viking ocean cruises specialty restaurants

Viking Ocean Cruise Dining: What You Need to Know

Viking Ocean Cruises offer a variety of dining spots serving a variety of delicious cuisine. There’s undoubtedly something for everyone. Take your pick of refined or casual menus as well as inside or al fresco dining. All food is included in the cruise cost — no upcharges for dining at a specialty restaurant. Also, soda, house wine, and beer are complimentary at lunch and dinner (and the servers gladly provide refills throughout the meal). Guests can always purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package, which includes premium wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails — at meals and anytime throughout the cruise. My husband and I have enjoyed the variety of cuisine and dining settings (casual or refined, inside or outside) — and all included in the trip cost — to be a great benefit of cruising with Viking.

One factor that makes dining aboard a Viking Ocean Cruise ship so appealing is the attentive service accompanying restaurant meals. Friendly and open to conversation, the servers can make menu suggestions based on your interests. My husband and I were so impressed with a server in the restaurant one night that we requested one of her tables at subsequent dinners.

Viking accommodates guests with food allergies (fish, shellfish, nuts, and soy) and special dietary needs (such as diabetic, gluten-free, low-carb, low-fat, and vegetarian). To notify Viking of special dietary requests before your cruise, go to the My Viking Journey online portal, select Onboard Experience > Preferences > Dietary Restrictions. Once onboard, you can always discuss special dietary needs in person.

Two restaurants (Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s) require reservations and fill up quickly. Claim your spot on the My Viking Journey online portal before your trip (when your reservation window — based on your stateroom level — opens) or when you board the ship. The rest of the dining options are available without reservations. For instance, at The Restaurant, you will be seated in the order you check in with the host/hostess.

Viking Ocean Cruise Restaurants

Chef’s table.

Chef’s Table is a specialty restaurant featuring a rotating theme-based menu that lasts for three days at a time. Featured menus have focused on Asian, British, California, Chinese, and Mexican cuisine. Expect a five-course meal with paired wines. This restaurant requires reservations. (Deck 1)

The Living Room

The Living Room lounge has a bar that also offers morning go-to’s like muffins and pastries, and sandwiches in the afternoon and evening. (Deck 1)

Mamsen’s

Mamsen’s is a small café with Norwegian-inspired treats tucked into the Explorers’ Lounge and is open periodically throughout the day. Popular items are heart-shaped waffles, open-faced sandwiches, soups, and pastries. Choose what you’d like and find a table in the Explorers’ Lounge. This dining spot’s name honors “Mamsen” Ragnhild Hagen, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen’s beloved mother, known for preparing excellent Norwegian cuisine. (Deck 7)

Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant

Manfredi’s is a specialty dining space that requires reservations. Expect a selection of Italian-inspired appetizers, soups, pasta and risotto, main courses (lamb, fish, seafood, and steak), sides, and dessert. A popular item is Bistecca di Manfredi, a Florentine-style steak. (Deck 1)

Pool Grill & Bar

Near the main pool are the Pool Grill and Pool Bar. The Pool Grill features salads, sides, and grilled fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and fish. (Deck 7)

The Restaurant

The Restaurant is the main dining spot with various offerings featuring creatively prepared familiar and international dishes. On one left side of the menu are classic dishes that are always available, like Caesar Salad, salmon, chicken, and steak. On the right side of the menu are evening specials, including destination-focused dishes. Some dinner choices on a recent cruise included Spicy Mussel Stew, Crispy Soft-shell Crab, Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster Thermidor, Slow-roasted Prime Rib, Thai Red Curry Chicken, Osso Buco, Pot Roast, and Filet au Roquefort, along with vegetarian highlights, like Vegetable and Mushroom Brown Rice Paella. (Deck 2)

Room Service

Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day for all guests. To order room service breakfast, complete the breakfast menu placed in your room while you’re at dinner; hang it outside your door before bed, and your breakfast will be delivered in the morning. Order room service at other times of the day when you feel like dining in your stateroom or on the balcony — or feel the need for a late-night snack.

Wintergarden

Relax for afternoon tea with your choice of teas and coffees to accompany tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Listen to musicians perform classical tunes during this late-afternoon experience. (Deck 7)

For casual dining throughout the day, head to the World Café , which provides a wide variety of breakfast foods (including made-to-order omelets) as well as sandwiches, salads, entrees, sides, bread, pizza, and gelato for lunch and dinner. All the food is buffet-style, and you choose your seating: inside at tables or outside while enjoying the views. Servers will come to your table to provide drinks (complimentary soda, wine, and beer at lunch and dinner). The World Café is very casual, so jeans and shorts are perfectly acceptable. (Deck 7)

Tips for Dining & Restaurant Dress Codes

• If you feel like sampling more than one dish or want less food, ask for half-portions of salads or entrees .
• Make trip planning easier by making dinner reservations, sharing your allergies and dietary restrictions, and signing up for the optional Silver Spirits beverage package online ( MyVikingJourney.com ) before your cruise. See below for more information on this.
• When dining at Chef’s Table, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, or The Restaurant, adhere to Viking’s suggested casual elegance dress code . For women, this translates to a dress, skirt, or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for men, it’s pants and a collared shirt. No need for a sports jacket or tie — unless you want to wear that. Just remember, no jeans in these three dining venues.
• Casual attire (e.g., jeans, shorts) is perfectly acceptable at the Pool Grill and the World Café.

Making Reservations for Specialty Restaurants

To make reservations at the specialty restaurants, Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, before your cruise, head to MyVikingJourney.com and make your selections. On MyVikingJourney.com , select Onboard Experience > Dining and Beverage. You can also cancel and change dining reservations online.

Online dining reservations become available according to stateroom level and on the following schedule:

• Owner’s Suite—100 days from the sail date
• Explorer Suites—90 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Junior Suites—80 days from the sail date
• Penthouse Veranda Staterooms—70 days from the sail date
• Deluxe Veranda Staterooms—60 days from the sail date
• Veranda Staterooms—No priority reservations

You may also book reservations once onboard but know that the specialty restaurants are popular, so you may need to be flexible when booking.

Restaurant Overview

Below is a quick overview of the dining options aboard a Viking Ocean cruise ship. Verify current times of dining services in the Viking Daily once you are onboard. For example, The Restaurant may offer lunch on some days at sea.

Wherever you are on the ship, you’re never far from a bar, and they have generous hours of operation — some opening in mid-morning. Bars are located on Aquavit Terrace (Deck 7), Explorers’ Lounge (Deck 7), the Pool Bar (Deck 7), The Living Room (Deck 1), and Torshavn , a lounge/nightclub (Deck 2).

You can charge the drinks to your onboard account or sign up for the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, which includes unlimited premium wine, beer, and cocktails. The Silver Spirits package costs $25 per day of the cruise. If two people share a stateroom, both must purchase the package for $50 per day (for double occupancy). If interested in the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, you can sign up before the cruise on MyVikingJourney.com by selecting Onboard Experience > Dining and Beverage > Silver Spirits Beverage Package. Also, you can sign up for the beverage package once aboard the ship.

Guests are allowed to bring wine (and other alcohol) onto the ship. For example, if you purchase wine while on an excursion, you can bring it back, and a Viking bartender will open the bottle for you with no corkage fees. And as mentioned, complimentary house wine and beer are served during lunch and dinner .

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Two Delicious Sweets (with Recipes) Served Aboard

Viking Cruises offer delicious food and tempting treats. Here are recipes for two such desserts. Lebkuchen, the gingerbread-type cookie with hazelnuts, is rich in flavor. The Coconut Macaroons are a light sweet treat to serve alone or accompanying other goodies.

• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 Rolling Pin
• 2 mixing bowls large and medium sized
• 2 baking sheets

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup candied citron, diced (optional)
• 1/3 cup hazelnuts chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water or milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• sliced almonds, candied citron or ginger, or melted chocolate

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, bring honey and molasses to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in brown sugar, egg, lemon juice and zest. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and all spices, and stir in molasses mix, citron, and hazelnuts. Cover. Chill overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured, hard surface, roll out a small amount of chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick. If the dough is sticky, use more flour. Cut dough with desired cookie cutters; transfer to prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, make icing by heating sugar and liquids in a small saucepan (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in confectioners' sugar. If icing crystallizes, reheat and add water or milk. Transfer cookies to rack, and while still hot, brush with icing and decorate with almonds, candied citron or ginger; or, let cool completely and drizzle with melted chocolate. Store in a sealed container.

Coconut Macaroons

• 1 electric mixer
• 2 baking trays
• 4 egg whites
• 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• Preheat oven to 350°. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff. Then, combine with other ingredients. Place small macaroons on a baking tray lined with parchment paper using a tablespoon. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Viking has done a fine job offering an appealing variety of dining locations and menus aboard their ocean cruise ships. My husband and I always ordered breakfast from room service to enjoy a leisurely breakfast while getting ready in the morning. We sometimes enjoyed breakfast on our balcony to savor a scenic view. For lunch, we usually headed to World Café and appreciated the variety of cheeses, salads, entrees, pizza, and desserts (including gelato). We sometimes opted for lunch at Mamsen’s and liked eating in the relaxed setting of the Explorers’ Lounge. We tried all the restaurants for dinner, and our favorite was The Restaurant because of the changing menu each evening. Overall, we were very satisfied with the dining options aboard Viking on our ocean cruise.

Feel free to share your suggestions and thoughts about dining aboard a Viking Ocean Cruise ship. Your ideas could help other cruisers. Thanks! 🙂

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The Best and Worst Bars and Restaurants on Viking Ocean Cruises (Ranked)

Before trying Viking Ocean Cruises restaurants, cruise ship food was, in my head, the same as food at an extremely mediocre all-inclusive resort: bland, unmemorable, and not worth it.

Maybe I’m still holding onto the one night I spent at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún (a place I never wish to return to). Still, something about the idea of dining on a boat doesn’t exactly inspire thoughts of gastronomic heights.

My opinion changed when I stepped onto the Viking Sea, one of the cruise line’s 12 930-passenger, all-veranda small cruise ships.

While I can’t say that dining on Viking Cruises will satisfy epicureans with adventurous palates, the food and beverage program is impressive by seafaring standards, leveraging high-quality ingredients, a fine-dining approach, and carefully curated wines. It’s far better than most restaurants in the suburbs where I grew up.

Making its culinary offering sweeter, Viking Ocean Cruises includes all specialty restaurants, and wine, beer, and soft drinks at meals in its base cruise fare—a rarity in the cruise world.

I tried every bar and restaurant on Viking Ocean Cruises and am ranking them from best to worst to help you make dining decisions at sea.

Viking Ocean Cruises Restaurants and Bars (Ranked from Best to Worst)

1. The Explorer’s Lounge

The Explorer’s Lounge is absolutely my favorite place on Viking Ocean Cruises ships. The lounge on Deck 7 boasts panoramic windows at the ship’s helm and an outdoor observation deck that is absolute bliss at sunset and during sail away.

At night, the lounge clears out, giving guests willing to forgo the excitement of Torshavn or whatever’s happening at the theater to have it all to themselves.

Viking Cruises founder Torstein Hagen designed the lounge with the comfort of a cozy living room in mind. The lounge’s cushy couches were far more relaxing than seating at any on-land bar I’ve been to, and I loved that there were several seating options facing the front of the ship.

The Explorer’s Lounge cocktail menu matches most of the rest of the bars on the ship, highlighting playful, tropical classics like the Piña Colada, Daiquiri, Mai Tai, and Singapore Sling.

Do not sleep on the bar peanuts—we’re still trying to find a place to buy them in bulk.

The Explorer’s Lounge’s food is fleeting. In the late afternoon, the lounge offers smørbørd (open-faced Scandinavian sandwiches). After 10 p.m., small charcuterie plates are served.

As we got to know the staff in the lounge—who were some of the best on the boat—we ventured into off-menu drinks like Suta’s dangerous Tokyo Tea and rich chocolate martinis (my choice of poison).

The Explorer’s Lounge frequently hosted the ship’s solo guitarist and trivia nights a few days a week. Occasionally, the ship’s pianist or assistant cruise director would also perform.

2. Wintergarden

The Wintergarden on Deck 7 is an elegant oasis after a day of sightseeing in the sun. The sun-soaked space is hardly used except for afternoon tea service for a few hours daily.

Afternoon tea is such a highlight while sailing with Viking. Standard tea service of finger sandwiches and petite treats is accompanied by live music from the ship’s classical string duo or pianist.

Impressively, the staff remembered I was vegetarian after only visiting once before and was extra concerned to ensure that the chef made a meat-free stand for me and that I had enough to eat—so thoughtful.

Though sightseeing often left us out late enough that we missed afternoon tea, I’d try to fit a visit in whenever possible. Just ensure you get there quickly—seats can be tough to come by, even on a partially full ship.

3. Manfredi’s

For dinner, Manfredi’s is absolutely the best of all Viking Ocean Cruises restaurants. Reservations are required at the Italian restaurant on Deck 1. However, we found that we were often able to get one if we booked one or two days in advance.

The restaurant gets its name from one of Hagen’s friends in the industry, Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. Not letting his gesture go unrecognized, d’Ovidio returned the favor by naming Silversea’s Tors Observation Library after Hagen.

Like Viking’s main restaurant (aptly titled The Restaurant), Manfredi’s vegetarian options are limited but far better than those offered on the ship. The mozzarella in the caprese starter was always shockingly fresh for being in the middle of the ocean. Pasta and bread service were much higher quality than that offered in the restaurant.

Meat eaters will love the Italian restaurant’s steak tartare and daily fish. Entrée sizes are generous, so bring your appetite. Thick-cut ribeye and short ribs are brought out in bulk here.

4. The Restaurant

The main restaurant on Viking Ocean Cruises ships isn’t a giant buffet, but rather a sit-down establishment with white tablecloths serving three-course dinners to diners on Deck 2.

Diners have two menus: a standard menu with traditional steakhouse favorites, and a destination menu that changes daily based on the port of call the boat was docked at.

We strongly preferred the destination menu overall, as menu items were typically more interesting.

Quality is shockingly good—my favorite menu item was the side order of mashed potatoes, which were creamy and garlicky, along with the rotating dessert menu. There were several nights when my boyfriend and I ordered every dessert on the destination menu to be sent to our stateroom after our meal because the pastry chef on the ship was nearly always on point.

As mentioned in my Viking Cruises review , The Restaurant severely lacks vegetarian options that perform at the level of other menu items—don’t even think about vegan. A brief vegetarian menu was offered daily, however often relied heavily on heavy cream, mild cheese, and pasta or risotto (so. much. risotto.).

This was a little disappointing compared to the bountiful seafood and forays into local cuisine my boyfriend was able to try. However, I still appreciate that The Restaurant always had at least a few things I could eat, even if they were a little bland and generic.

Service at The Restaurant, like most everywhere on Viking cruise ships, is impeccable. By the end of the voyage, we had a favorite waitress who knew us inside and out and got to know the wine steward who always nailed our palates.

5. The Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table is Viking Cruises’ attempt to bring trendy, high-end tasting menus to the seven seas. The curated restaurant on Deck 1 is one of the most in-demand of all the Viking Ocean Cruises restaurants, highlighting a five-course menu by guest chefs that rotates every three days.

Make reservations on day one, four, seven, etc., to try every Chef’s Table menu available during your cruise.

Tasting menus during our sailing ranged in theme from contemporary Chinese to coastal Californian. A premium wine pairing is included for those with the Silver Spirits beverage package or can be added for an additional $25 per person. Standard wine pairings are included.

We tried the Californian menu and enjoyed it, but it didn’t totally compete with tasting menus on land. That said, the sweet potato chip amuse-bouche was delightful, and my boyfriend loved the crab cakes.

Whether you enjoy The Chef’s Table is totally dependent on which tasting menu you select. Friends we made on the boat were extremely disappointed by the Chinese menu and opted to eat at the buffet afterward.

The Chef’s Table is worth visiting at least once during your cruise, but I wouldn’t feel pressured to go more than that—Manfredi’s is honestly better overall.

6. Mamsen’s

Of all the Viking Ocean Cruises restaurants, Mamsen’s is often the most overlooked. but it shouldn’t be. Named after Hagen’s mother and featuring some of her recipes, the breakfast spot is operated out of a window in The Explorer’s Lounge on Deck 7 in the morning, greeting late risers with sweet smells.

Though Mamsen’s brief menu mostly consists of mouthwatering pastries, the main attraction is the traditional Norwegian waffles. Order one of these heart-shaped waffles with all of the fixings—brown cheese, clotted cream, and berries. I still wish I had gotten them more than I did because I crave them now.

Mamsen’s is not for diners looking for a full-service breakfast. Service lacks heavily compared to The Restaurant and The World Cafe as Mamsen’s is designed to be more of a self-service experience.

7. Torshavn

Many Viking passengers refer to Torshavn as “the club.” Located on Deck 2, Viking Ocean Cruises’ only nightlife spot is more like a live music lounge.

The Viking Band plays covers of classic hits all night long in the dark space while bartenders serve a menu of cocktails unique to Torshavn. These drinks tend to be more sophisticated than those on the rest of the boat, with a higher price tag and finer spirits.

We had fun dancing the night away as Torshavn and even managed to make a few friends there, but it wasn’t our go-to spot on the ship.

Music at Torshavn can be a little too loud for conversation, depending on where you’re sitting. The vibe really changed each night based on how many people were there. Some nights, we’d stay a few hours and really enjoy ourselves, while others, it was 15 minutes, and we’d leave.

Unfortunately, we didn’t love the specialty cocktail menu there, but we so appreciated that bartenders were willing to make any drink or serve any wine on the ship, like at the other bars.

8. The World Cafe

When the nightly dress code required on Viking Cruises is a no-go, The World Cafe awaits on Deck 7.

The World Cafe is Viking Ocean Cruises’ buffet restaurant. The light-filled space allows casual attire at all times, unlike the ship’s other restaurants.

We didn’t feel like sitting at The Restaurant was worthwhile for breakfast, so The World Cafe was our go-to for breakfast, especially on super rushed mornings before excursions when we didn’t have time to wait for waffles at Mamsen’s.

The Restaurant and The World Cafe serve the same breakfast menu (The World Cafe might actually have more options), so the only motivation for dining at The Restaurant in the morning is really just to have a full-service, sit-down meal.

For lunch, The World Cafe served all kinds of things—each day, the buffet changed, always consisting of several main and side options ranging from Western to Eastern flavors, a daily sandwich, salad bar, pasta salads, pizza, and a wide spread of desserts.

The pizza was surprisingly one of our favorite things to eat. We weren’t expecting much from it, but it was good enough that we would’ve never guessed it was made on a cruise ship.

In the afternoon, after buffet service closes, the gelato bar stays open for a delicious afternoon pick-me-up.

Dinner is best skipped at The World Cafe. The World Cafe hosts special events on the ship, such as poolside barbecues and lobster cookouts, which is how we tried the restaurant’s dinner offering.

Both nights we did, we ended up at The Restaurant immediately after, where the food was far better. That, however, did not stop my boyfriend from eating a couple of plates piled high with grilled lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp, and scallops on the lobster night because even if the lobster at The Restaurant was better, all-you-can-eat seafood is all-you-can-eat seafood.

9. The Living Room

The Living Room, the bar in the Atrium on Deck 1, is a popular spot in the early evenings for passengers to mingle and listen to the sounds of the ship’s classical string duo or pianist.

The interior great room of the ship is comfortable and refined, but it lacks excitement compared to other Viking Ocean Cruises restaurants and bars. This made it the perfect spot when I needed to get some work done, but it didn’t encourage us to hang out there at night.

You can always grab a small snack, like a cookie at the bar, or come around in the afternoon for a smørbørd.

10. Aquavit Terrace

Aquavit Terrace is the bar and al fresco dining option at the stern of Viking Ocean ships on Deck 7, outside of The World Cafe. The outdoor dining area is an extension of The World Cafe, servicing guests lounging around the infinity pool on Viking Ocean cruise ships.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with Aquavit—it’s simple and serves its purpose, but service could be improved. When hanging out at the infinity pool, tracking down waitstaff for water and other drinks was tough.

Waitstaff did delight when they brought out special dipped ice cream cones on a particularly hot afternoon—such a fun poolside touch!

11. The Pool Grill

Viking Ocean Cruises has two outdoor pools on every ship: the infinity pool at the stern and a slightly larger pool at the center. The Pool Grill services the main pool on Deck 7.

Expect a counter-order grill menu with burgers and the like (the extra-long hot dogs are a favorite of frequent Viking cruisers), along with a small smattering of buffet options served until 5:30 pm daily.

The Pool Grill is a good stop if you’re on Deck 7 and need a quick bite after The World Cafe has closed, but it isn’t anything to write home about. Buffet options are typically whatever salad bar options are leftover from lunch at The World Cafe, and they aren’t exactly thrilling.

On some afternoons, The Pool Grill serves fun specialty frozen drinks—it’s worth making a lap for those.

Viking Cruises Room Service

Viking Cruises offers 24-hour room service for all cabins like any good cruise ship. Unfortunately, it’s one of the very few areas where the luxury cruise line really falls short compared to its competitors.

Room service for breakfast must be ordered the night before via a form that your cabin steward will leave at turn-down. The options don’t change, typically consisting of eggs a few ways, toast, standard breakfast sides, and pastries, and a selection of fresh juice, tea, or coffee.

Though I wish breakfast from room service had a little more variety, Ordering room service for breakfast and enjoying it from our cabin’s balcony while taking in views of our new port was such a beautiful way to start the day. Food was always still hot and fresh when it was delivered.

Our only gripe with room service in the mornings is that it was consistently delivered 15 to 20 minutes earlier than the selected time and was often the wake-up call we didn’t ask for.

Viking Cruises’ room service menu for all-day dining leaves something to be desired. The menu is extremely small, and the food quality was not amazing overall. It was still good, just not quite as exceptional as the quality at restaurants on the ship. Of course, that didn’t stop me from ordering a midnight Caesar salad on a few occasions.

The all-day menu on Viking Ocean Cruises features classic American and European dishes, such as a New York strip steak and burger, as well as desserts such as the Apple Brown Betty and brownie.

Viking Ocean Cruises Restaurants: FAQ

Specialty restaurants on all Viking Cruises are included with your cruise fare. They do not cost anything extra.

The best restaurant on Viking Ocean Cruises is Manfredi’s, the Italian restaurant.

Vegan options are extremely limited—if not nonexistent—on Viking Cruises. Plant-based diners should contact the cruise company in advance to ensure their diet can be accommodated or select a different cruise line.

Viking Cruises has limited vegetarian options. Vegetarians can eat as long as they’re not picky. Those with selective palates or who are also lactose-intolerant should consider a different cruise line.

Viking Ocean Cruises has 9 restaurants on its cruise ships, including one cooking school called The Kitchen Table. Viking River Cruises typically have two restaurants onboard, plus a cooking experience.

Eva Phan is the founder of Eva Darling, a travel and style website aiming to empower women to see the world solo while sharing on-trend, luxury feminine style inspiration. Featured in publications including Forbes, Thrillist, and Yahoo News, Eva has combined her education from Parsons School of Design with her incurable case of the travel bug to create a global destination that encourages others to romanticize their everyday.

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Destination-Focused Dining

Regional cuisine, always available classics and the most al fresco dining on any waterway.

The Restaurant

Our elegant dining venue, The Restaurant, offers daily-changing menus, including regional specialties made with fresh, local ingredients.

Manfredi’s® Italian Restaurant

Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine, as well as a private dining room.

With live cooking, an open kitchen, premium seafood/sushi choices and a grill, the casual World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors.

Named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties including waffles according to Mamsen’s original recipe, open-faced sandwiches and split pea soup.

Aquavit Terrace®

Offering mulled wine, hot chocolate or ship-matured aquavit, the Aquavit Bar is an ideal place to relax with new friends in this Viking-inspired, light-filled space while taking in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.

24-Hour Options

Our bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. Or guests can enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of their stateroom with 24-hour room service.

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Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 10 best meals you can have at sea

When it comes to onboard restaurants and dining, cruise ships often get a bad rap. There's a storyline out there that cruises are little more than gorge fests, prioritizing quantity over quality.

After writing about cruising for nearly 30 years, I can tell you this is far from the truth. Quality dining has always been a big part of the cruising experience, and cruise ship restaurant offerings only have improved over the years.

You'll now find stand-alone restaurants on high-end cruise ships created and overseen by some of the world's most famous chefs, including Nobu Matsuhisa, Alain Ducasse and Jacques Pepin.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But even on the largest mass-market cruise ships, the food is getting ever more elaborate and diverse. Norwegian Cruise Line brags that its biggest vessel, Norwegian Encore , has more than 20 different food venues — everything from a casual barbecue restaurant (with live country music) to a high-end Italian spot from the creators of New York City's Scarpetta.

Some mainstream lines, such as Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises , even have called in chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants to help them design entire culinary programs.

Over the years, as part of testing and reviewing nearly 200 vessels operated by 41 different lines, I've eaten at pretty much every cruise ship restaurant.

Just like at resorts on land, there's incredible diversity out there. Some are great. Some aren't. Some are too pricey for what they are. Others are bargains.

But the bottom line is there are a lot of wonderful restaurants on cruise ships. Below are my picks for the very best cruise ship restaurants at sea. As you might expect, many of my favorites are on higher-end ships, but several of the top restaurants can be found on the bigger, more affordable cruise ships.

Manfredi's

Where you'll find it: All Viking ocean and expedition ships

Found on every Viking ocean and expedition ship, Manfredi's is our hands-down pick for the best Italian restaurant at sea. It serves up authentic and hearty Tuscan and Northern Italian specialties such as bistecca fiorentina and osso buco alla Milanese. Appetizers range from hand-cut beef tartare to — our favorite — a chilled asparagus and polenta dish that's served with a perfectly poached egg, Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle dressing.

Here's a bit of trivia: Manfredi's was named after Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, who once owned one of Viking's rivals, Silversea Cruises , and now owns the recently relaunched luxury line Crystal . Viking chairman Torstein Hagen and Lefebvre are friends. If you're a cruising aficionado, be sure to hunt among the photos on the wall for the images of Lefebvre and Hagen experimenting with recipes during the restaurant's creation. The Italy-born Lefebvre supposedly shared some of his favorite childhood recipes for the venue.

Cost: There's no extra charge to dine at Manfredi's, but reservations are required. Passengers are entitled to one visit per voyage (those staying in higher cabin categories receive up to four priority reservations).

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Where you'll find it: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

When it comes to sushi at sea, the gold standard for years has been Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Found on both of Crystal's ships, the venue is the creation of famed Japanese chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa — yes, that Nobuyuki Matsuhisa — and offers sushi as well as Matsuhisa's trademark Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. We're talking dishes like Nobu-style lobster with truffle-yuzu sauce and miso-glazed black cod.

If you've been to Matsuhisa's Nobu restaurants in New York, Las Vegas or other cities, you know what we're talking about. This is Japanese cuisine transformed into high art. On the two Crystal ships, it's also one of the best deals on sushi anywhere.

While it's easy to rack up a $150 per person bill at a Nobu on land (a single piece of toro sushi costs $17 at Nobu New York Fifty Seven), a night at Umi Uma on a Crystal ship is included in the fare. That fare, of course, isn't insignificant. Crystal voyages can run as much as $1,000 per person, per day.

Cost: There is no extra charge to dine at Umi Uma. Passengers are entitled to one visit per voyage, with reservations required. Additional reservations may be requested on a space-available basis for a $50 per person reservation fee.

Related: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

Where you'll find it: Oceania Cruises' Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista

Red Ginger might be the most gorgeous restaurant you'll ever see on a cruise ship. With a nod to feng shui, it radiates harmony and tranquility with ebony woods, a soothing waterfall wall and striking, modern Asian artworks. But it's not just a pretty place: It's a den of yumminess, too.

Found on four Oceania Cruises ships — Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista — Red Ginger offers classic Asian dishes with a contemporary twist, all dreamed up by Oceania's well-regarded, in-house culinary team with input from famed chef Jacques Pepin. We're talking about miso-glazed sea bass wrapped in a hoba leaf, and sole tempura with an orange ponzu sauce and spicy daikon. For dessert, don't miss the lemongrass creme brulee.

Cost: There is no extra charge to dine at Red Ginger, but reservations are required. Passengers are entitled to one visit per voyage (those staying in top suites can go twice).

Fahrenheit 555

Where you'll find it: Carnival's Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Jubilee (debuting in December) and Carnival Firenze (debuting in April)

One of the great paradoxes of the cruise world is that one of the lowest-cost operators — Carnival Cruise Line — has one of the best steakhouses at sea . At a fixed price of $48 per person, Fahrenheit 555 is also a relative bargain compared to similar steakhouses on land.

Found on Carnival's six most recently built ships plus a few others, Fahrenheit 555 offers all the steakhouse staples, from a 14-ounce New York strip to a nine-ounce filet mignon (both USDA Prime, aged 28 days). Other entree choices include an appropriately marbled hunk of Australian Wagyu beef, grilled lamb chops and Dover sole. Starters include Heritage Berkshire pork belly, bone marrow and hand-cut beef tartare, and — of course — jumbo shrimp cocktail.

Carnival has a long tradition of offering high-end steakhouses on its ships. The line began rolling out steakhouses in 2001 with the debut of its Spirit Class ships (where, in one of the great quirks of cruise ship design, the steakhouses are located in red domes that form the forward portions of the ships' funnels).

There now are steakhouses on 23 of Carnival's 25 vessels, with varying names and decor (only Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise lack one). When it comes to culinary offerings, they're all similar to Fahrenheit 555.

Cost: $48 per person

Related: 5 reasons you should splurge on a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Where you'll find it: Le Commandant Charcot

The newest temple to gastromy at sea is Nuna on Ponant's epic new icebreaking expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot . Elegant and refined, it's a high-end French restaurant that serves dishes designed by Alain Ducasse, the famed French chef.

You'll find everything from French-style beef fillet served with a pepper sauce and veal tenderloin with a vegetable matignon and potato cake to monkfish medallions on the menu, with some international dishes mixed in with the classic French cuisine. Dessert options include a selection of French cheeses that number into the dozens — perhaps the most spectacular cheese selection found on any cruise vessel.

The setting itself is lovely, at the back of the vessel overlooking the wake and featuring furniture from iconic French furniture design house Ligne Roset, Bernardaud French china and glassware by Elne.

Cost: There is no charge to dine at Nuna

Where you'll find it: All Silversea ships except Silver Origin

The premier restaurant on Silversea Cruises ships is a temple to high-end French cuisine. Named after La Dame de Paris, aka the Eiffel Tower, it serves such classic dishes as filet of Limousin beef, grilled rack of lamb and pan-fried Dover sole. The menu includes two different styles of foie gras, as well as caviar.

As you might expect for a fancy French venue, the service is all white-glove elegance in a refined but contemporary setting. As you might not expect on an upscale all-inclusive cruise line, the restaurant does have a hefty cover charge.

Cost: $60 per person for all ships, with the exception of the new Silver Nova . The cover charge for La Dame on Silver Nova, where the experience includes an exclusive selection of French wines and digestives, is $160 per person.

Pacific Rim

Where you'll find it: Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur

Another one of my favorite cruise ship restaurants is Pacific Rim, found on the two largest Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessels. Serving pan-Asian cuisine, it's elegant and upscale — as you would expect from one of the world's leading luxury lines — and has a mouthwatering menu.

Signature dishes include grilled Korean barbecue lamb chops (served with wok-fried Brussels sprouts and gochujang sauce) and a miso black cod wrapped in a hoba leaf. Signature appetizers include a crispy soft-shell crab served with a kizami wasabi mayo.

For dessert, don't miss the chili chocolate mousse. True to its name, it's infused with chile and wonderfully spicy. For something more neutral, my pick is the green tea panna cotta, served with mango and a lychee ragout.

Cost: There's no extra charge to dine at Pacific Rim, but reservations are required.

Related: Peek at the over-the-top luxury of Regent's Seven Seas Splendor

Eden Restaurant

Where you'll find it: Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Cruises has created a temple to gastronomy with Eden Restaurant, found on its new Edge Class ships . Located at the back of each vessel in a whimsical glass-walled and plant-filled dining and entertainment space called Eden, it offers a fixed-price menu with a wide range of choices for appetizers, three entrees and two desserts.

In a sharp departure from Eden Restaurant's original concept of mesmerizingly imaginative dishes with fanciful names and often exotic ingredients, the menu now offers such classic dishes as filet mignon and mini short rib Wellington with mashed potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms and bordelaise sauce, and slow-cooked corvina — all cooked perfectly.

In addition to the regular menu, Eden offers two seven-course tasting menus — one with some dishes derived from animals and one that is completely vegan.

Cost: $65 for the basic menu; the tasting menus cost $100.

Where you'll find it: Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

For the most part, the food on Disney Cruise Line ships is just so-so (in my opinion, at least). It's a line you book for its great family entertainment, not cuisine. But Remy is the great exception — a dining experience that is among the finest at sea.

Created by two renowned chefs (Arnaud Lallement of France's three-Michelin-starred l'Assiette Champenoise and Scott Hunnel of Disney World's high-end Victoria & Albert's), it offers exquisitely presented, French-inspired cuisine of the highest quality in an elegant setting at one of the highest prices of any cruise ship eatery.

Like pretty much all venues on Disney ships, Remy has some whimsical Disney touches. Named after the rat hero in the Disney animated film "Ratatouille," it has his stylized likeness worked into the art nouveau design.

But there's nothing Mickey Mouse about the restaurant's sophisticated decor and finishings, which include high-end Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware and gold-cushioned stools to hold ladies' purses. This is a fine dining establishment where you wear a jacket or cocktail dress to dinner while savoring mouth-watering small plates of duck, quail, Wagyu beef, king crab and the like.

Cost: $135 per person for dinner, not including wine. A brunch service is also available for $80 per person, and a dessert offering is $65 per person.

Steakhouse at the Verandah

Where you'll find it: All Cunard ships

Steakhouse lovers will find another great option in Steakhouse at The Verandah, located on all Cunard vessels. It's a shrine to the most indulgent, marbled and mouth-watering cuts of beef, from 35-day dry-aged Scotch grass-fed Black Angus to Australian grass-fed Wagyu beef (the latter for a $30 upcharge). It also serves seafood options such as grilled whole Dover sole and Maine lobster. Appetizers include clam chowder and lobster cocktail.

At a price of just $45 per person if booked in advance of sailing (with a few supplemental charges for premium items), it's a great bargain in my book — at least compared to fine steakhouses on land.

Cost: $45 per person if booked in advance of sailing; $50 per person if booked on board. A few premium dinner items come with extra "supplemental" charges. The steakhouse is also open for lunch for $25 per person if booked in advance and $30 per person if booked on board.

Bottom line

Good food is plentiful on cruise ships, where you will find a few truly world-class restaurants. Some of the same chefs behind the best-known restaurants on land have turned their attention to restaurants at sea in recent years, making it easier than ever to have a knockout meal during your cruise.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review

Embarking on a Viking Oceans cruise promises a luxurious and immersive journey. I am just back from my first Viking voyage, a 12-night cruise on Viking Sea,. In this review, I will share various aspects of the Viking experience, specifically a Viking Sea cruise ship review, to provide insights into what you can expect on this ship. I hope sharing this Viking Ocean cruises review will help you decide on your next adventure.

As a seasoned traveler and occasional cruiser, I believe I am well-equipped to provide insights into the Viking Oceans Cruise experience. My first two European travels (1963 & 1968) involved transatlantic voyages as my Dad was afraid of flying. Cruise ships have come a very long way since those days. (The ”spa” in our first ship, the MS Saturnia, featured vibrating belt machines and a lukewarm tub in a windowless room. But we had Italian language lessons onboard and daily Mass where I, a young GIRL was allowed to serve as altar boy!) Jump ahead 60 years and I have sailed on Windstar’s small ships 6 times, and have also explored other renowned cruise lines such as Princess and Norwegian, offering a comparative lens for evaluating Viking’s unique offerings.

With an extensive travel background that spans 68 countries, and includes bespoke safaris, ,journeys with prestigious tour operators like Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent, and many independent adventures, I bring a diverse and discerning perspective to this Viking Sea ship review. Note: We paid all expenses for this trip. Viking did not discount nor incentivize our travel.

Table of Contents

Booking our first Viking Cruise

Viking offer three categories of journeys – river cruises, ocean cruises, and expedition cruises. We chose the Viking Oceans Cruise – Amazon & Caribbean Adventure – primarily for the itinerary. (Viking offers many unique destination-focused itineraries.) Visiting the Amazon has always been a dream of mine. And we were intrigued to try Viking ships having heard much about Viking River Cruises cultural and educational focus from friends. The Viking Ocean Cruises ships carry 930 passengers which seems like a lot to us but still considered a small ship by most cruisers.

Booking our cruise was a seamless process, with an intuitive online reservation system. However, for this trip, we chose to call Viking directly so as to secure flights that would work for us. We planned on arriving in San Juan a few days before the cruise to enjoy some sunshine and to forestall travel complications winter in New England can bring. The customer service representatives we spoke to during booking were very helpful and within minutes our trip was confirmed.

The next step in trip planning came when it was time to choose excursions. Viking has a unique (to us) reservation system for excursions and dining options. Each stateroom level has a date when reservation booking opens. For example, on our voyage the Penthouse Veranda occupants could make reservations 77 days before the cruise, the Deluxe Veranda 67 days, and the lowest category, Veranda, 60 days before the cruise. This was a stressful and unpleasant experience for us. By the time our category (deluxe veranda) was allowed to book, many tours were sold out. We managed to get much of what we wanted but honestly this added frustration and a sense of classism to the process. Note : Viking guarantees one or two included tours for everyone in each port. These are mostly bus rides or short walks.

Other than the above issue (and a few outside Viking’s control) things went well with Viking’s pre-cruise experience. We used Viking Air (got an offer for free airfare!) and got a direct flight, Boston to San Juan. Once we received our Delta confirmation code, we were able to upgrade our seats. (Some guests were able to upgrade from the My Viking page earlier but for some reason this was not available for our flight.)

A+ Where Viking Shines

The ship: a viking sea cruise ship review.

The focal point of any cruise is the ship. In the case of the Viking cruises which seem to leave ports earlier than most cruise lines we’ve used, the design is paramount. And fortunately, it shines! Viking Ocean ships are designed with elegance and functionality in mind.

The Viking Sea is the loveliest ship we’ve traveled on. The ship’s decor is sleek Scandinavian with bits of whimsy. Spend some time in the Wintergarden and you’ll find birds and iconic landmarks integrated into the ironwork. Birds can also be ‘heard’ in some of the public restrooms. 🙂

Throughout the ship there are unique spaces where you can get away for a quiet read. Thus even with 930 guests onboard the ship never seems crowded. Even the main dining room, the Restaurant, is designed with partial wall breaks to simulate small dining areas.

Other unique public spaces include the ‘Living Room,’ a three-story elegant atrium where you’ll find games, puzzles, and cozy corners to sit while enjoying performances by Viking’s musicians. The Explorers’ Lounge and Torshavn are the focus for evening cocktails, music, and conversation. There are outside terraces for watching the world go by and a sports deck for shuffleboard enthusiasts. Last but a far cry from least is a Viking Ocean Cruise highlight – the extraordinary spa with traditional Nordic elements like sauna, vitality pool, cold plunge tubs, and a Snow Grotto.

Our Stateroom

We’re in a mid-level cabin, Deluxe Veranda, which is narrow, but has a lot of storage and a roomy bathroom with a great shower. (Not always the case on cruise ships!) I haven’t seen the other category staterooms but know the next step up – Penthouse Veranda- offers a few more feet in width and a fridge stocked with wine, beer, etc. Our fridge has soft drinks replenished daily.

When all our things were put away, we had plenty of room in this cabin and veranda to enjoy some quiet time. (270 square feet in total)

Entertainment spaces with exceptional performances

[I neglected to get photos of the Star Theater, Torshavn and the Explorers’ Lounge, so I’ll try to describe each before I direct you to the Viking Serene Scandinavian Spaces webpage.]

• The Star Theater is the primary theater location for live music and is the spot where guests gather for tendering. It is similar in style to other ships’ theaters with alternating rows of bucket chairs and cushioned bench seating. Interestingly, the back of the theater has two spaces which can be closed to create two movie theaters.
• Torshavn is located just steps away from the Star Theater so attracts a lot of people after the evening’s performances. It has a nightclub vibe and is a great spot for late night dancing.
• The Explorers’ Lounge is on the 7th and 8th floor. It’s a thoughtfully designed space with panoramic windows affording lovely views. The Explorers’ Lounge is where you’ll find Mamsen’s, a homestyle eating spot with late night treats.

The onboard entertainment on our cruise was outstanding! We thoroughly enjoyed the Star Theater productions and planned our evenings around them. (We often skip the shows on other cruise lines.)

The entertainment is curated to appeal to a broad audience. The ship’s atrium, the Living Room, has either a classical pianist or a string duo playing almost all day. Lovely background music for your reading. Torshavn, the cozy club, and Explorers Lounge have shows each evening with more contemporary music.

But the best entertainment on this Viking itinerary was the evening show with the resident vocalists. They were immensely talented and the show’s choreography, stagecraft, and audio-visual elements made this a phenomenal experience.

Interestingly, it’s not just the ship’s vocalists that performed but also the cruise director! Big shout out to our cruise director, Ryan Bishop, who kept us informed and entertained all 12 days onboard. What a talent!

Including destination-focused enrichment is one of Viking‘s key attractions. On our Amazon and Caribbean Adventure itinerary we had a resident biologist, a resident historian, and a former CIA agent giving talks daily.

I loved the nature lectures. Dr. Philip Price included a lot of depth to his talks (bringing back much of my long-forgotten biology knowledge) but he seasoned his talk with humor so everyone could enjoy.

Having these short (45 minute) lectures definitely adds to the cruise experience. And best of all, if you’re unable to attend them in person, they are streamed all week on your cabin TV! We always watched one in the evening as we got ready for bed.

(The daily port talks are also available on your cabin TV. This was the first cruise when we actually used the cabin TV.)

The Spa (and fitness center)

What can I say! We loved the spa! It’s a subdued quiet space to relax and rejuvenate after a day touring.

There is an open area with a large ‘vitality pool’ (hot tub with waves and bubbles on demand), a traditional hot tub, heated spa beds and loungers. From this central area you have access to the Snow Grotto and steam room. In each dressing area there is a sauna and cold plunge pool. I valiantly tried everything the spa had to offer but didn’t stay long in the cold plunge pool 🙂

Somehow, I hadn’t time for a massage but exercised in the well-equipped gym before luxuriating in the spa. There are three sections to the fitness center all with large windows to enjoy the view. The aerobic fitness area had many treadmills, several cycles, and a few elliptical machines. The next two rooms focused on weight training and stretching.

B+ A cut above most cruise ships

Service and staff.

The service provided by the crew can make or break your shipboard experience. For the most part, the Viking staff, known for their friendliness and professionalism, elevated our overall experience. We did not rate the service as excellent because it seemed the staff may have had more guests than they could handle. In the Restaurant we had several mix-ups with our orders and sometimes had long waits to be seated or served. But when the waitstaff came they were always friendly and courteous.

We had some frustrations with guest services not following up on requests for post-cruise plans. Our charter flight was scheduled to leave at 6 pm from Manaus so we hoped to use that day to see more of the city and surroundings on a private tour. But three days before we arrived in Manaus, guest services still had no idea what time we’d be disembarking, what hotel we would be brought to, and when we needed to get to the airport. Needless to say, we couldn’t book our tour and spent 6 hours in a hotel conference room before our flight.

But while onboard Guest Services came through with a level of hospitality we hadn’t found on other cruise lines. A big thank you to guest services for hosting an impromptu gathering of participants from Cruise Critic. We enjoyed drinks and appetizers in the 8th floor Explorers’ Lounge as we met offline for the first time.

In general, the crew’s cheerful dedication made us feel valued and well taken care of throughout the trip.

Ambiance/Social Aspects

The ambiance of the ship plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience. Viking Ocean Cruise ships boast elegant designs with lots of areas to socialize or enjoy some solitude. It’s a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere.

Of course, there’s little you can do to predict how you’ll enjoy your fellow travelers but on this cruise we met many wonderful people. All were well-traveled, so it was fun to chat and compare notes. The demographics on our tour:

• overwhelmingly American
• almost all over 60 years of age and retired
• very little diversity
• quite a few people with some sort of health or mobility issues. Happily, it seemed Viking is prepared to help everyone participate in events and excursions. The crew were sensitive to the needs of people with mobility issues, quickly seating them on tenders, etc.

Viking Sea cruise ship review: the dining experience

One of the challenges of traveling anywhere is managing expectations. We have had great food on Windstar and read rave reviews of Viking’s food before the trip, so perhaps we came onboard with unrealistic expectations for a ship serving 930 passengers and 465 crew members.

Viking offers a variety of dining venues offer diverse menus, providing guests with many choices for their cruise experience. We greatly appreciated that Viking offered selections in all venues that mirrored the destinations visited. We also appreciated that there are no formal nights on Viking (though there is a dress code for the better restaurants.)

There are many options available, including options for gluten free and vegetarian diets. The food was mostly good but rarely exceptional. Service in the main dining room could be spotty. All the waitstaff was friendly but appeared to be a bit overwhelmed at times. Perhaps the area was understaffed on this trip.

As we’re dedicated to our readers, we tried each of Viking Sea’s dining options. 😉 Here we are ready to try Manfredi’s, the Italian restaurant – yum!

The Restaurant

This is the primary restaurant on the ship. It’s an elegant space with multiple divisions which belied how many guests were being served. The Restaurant offered a fairly extensive menu with some dishes offered every night, some specific to the destination, some vegetarian, and many daily specials. We had some excellent meals here but also several mediocre meals. Our favorite entrees : Beef tenderloin with horseradish mashed potato was my favorite, Dave’s was the Norwegian salmon which is offered daily.

The World Cafe is a cafeteria style option and is open for all meals. The quality of the food and selections offered were quite good. We enjoyed our meals here and understood why some cruisers only eat at the World Cafe. There is a small, shaded spot outside the World Cafe where you can bring your trays to enjoy some fresh air.

Be sure to frequent the World Cafe on Surf n’ Turf night! Lobster tails, shrimp cocktails, etc.! Yum! Dave gives a shout out to the gelato which he sampled daily for this complete review.

Note: the World Cafe is the only restaurant without a dress code. For more about this and other packing suggestions read Amazon and Caribbean Adventure: Your Ultimate Viking Cruise Packing List .

There are two (occasionally three) specialty restaurants on the Viking Oceans Cruises ships. On our trip the third option – the Kitchen Table – was not open. Reservations are required for these restaurants but if you’re not able to secure a reservation before the trip, check with the dining desk managers as there are usually spots available.

Manfredi’s is the Italian themed dining option. It’s a pleasant space with mediterranean design. The food was good and the service in this restaurant was excellent.

Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table was an alternative restaurant where wine is paired with each course. The theme of the tasting menu rotates every three days, so be sure to check what options are available on the night of your choosing.

We attended Mexican night and enjoyed the wine but were underwhelmed with the food. Our amuse bouche was one tortilla chip topped with an octopus-based salsa. The appetizer was one tamale in a clear soup. The main course was very tasty, but again only a small serving – short ribs with mole sauce and a tablespoon of sweet potato mash artfully displayed. Dessert was a selection of chocolate treats. Note : other cruisers raved about the Asian menu, so give it a try!

Wintergarden

This was my favorite dining option on the ship!

A traditional tea is served in this spectacular space every afternoon with classical music accompaniment. I love afternoon tea so made sure to get there twice on our trip. Scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and sweet delicacies are served with your choice of dozens of teas. Relax, enjoy the music, and indulge.

There is no dress code for the Wintergarden, but many appeared to enjoying dressing as they might for afternoon tea at home.

Mamsen’s

This is a Norwegian homestyle spot (literally) tucked into the Explorers’ Lounge. The recipes and even the plate design come from the kitchen of the Hagen family’s Mamsen (mother). This is where you’ll find traditional Norwegian open-faced sandwiches and specialty desserts.

Definitely try the waffles here one morning! It’s a quiet change from the other dining venues and has a lovely view.

The Pool Grill, as you’d expect, serves burgers, hot dogs, and occasionally a tuna steak all made to order. Very good for a quick meal on deck.

Room Service

We ordered from room service a few times, once for breakfast on our first sea day, and twice when our excursion got us back to the ship after the dining areas were closed. After a steamy excursion it was nice to put our feet up and enjoy a platter of cheese or a Caprese panini.

More Viking Sea options

Honestly, I can’t speak to this very well. There are lots of options listed on the Daily – mahjong, crafters corner, wine and spirits tasting, shuffleboard competitions, just to name a few – but we didn’t partake of anything except team trivia in the Explorers’ Lounge.

There are tables in the Atrium set up for Scrabble and other games. These were always busy and it looked like people were having fun.

Ship’s pools

This is another category that is hard to rank. The main pool is in a gorgeous spot and has a partially retractable roof. I imagine this would be lovely if cruising in a cooler climate, but in the Caribbean and Amazon the roof opening was not sufficient to keep the space cool. We tried this for a few hours and gave up.

On the Aquavit Terrace at the rear of the ship there is an infinity pool and hot tub. This pool was perfect for a hot day in the tropics. Lovely refreshing water with enough space for several bathers. The only drawback here is that deck space is limited, and all loungers are in the sun.

Tips of first-time Viking cruisers

Cabin choice.

If you’re debating which cabin category to select, upgrade. As mentioned in the booking section above, there is a tier system for booking excursions and making dining reservations. If neither of these matter to you, choose whatever cabin you wish. But if you’re hoping to get on a specific tour, book a Penthouse Veranda or above. ( This was a real eye-opener for me. I felt a bit like a second-class citizen when I realized my mid-range cabin didn’t allow me to get some of the tours we’d looked forward to. Not a good feeling when you’ve booked a luxury brand cruise. )

There are 1-2 included excursions in every port of call. In addition, there are many optional tours with prices starting >$60 and up. We opted for two included shore excursions and many of the paid excursions. Most were very good to excellent. I’ve detailed our excursion experiences on Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking.

Note: Viking seems to leave ports earlier than other lines we have used. Our all-aboard times ranged from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. This made it more challenging to book tours with local companies (as we’ve enjoyed in other locations ), so we stuck with Viking’s offerings.

There are options to send out your laundry with a quick turnaround, but Viking is unique in providing free laundry facilities and detergent on each floor. This makes it easy to pack light for the cruise . The laundry room does gets crowded so plan on doing your wash in the off hours – during morning excursions, late at night or during dinner hours.

There are three onboard shops, one a jewelry store, one a small necessities shop, and one specializing in Nordic gear and souvenirs. Interestingly, though you have your choice of Nordic sweaters (on an Amazon cruise…hmm) there is no place to purchase a simple tee shirt. We had counted on this while packing so were disappointed. And before you say that the clientele was too upscale for tee shirts, believe me, most guests are wearing casual clothes including tees during the daytime hours and on excursions.

Silver spirit package

All Vikings Sea’s restaurants include wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. We’d heard that the included wine was of poor quality, but we enjoyed every wine we were served. (Mind you, we are not oenophiles.)

Purchasing the Silver Spirits beverage package for $25 per person per night affords the guest upgraded wines, beers, and unlimited cocktails and spirits. As this was our first Viking cruise, we decided to test the value of the package. We enjoyed the included wine and beer, but also ordered cocktails or an evening aperitif as we desired. In the end our bill was $174.50, far less than the $600 the Silver Spirits package would have cost. We’re moderate drinkers on vacation but I think the liberal pours over dinner kept our costs low.

An oddity of the included beverages policy is that at events where sparkling wine is poured continuously, I had to pay $4 for a ginger ale. Hmm…

Viking Air Services

We used Viking Air for our travel. Just a bit of reading online will show you that Viking Air gets mixed reviews with some people being booked on circuitous routes to their destinations. Fortunately, we did not have any of these issues. We were booked on a direct flight from Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico to begin our vacation. On the return Viking booked charter flights to transport passengers to Miami from Manaus. We gladly agreed to this. As this homeward travel day was long and involved Viking put all passengers up in a Marriott hotel in Miami, served dinner and breakfast, and arranged luggage transport for each leg of the journey. From Miami we had a direct flight home.

Unfortunately, plane issues on both the charter and direct flight home from Miami caused delays. When ultimately our Miami to Boston flight was cancelled, we scrambled to find a flight home rather than spend another night in Miami. Viking Air likely could have booked something for us, but as time was of the essence so we did it ourselves. When Viking learned of our difficult day, they issued us a future cruise credit. Unnecessary as it was not Viking’s fault, but we were impressed and appreciative.

Sustainability Practices

I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) so we travel to get a few weeks in the sunshine each winter. We try to choose sustainable options as we did in Costa Rica , but sometimes we cruise. This year was challenging with losses of family and friends, so the convenience of a cruise was the best option. We chose Viking as it states a commitment to sustainability.

[Researching a bit, Viking receives mixed ratings for sustainability. Friends of the Earth gives Viking a poor grade despite acknowledging Viking has moved to advanced sewage treatment systems and exhaust scrubbers. The Cruise Line is kinder to Viking, giving the line credit for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.]

As I don’t have the ability to precisely measure the environmental impact of the cruise line, I base my comments on what I encountered on the ship.

• Exhaust scrubbers to reduce air pollution
• Viking has discontinued some tours they deemed unethical, e.g. the pink dolphin experience.
• Paper straws are used in all venues when straws are requested
• Serving sizes in the restaurants were not excessive, so less waste here. (However, the buffets in the World Cafe undoubtedly generate a lot of food waste.)
• Time in ports was much too short to support local economies. On other cruises we try to frequent cafes, shops, and local guides, but with an early “all aboard”, on this itinerary we had to stick with ship tours.
• Towels were changed daily despite us hanging them up for reuse.

Value for Money

Viking Ocean Cruises aims to provide value for money. The cost of the cruise, considering the inclusions and amenities, is competitive in the cruise industry. With the cruise cost including full use of the spa, the entertainment, and wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, we felt that we got excellent value for our money.

We opted to use Viking’s air program and were pleased when offered a charter flight from Manaus to Miami and a hotel night in Miami before transiting home. And doubly pleased when we learned they organized a late (11 pm- 2 am!) dinner for us in Miami. Very professional of them to make these arrangements at their own expense after our cruise days had ended.

Viking Ocean Cruises Review: Conclusion

In conclusion, our cruise experience was a great blend of luxury, fun, and cultural exploration. From the ease of booking to the service on board, Viking Ocean Cruises offer a refined maritime adventure. The Viking Sea is beautifully appointed and without question a great ship. Whether seeking relaxation or immersive activities, travelers are likely to find their expectations exceeded on a Viking Oceans Cruise. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

For more information and recommendations for your Viking Ocean Cruises experience read:

• Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review – a specific Viking cruise review
• Amazon and Caribbean Adventure: Your Ultimate Viking Cruise Packing List – packing tips for this unusual journey!

Pin for Later!

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review (2024)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Amazon and Caribbean Adventure: Your Ultimate Viking Cruise Packing List

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4 thoughts on “ Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review ”

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I’ve been wondering about Viking cruises. I love that it is a kid-free environment but I didn’t realize the bulk of the people are 60+. That’s good to know. I’m saving this as a refresher when I’m ready to give them a try. Thanks!

I’ve never fancied a cruise but the ship looks lovely!

As someone who has never been on a holiday cruise, I found this very interesting. Thank you.

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9 Cruise Lines With the Best Food

T aking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

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Luxury cruise lines

Oceania cruises.

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Mainstream cruise lines

Holland america line.

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• All-Inclusive Resorts With the Best Food
• The Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Destination-Focused Dining

Regional cuisine, always available classics and the most al fresco dining on any waterway.

The Restaurant

Our main dining venue, The Restaurant, offers the highest onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and always available classicsare served surrounded by sweeping exterior views through all-glass walls.

Manfredi’s® Italian Restaurant

Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine with a private dining room providing an opportunity to have an intimate meal with family or friends.

The Chef’s Table

The sommeliers and culinary masters at The Chef’s Table create the perfect food and wine pairings during a multi-coursetasting, enjoyed in the restaurant or in a private dining room.

With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium sushi/seafood choices, the World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors. Dine indoors or al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace for stunning panoramic views.

Aquavit Terrace®

The revolutionary Aquavit Terrace is a magical space where your destination is your dining room. Located outside the World Café, it provides more al fresco dining experiences than on any ship at sea.

Located in the Explorers’ Lounge and named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack or evening treat.

The Wintergarden

Afternoon tea is served at the Wintergarden, adjacent to the Main Pool. Decadent finger sandwiches, scones and desserts are accompanied by international teas, tea ceremony demonstrations and relaxing classical music from the Viking Resident Musicians.

In a poolside atmosphere that welcomes lounging and leisurely dips in the water, the Pool Grill offers casual fare prepared to order. For a lighter meal, a small salad bar is available.

Room Service

Care to enjoy a quiet dinner in the comfort of your stateroom? A midnight snack? Or perhaps breakfast in bed? For your convenience, we offer 24-hour room service, 7 days a week, with many of our signature dishes to choose from.

The Kitchen Table

At our onboard cooking school, experience firsthand how our world-class chefs bring distinct, local flavors from market to table. On sea days, learn to cook dishes highlighting an upcoming destination. On port days, handpick ingredients at a local market, then learn how to prepare regional dishes and create elegant three-course presentations. This is a one-of-a-kind optional opportunity to shop, cook and eat with the masters.

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Dining Reservations No Longer Guaranteed

By photopro2 , July 24, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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It seems that Viking’s promise of a  guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant no longer applies – at least to those in DV category cabins.

When dining reservations opened and I was unable to make a booking I queried this with guest services and received the following response by email “The higher grade staterooms do have access to pre-book their dining earlier, and regrettably by the time the dining was open for you, all of the tables of two have already been selected.”

At first, as with all information from guest services, I took this with a grain of salt. My brother-in-law (who is on a different cruise) subsequently received exactly the same explanation over the phone. Yesterday @crimmj posted in another thread that “Someone in our rollcall finally contacted Viking and was told that all the reservations had already been taken by the higher ranking cabins.” The consistency of the explanations indicates that this was not a glitch in the system but a change in policy which has removed the assurance that priority reservations for DV cabins are “guaranteed”.

I have no issue with Viking modifying their policies, they are perfectly entitled to do so and things will naturally evolve as time goes on. Nor am I particularly worried about getting reservations once on the ship, as this has been no issue in the past.

What I do find very troubling is that Viking still claim on their website and within their publicity material that DV cabins will have “1 guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant”. They have then failed to provide those in DV cabins with the opportunity to make any advance reservations at all when the relevant booking date is reached. This strikes me as what I believe is known in the US as “bait and switch” i.e. advertising something as part of the package which is not delivered when the time comes.

As I say, I have no problem with a change of policy. However, I will be contacting Viking again to suggest they should immediately remove that valueless “guarantee” from their promotional material so as not to mislead customers who book in future.   

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Where were your complaints last year when viking's guarantee that PV etc. cabins got priority booking on excursions when instead it was an unannounced free for all that many of us PV folks were unaware and were shut out?

Bleep happens.

Being able to make a reservation on board is still an advanced reservation.  If you get shut out of a reservation once onboard, then there is a problem.  But I don’t see how making a guaranteed reservation NOW complies with their promise.

How is Viking Ocean handling the return of tables to the Chef's Table and Manfredi's rooms? 

I understood that some % of tables had been removed, have all been returned?

cruisinchrissy

1 hour ago, philw1776 said: Where were your complaints last year when viking's guarantee that PV etc. cabins got priority booking on excursions when instead it was an unannounced free for all that many of us PV folks were unaware and were shut out? Bleep happens.

The point is Viking should not advertise guaranteed dining or priority bookings for PV when they can’t  deliver. Isn’t there a law against false advertising ???

36 minutes ago, cruisinchrissy said: The point is Viking should not advertise guaranteed dining or priority bookings for PV when they can’t  deliver. Isn’t there a law against false advertising ???

If there was 95% of businesses on the planet would be in violation.

5 hours ago, photopro2 said:   It seems that Viking’s promise of a  guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant no longer applies – at least to those in DV category cabins.   When dining reservations opened and I was unable to make a booking I queried this with guest services and received the following response by email “The higher grade staterooms do have access to pre-book their dining earlier, and regrettably by the time the dining was open for you, all of the tables of two have already been selected.”   At first, as with all information from guest services, I took this with a grain of salt. My brother-in-law (who is on a different cruise) subsequently received exactly the same explanation over the phone. Yesterday @crimmj posted in another thread that “Someone in our rollcall finally contacted Viking and was told that all the reservations had already been taken by the higher ranking cabins.” The consistency of the explanations indicates that this was not a glitch in the system but a change in policy which has removed the assurance that priority reservations for DV cabins are “guaranteed”.   I have no issue with Viking modifying their policies, they are perfectly entitled to do so and things will naturally evolve as time goes on. Nor am I particularly worried about getting reservations once on the ship, as this has been no issue in the past.   What I do find very troubling is that Viking still claim on their website and within their publicity material that DV cabins will have “1 guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant”. They have then failed to provide those in DV cabins with the opportunity to make any advance reservations at all when the relevant booking date is reached. This strikes me as what I believe is known in the US as “bait and switch” i.e. advertising something as part of the package which is not delivered when the time comes.   As I say, I have no problem with a change of policy. However, I will be contacting Viking again to suggest they should immediately remove that valueless “guarantee” from their promotional material so as not to mislead customers who book in future.   

Having ceased their COVID testing & masking mandates, it is long past time for Viking to return the operation to normal, or at least those parts of the operation that are fully under their control.

I'll still cut them some slack on shore-ex, as this requires external vendors and experienced employees, but meeting the advertised guarantee of alternative restaurant reservations is entirely within Viking's control. Viking know how many covers they can accommodate in each restaurant, each night, so if they wish to maintain the cabin category standards, they should adjust the pax count accordingly. Pre-COVID, I recall the chef advising each restaurant can handle 120 covers per night, so about 25% of pax can dine in the alternative restaurants, each night.

Regardless of whether the issue is number of pax, limited number of tables, crew restrictions, stores availability, etc. it is time for Viking to address the root cause and fix the problem. If they can't fix it, then they better change their marketing information, as they will be losing existing pax and new pax may even bail before boarding. We have heard from a number of first timers that won't return, due to Viking not delivering what was expected.

To philw1776

We agree with you on being "shut out" of booking shore excursioins.  We were in a PS suite. At 6 pm 2

6 weeks after excursiond were to "open" we were shut out of excursions.  I had check at 6 pm, and bookings were not open.  At 10 pm about 1/2 of the excursions we wanted to book were filled. No email or text from Viking that the shore excursions were opening.

2 hours ago, Cienfuegos said: How is Viking Ocean handling the return of tables to the Chef's Table and Manfredi's rooms?    I understood that some % of tables had been removed, have all been returned?

On Venus, December 2021, it appeared to me that, at Manfredi's and MDR, all tables were there (no empty spaces), and set for table service, so as to look "normal".

To allow for social distancing, however, they did not fill all tables,   Did not dine at Chef's Table, so can't speak about that venue.

32 minutes ago, MSEm said: To philw1776 We agree with you on being "shut out" of booking shore excursioins.  We were in a PS suite. At 6 pm 2 6 weeks after excursiond were to "open" we were shut out of excursions.  I had check at 6 pm, and bookings were not open.  At 10 pm about 1/2 of the excursions we wanted to book were filled. No email or text from Viking that the shore excursions were opening.

On "my" MVJ:. Shorex page shows date and time of res opening. Was this (1.) Not the case for you? and (2.) Did res open earlier?

On our recent Homelands alll booking opportunities opened at the same time. There was no advantage to our PS1 booking.

Peregrina651

7 hours ago, photopro2 said: This strikes me as what I believe is known in the US as “bait and switch” i.e. advertising something as part of the package which is not delivered when the time comes.

"Bait and switch" is when you intentionally lure customers into your store by advertising a really good deal on something that you don't really have  in stock -- and never intended to have in stock -- and then try to high-pressure the customer to buy a more expensive version of the product at a higher price (it was a prevalent tactic of car dealers).  The website is clear as to what cabin categories are available at the time we book and while an agent may point out that a higher cabin category will get you better amenities, they aren't pressuring us into anything more than we came to buy.

I think what we have here is more like false advertising or defaulting on the contract -- but I'm not a lawyer.

As of today, the Viking website still says "guaranteed":

Wow. So every single table for two was booked in both restaurants at every time period for the entire cruise? Nothing at 8 pm, even? Are they short-staffed or what?   

If they can’t accommodate you once you’re on board, they need to offer you a very nice consolation prize. And they need to change their marketing.

I found that the excursions and dining opened earlier than stated on the invoice. I live in the Midwest. One (excursions/dining) stated it would open at noon pacific time and the other 8pm pacific time. I had read a post from someone saying they opened early and they lost out on some excursions they wanted. I got up at midnight and just kept checking. I booked dining and excursions at around 2 and 3 AM. I’m not sure what I would have found if I waited until noon and 8PM. I did this for 2 different cruises. 

2 hours ago, FetaCheese said: On "my" MVJ:. Shorex page shows date and time of res opening. Was this (1.) Not the case for you? and (2.) Did res open earlier?

Not the case.  Reservations opened at a random date & time with no notice to me.

True my inovice  and MVJ both showed the date that shore excursions would be available for me to book.  I checked 3-4 times a day for the next six weeks and excursions were NOT open to book. When excursions did open, it was after 6 pm and before 10 pm 6 weeks late.. I checked every day at 8am, noon, 6 pm, and 10 pm.

When I checked at 10 pm 6 weeks after my "booking" date 1/2 of the excursions were filled.

If reservations open at 67 days prior for one group of people, and 90 days prior for another group of people, that seems pretty straight forward.

Assuming they follow those rules...

LunaSeaRetreat

2 hours ago, philw1776 said: Not the case.  Reservations opened at a random date & time with no notice to me.

From the top page of each of my excursions in my MVJ.

18 minutes ago, LunaSeaRetreat said: From the top page of each of my excursions in my MVJ. SHORE EXCURSIONS PRINT     Shore Excursion booking opens July 26, 2022 starting at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time.      

Good luck. Hope it works out for you!

2 hours ago, LunaSeaRetreat said: From the top page of each of my excursions in my MVJ. SHORE EXCURSIONS PRINT     Shore Excursion booking opens July 26, 2022 starting at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time.      

Mine said the same thing but I just happened to wake up at 2 AM and they were open. I booked then. My brother and sister  in law were able to get into the same excursions the next morning. Definitely don’t wait til noon to check. Good luck!

13 hours ago, Peregrina651 said: "Bait and switch"

I appreciate the information on appropriate use of that expression. I do generally try to qualify  my use of American phraseology after all, as George Bernard Shaw may have said, we are " two countries divided by a common language"  😁

13 hours ago, Peregrina651 said: As of today, the Viking website still says "guaranteed"

It is the continued use of the word "guaranteed" on the website that I am challenging. I think it is fair to say that on both sides of the Atlantic that word is used to indicate the strongest and most formal assurance a company or individual can give. Now we have evidence that Viking have failed to deliver on that guarantee it has no value. In future no one can be sure if they will be able to make advance restaurant bookings until the booking window actually opens or, as in our case, does not.

18 hours ago, philw1776 said: Where were your complaints last year when viking's guarantee that PV etc. cabins got priority booking on excursions when instead it was an unannounced free for all that many of us PV folks were unaware and were shut out?

The fact that I didn't post back then does not mean that I was unsympathetic, I simply didn't feel I had anything useful to add to the conversation. 

As it happens Viking have never guaranteed priority excursion booking in any cabin category, the particular word "guaranteed" is only used in relation to restaurant bookings. This may well be because, as Heidi13 has eloquently pointed out, the provision of excursions requires the cooperation of third parties while the organisation of restaurant bookings is completely under Vikings control. 

10 hours ago, LunaSeaRetreat said: From the top page of each of my excursions in my MVJ. SHORE EXCURSIONS PRINT     Shore Excursion booking opens July 26, 2022 starting at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time.      

This is now. Back to the prior years of Viking operation. Once again, my point was that we did 2 ocean cruises where this was disregarded with surprise mass bookings of excursions.

Not sure if I missed it but have you contacted 'tell us' directly at Viking photopro2?

It was all pretty chaotic for the recent Chairman's cruise as there was little warning of it. Trying to reserve excursions and dining options was nigh on impossible online. The online booking system seems fairly unreliable since Covid hit. I've had to call the London office about a number of issues and I've always found them really reliable, really switched on. Did you try calling them directly, speaking to a manager?

As has been mentioned on this site a zillion times, it is possible to reserve tables onboard. We have previously cancelled pre-booked tables and also just turned up on other occasions and asked for a table on the off chance. I do, however, totally get the frustration of being promised/guaranteed something that then doesn't materialise. It seems to be symptomatic of this world we are living in at the moment as everyone still struggles with the problems generated by covid, dreadful wars, Brexit and economic difficulties. The use of any transport system is fraught with issues. I remember when we might hope that our planes wouldn't be delayed, now it's a case of hoping we might get to our holiday destination at all! Don't get me started on BA and Heathrow airport!!

I do hope you find a resolution. Your posts have always been very positive and upbeat and I feel your current frustration!

Queenie1603

Its not just DV staterooms.  We are in a Penthouse Deluxe and were only able to make two reservations for  a two week cruise. I only saw reservations on the My Journey open twice and was only able to make one reservation each time both at 9 pm and one of those was on the last night! I was told that the reservation had been open but I challenged that as I checked daily when the reservations were supposed to open for the Penthouse DV. Not a happy bunny as we have two reservations for each Spec Restaurant each week. I contacted a lady in Customer Services who told me to contact them personally 2 weeks before the ship sails only to find out she was out of office until after the ship will have sailed. We are due to board the ship in 6th August. Still waiting to hear from Viking if my specific requests will be honoured. Let see what happens.

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Set Sail For Love: 10 Unforgettable Cruises For Couples

The best cruises for couples include one that suits your needs, whether you want the lively energy of a larger ship or not.

Camilla Amadi • May 2, 2024

Calling all lovebirds! Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway that combines luxurious pampering with exciting adventures? Look no further than a couples cruise! The best cruises for couples include one that suits your needs, whether you want the lively energy of a larger ship full of entertainment options and thrilling shore excursions  or the opulent intimacy of a small ship with personal service and gourmet food.

What Are The Best Cruises For Couples?

Maybe you picture yourselves having massages as a couple on a balcony that gets plenty of sunlight, then spending nights dancing outside. Perhaps your ideal romantic trip entails traveling to a distant location and touring ancient ruins hand in hand before returning to the ship for a candlelit meal and stunning views of the ocean. There are countless options, and the secret is to figure out what it is that really makes you and your spouse feel a romantic connection.

Here’s our curated list of the top 10 cruises for couples, complete with the best time to visit, things to do, where to stay onboard, and what to eat:

Celebrity Cruises

Best Time to Visit: Celebrity cruises offer year-round itineraries to various destinations. Choose the Caribbean for sunny escapes or Europe for a cultural immersion.

Things to Do: Indulge in world-class dining at Celebrity’s specialty restaurants. Take a dip in the adults-only pool or relax in the luxurious spa. Participate in onboard enrichment programs or dance the night away at the nightclub.

Where to Stay: Celebrity offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy studios to expansive Penthouse Suites. Choose “The Retreat,” an exclusive enclave with private sundecks and butler service, for ultimate romance.

What to Eat: Celebrity boasts an impressive selection of restaurants, from sushi at Sushi to French fare at Le Petit Chef. Don’t miss the innovative molecular gastronomy experience at The Chef’s Table.

Virgin Voyages

Best Time to Visit: Virgin Voyages sets sail to the Caribbean throughout the year.

Things to Do: Get your adrenaline pumping with rock climbing walls, a running track, and a state-of-the-art gym. Enjoy themed pool parties, live music performances, and interactive entertainment. Savor unique culinary experiences at onboard specialty restaurants.

Where to Stay: Virgin Voyages offers a variety of stylish cabins and suites, all featuring ocean views and innovative amenities like in-room tablets for controlling the temperature and lighting. Choose a Rockstar Suite for a balcony, hammock, and private whirlpool.

What to Eat: The all-inclusive Virgin Voyages experience means you can indulge in a vast array of dining options. From Korean BBQ at Korean BBQ to upscale Italian cuisine at The Test Kitchen, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Holland America Line

Best Time to Visit: Holland America offers cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. Choose the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for Alaska for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Things to Do: Expand your culinary horizons with Holland America’s EXC Tours, featuring exclusive shore excursions with cooking classes and winery visits. Participate in onboard enrichment programs on art, history, and local cultures. Relax in the Lido Pool or enjoy a couples massage at the spa.

Where to Stay: Holland America offers spacious and comfortable staterooms, with oceanview and balcony options for added romance. Choose a Neptune Suite for a private balcony, whirlpool bath, and butler service.

What to Eat: Holland America’s main dining rooms offer classic and delicious meals, while specialty restaurants provide a taste of the world. Savor French cuisine at Rudi’s Sel de Mer (TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.8 stars) or Italian specialties at Canaletto.

Oceania Cruises

Best Time to Visit: Oceania Cruises offers itineraries to Europe, the Caribbean, and exotic destinations like Asia and the South Pacific.

Things to Do: Indulge in culinary artistry at The Culinary Center, offering hands-on cooking classes and wine pairing workshops. Enjoy enrichment lectures on art, history, and local cultures. Relax by the pool or unwind at the spa with a couples massage.

Where to Stay : Oceania Cruises prides itself on intimate luxury with a smaller passenger capacity compared to mega-ships. Spacious and elegantly decorated staterooms are standard, with Veranda staterooms offering private balconies for romantic evenings at sea. For the ultimate indulgence, choose an Owner’s Suite, boasting expansive balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs.

What to Eat: Oceania Cruises is a haven for gourmands. Savor exquisite French cuisine at La Boutique or enjoy steakhouse classics at Toscana. The intimate setting of The Grand Dining Room allows for a romantic atmosphere while enjoying delicious course meals.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Time to Visit: Regent Seven Seas offers cruises to a variety of destinations year-round. The Mediterranean is a popular choice for its charming towns and historical landmarks.

Things to Do: Regent Seven Seas is all about indulgence. Relax in the spacious Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea or soak up the sun by the infinity pool. Participate in onboard cooking demonstrations or attend lectures by guest speakers. In the evenings, enjoy world-class entertainment productions and live music.

Where to Stay: All suites on Regent Seven Seas are luxurious and spacious, featuring private balconies and butler service. For an unforgettable experience, choose a Regent Suite, boasting expansive balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs.

What to Eat: The all-inclusive nature of Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows you to experience a world of culinary delights without any additional charges. Savor French specialties at La Petite Chef or enjoy succulent steaks at Prime 7. More casual options like Sette Mari at the Pool offer poolside dining with stunning ocean views.

Silversea Cruises

Best Time to Visit: Silversea offers cruises to a vast array of destinations, including the Mediterranean, the Galapagos Islands , and Antarctica. Choose shoulder seasons for the most comfortable weather in many regions.

Things to Do: Silversea’s small ship size allows for intimate exploration and unique itineraries. Silversea Expeditions offer immersive experiences in remote destinations like the Arctic and Antarctica. Onboard, relax in the spa, take a dip in the pool, or participate in cultural enrichment programs.

Where to Stay: Silversea boasts spacious suites, most with private balconies. For the ultimate in-suite luxury, choose a Silver Suite, featuring a separate living area, walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with a whirlpool tub.

What to Eat: Silversea’s all-inclusive dining allows you to explore a world of flavors. Savor classic French cuisine at La Dame or enjoy Asian specialties at Indochine. The intimate setting of The Restaurant allows for a romantic atmosphere while enjoying delicious course meals.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Best Time to Visit: Viking offers one of the best cruises for couples to Europe, the Caribbean, and fascinating destinations like the Great Lakes and the Baltic Sea. Choose spring, summer, or fall for the most comfortable cruising weather in most regions.

Things to Do: Viking is a haven for curious couples. Participate in enriching onboard lectures by renowned experts on history, art, and local cultures. Explore destinations through Viking’s culturally immersive shore excursions, designed to go beyond the typical tourist spots. Relax in the serene infinity pool or unwind at the spa with a couples massage.

Where to Stay: All staterooms on Viking are elegantly appointed and feature private balconies, perfect for enjoying scenic views together. For an extra touch of luxury, choose a Veranda Plus stateroom with a larger balcony and a comfortable sitting area.

What to Eat: Viking offers a variety of dining options to tantalize your taste buds. Savor delicious regional specialties at The Restaurant, featuring a menu that changes with each destination. Enjoy casual fare at Mamsen’s, a modern take on Scandinavian cuisine, or indulge in a gourmet grill experience at Chef’s Table.

Princess Cruises

Best Time to Visit : Princess offers one of the best cruises for couples to a variety of destinations year-round. The Caribbean is a popular choice for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather.

Things to Do: Princess Cruises caters to a wide range of interests. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at a specialty restaurant, participate in dance classes, or attend world-class entertainment productions. The cruise line also offers a variety of activities for the more active couple, from onboard rock climbing walls to shore excursions featuring hiking and kayaking adventures.

Where to Stay: Princess offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy interiors to expansive balconies with stunning ocean views. For an extra touch of indulgence, choose a Club Balcony stateroom, which grants access to the exclusive Club Class amenities, including priority embarkation and disembarkation, private dining areas, and a dedicated concierge service.

What to Eat: Princess offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Savor classic Italian cuisine at Sabatini’s or enjoy fresh seafood specialties at Ocean Terrace. The main dining rooms offer delicious meals in an elegant setting, perfect for a romantic evening.

Carnival Cruise Line

Best Time to Visit: Carnival offers one of the best cruises for couples to the Caribbean, Mexico, and The Bahamas year-round. The Caribbean offers the best weather conditions from December to April.

Things to Do: Carnival is all about fun and excitement. Couples can enjoy thrilling waterslides, test their luck at the casino, or dance the night away at lively nightclubs. Carnival also offers a variety of shore excursions perfect for adventurous couples, from ziplining through rainforests to exploring ancient ruins.

Where to Stay: Carnival offers a variety of stateroom options, from budget-friendly interiors to luxurious balcony suites. For some extra space and a more premium experience, choose an Ocean Suite, featuring a private balcony, a spacious living area, and a luxurious bathroom.

What to Eat : Carnival offers a variety of casual and specialty dining options. Grab a quick bite at Guy’s Burger Joint, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, or savor delicious Italian specialties at Cucina Italiana. The main dining rooms offer a variety of dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Royal Caribbean International

Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are ideal for cruising to Europe and Alaska for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Things to Do: Royal Caribbean is a leader in cruise ship innovation, boasting features like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and even a skydiving simulator on some ships. Couples can enjoy Broadway-caliber shows, world-class entertainment productions, and themed nights at nightclubs. For a more relaxed experience, soak up the sun by the pool, unwind at the spa, or participate in onboard enrichment programs.

Where to Stay: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy interiors to expansive suites with private balconies and stunning ocean views. For an unforgettable experience, choose a Royal Suite Class stateroom, featuring a private balcony, a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub, and exclusive access to the Suite Sun Deck and Concierge Club.

What to Eat: Royal Caribbean offers a vast array of dining options to satisfy every craving. Savor succulent steaks at Chops Grille or enjoy fresh seafood specialties at Seafood Shack. The main dining rooms offer delicious meals in an elegant setting, perfect for a romantic evening. Casual options like Wipeout Café and Sorrento’s Pizza are perfect for poolside bites or a quick lunch.

More Than a Honeymoon

Don’t let the title mislead you, the best cruises for couples aren’t exclusively reserved for newlyweds. Couples cruises offer a special chance to reconnect and rekindle the romance in your love story, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, reigniting the flame, or just want to spend quality time amidst the spectacular majesty of the open seas.

So prepare to embark on an incredible journey by packing your bags, grabbing your closest travel companion, and setting sail. Allow the vastness of the ocean to serve as a canvas for memories that will endure a lifetime, and let the rhythm of the waves serenade your love.

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