Onboard/Offboard is a series that explores the can’t-miss highlights of our favorite cruises—from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up.
A new ship sometimes needs time to work out the kinks, but at this point—more than 100 vessels later—Viking Has the routine down to a T. Early November, I boarded a plane to fly to Viking Vesta This is the 12th ocean liner. IstanbulIt’s been a few months since I started. My first Viking voyage and my first time to Türkiye. I was immediately charmed by its size and the Nordic-inspired decor. There are almost no differences between the ships in terms of their design or onboard experiences. However, this ship has the distinction that it is the largest, with 998 passengers compared to 930. This sameness is a plus, because they have figured out an excellent setup. The lounges are spacious, but cozy and comfortable, with plenty of places to curl up and read a book, or just sit back and enjoy the view. This isn’t a go-go-go type of line, where you’re racing to visit every last dining venue or lining up for rides—instead, it welcomes and fosters a more restorative type of trip. Here are some highlights from my time both onboard and off.
Onboard: Spa day at sea
Early on in our seven-night voyage, we were surprised by an unexpected seaday. Ancient Mediterranean Treasures The perfect way to experience the spa was during a cruise. The moment I did a circuit of the space, it was clear that I’d return at least a couple more times until I got off the cruise. You’ll enjoy the hot and cold treatment here if you like it. In the locker room, you can switch between the sauna and the cold plunge (which in the women’s lounge is situated to overlook the sea, making for a pleasant experience as you sweat). Out in the main spa area, there is a sauna and a snow grotto, which looks just like you might imagine—a small room filled with snow and a slab of ice to sit on (bring your towel!) You can sit in the cold air for a couple of minutes.
I completed this circuit 3 times on my sailing trip, finishing with some time to read either in the hydrotherapy swimming pool or one of the lounge chair pictured above. It is available to all guests. You don’t need to make an appointment to use the amenities. And even on the sea day, it was never packed—maybe I got lucky, or maybe the ship’s size just allows for it.
Enjoy a half-day excursion in Istanbul
It was our first time visiting the port. Istanbul. It was one of only two overnight stops on my itinerary. Athens). Viking itineraries, especially longer ones, prioritize overnights like this—giving passenger ample time for exploring ports that you can’t get a feel for in a single afternoon.
The third day of my trip to Istanbul was spent on a half-day tour, “Beautiful Istanbul with a Traditional Turkish Bath.” This excursion brought me back in time. Spice Bazaar to smell and taste some of the city’s most well-known exports (this time, less overwhelmed by the market’s size with a guide to talk me through it, I purchased saffron as an early Christmas present for my dad), to the 16th-century Rüstem Pasha Mosque, and most notably, to a hammam, where my wellness-tinged week really began.
