me, guests will receive a FREE onboard credit to spend as you wish on your cruise! If you have questions about Viking or would like pricing please email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

Disney Cruise Line 2019 Fall Itineraries Announced!

Disney Cruise Line debuts a diverse lineup of itineraries and home ports for fall 2019 with departures from New York, California, Texas and Florida. Disney Cruise Line will return to favorite destinations and home ports on a variety of itineraries, including adventures to Bermuda, Bahamas, Baja, Canada and the Caribbean. With cruises ranging from two-night getaways to weeklong vacations and beyond, this season of sailings offers countless opportunities for families to delight in Disney magic, explore exotic locales and make lifelong memories together. 

Sailings to Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada from New York 

The Disney Magic returns to New York in September 2019 for a selection of departures including luxurious Bermuda, sun-kissed Bahamas and historic New Brunswick, Canada.

Three special five-night cruises feature two days in Bermuda, allowing extra time for Guests to indulge in the inimitable island nation's famous pink-sand beaches, world-class shopping, abundant water activities and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture.

During two seven-night sailings from New York to the Bahamas, cruisers are treated to a double-dose of pixie dust. A stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, is paired with a day at Port Canaveral, Florida, where every Guest receives a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation to the theme parks in nearby Orlando!

A single five-night cruise to Canada transports Guests from New York to charming Saint John, New Brunswick with a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Baja and Mexican Riviera Voyages from California 
In September 2019, the Disney Wonder sets sail for a limited engagement in San Diego, where guests embark on adventures to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Baja itineraries highlight the region's famous beaches and exciting water activities with calls on Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. Two exclusive seven-night Mexican Riviera sailings feature the snorkeling and scuba diving hot spots Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Disney Cruise Line Guests can enrich their experience by combining select San Diego-based cruises with a pre-cruise package from Adventures by Disney. During this three-night itinerary, guests embark on a rare behind-the-magic visit to The Walt Disney Studios and Disney Archives, a private tour of Walt Disney Imagineering and a visit to the place where it all began—the Disneyland Resort.

Vacations to Bahamas and Caribbean from Texas 
Beginning late November, the Disney Wonder will make Galveston its home port for a special series of sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with options of four, six and seven night voyages.

Tropical Escapes from Florida 
In fall 2019, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy continue sailing guest-favorite itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, while the Disney Magic returns to Miami in November with a variety of cruise lengths and itineraries.

The Disney Dream sails three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay. These itineraries make for the perfect family getaway, combining the magic of Disney with the ease and enjoyment of a tropical cruise vacation.

The Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Caribbean voyages, and every cruise includes a stop at Disney Castaway Cay. Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit the Virgin Islands of Tortola and St. Thomas, and Western Caribbean cruises call on Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth.

The Disney Fantasy will also sail a selection of special itineraries. In October, an eight-night voyage transports Guests south to St. Kitts, Antigua and San Juan, Puerto Rico, while a six-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls on Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. Both itineraries are capped off with a day at Disney Castaway Cay. In December, two unique seven-night itineraries include one cruise to San Juan, Tortola and Disney Castaway Cay, and another voyage featuring two days on Disney's private island after visits to Cozumel and Grand Cayman.

When to Book

• May 21, 2018: Platinum Castaway Club Members & Golden Oak Club Members
• May 22, 2018: Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members
• May 23, 2018: Platinum, Gold and Silver Castaway Club Members; Disney Vacation Club Members; and Adventures by Disney Insiders
• May 24, 2018: all Guests

How to Book

Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com for a free quote (or to answer any questions you may have!) or you can use this fast and easy form to request your free quote!

 As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE personalized planning services will help you find a cruise sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs and budget! I'll also help plan your pre-cruise night stay, port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation plus some extra goodies! Email me today to start planning your cruise vacation today!

Star Wars and Marvel Return to Disney Cruises in 2019!

In 2019, epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular itineraries – Star WarsDay at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Spanning two Disney cruise ships, sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, these cruises bring Disney and fan-favorite fun to families and Guests of all ages.  

Star Wars Day at Sea

From January to early March, 2019, nine special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings will transport you to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience unlike any other where you can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.

The seven-night cruise features a full day of Star Wars activities including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise. 

Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

• Departing Jan. 5, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 16 and March 2 of 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
• Departing Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2019, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney Castaway Cay.

Marvel Day at Sea

From January to early March, 2019, 10 special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take you to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe.

Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the select five-night Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports you to a new realm of possibilities when the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains assembles on a cruise ship.

The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on 10 Disney Magic five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, Florida:

• Departing Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay.
• Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay.
• Departing Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and March 3, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney Castaway Cay.

If you're interested in going on a Disney Cruise, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com or you can use this fast and easy form to request a quote!

 As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE personalized planning services will help you find a cruise sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs and budget! I'll also help plan your pre-cruise night stay, port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation plus some extra goodies! Email me today to start planning your cruise vacation today!

Disney Cruise Line: Half Deposit Offer

The Disney Cruise Line Half Deposit offer is now available for Guests who book a new 7-night or longer sailing departing June 23, 2018-May 31, 2019! To save on your deposit you need to book your cruise vacation before February 15, 2018!

Guests are only required to pay 50% of the cruise deposit amount to secure the booking and the offer can be applied to 7-night or longer sailings . The remaining balance is due at time of final payment. 

Take advantage of this Disney Cruise Line offer by emailing me at lauren@magicaltravel.com or use this fast and easy form to request a quote!

 As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE personalized planning services will help you find a cruise sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs and budget! I'll also help plan your pre-cruise night stay, port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation plus some extra goodies! Email me today to start planning your cruise vacation today! 

Important Details:

• Taxes, fees and port expenses, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
• Not valid on categories with restrictions, suites or Concierge-level staterooms.
• Valid on all 7-night or longer sailings that do not require final payment at time of booking and take place between June 23, 2018 and May 31, 2019.
• Rates are in U.S. dollars 
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Marvel Day at Sea 2018 Now Includes Miami Sailings!

In 2018, celebrate Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic during eight special Disney Cruise Line voyages from Miami departing January through April. These new Marvel Day at Sea voyages from Miami follow the premiere of the epic event on seven special sailings from New York City in the fall of 2017. New character interactions and an immersive show with Doctor Strange take center stage in the lineup of entertainment throughout the day-long celebration on all Marvel Day at Sea cruises.

Marvel Day at Sea hosts an awesome mix of immersive entertainment that is sure to empower you to unlock your hidden superhuman abilities as they assemble their own Super Hero community onboard the Disney Magic on this very special day. Highlights include:

• Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Black Panther, Loki and other Marvel Universe Super Heroes and Villains are onboard for scheduled interactions and photos.
• During an immersive show in the Walt Disney Theatre, Doctor Strange demonstrates the power of the mystic arts and enlists guests in an epic battle against the Dark Dimension.
• A brand-new spectacular party fills the upper deck with music, dancing and games.
• The deck party culminates in a stunning display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects and the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship.
• Kids and families summon their Marvel knowledge and enjoy friendly competition during trivia games, covering courageous heroes and fun facts from the Marvel Universe.
• For young heroes-in-training, Marvel-themed games, activities and arts and crafts will be offered throughout the day in the Marvel’s Avengers Academy in the Oceaneer Club.

The new 2018 Marvel Day at Sea sailings depart from Miami on Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 18; April 1, 15 and 29. The five-night cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico, or Grand Cayman.

To book your Marvel Day at Sea cruise, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com. As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE services will help you find a sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs! I'll help you plan port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation! Email me today to start planning your vacation today!