Leaving the port town of Canakkale, Turkey, near the ancient settlement of Troy, the Viking Vesta slipped through the sunny strait just beyond the Aegean Sea, with the sunset swirling across the waters and pink clouds puffed above the curvy land. Every few minutes, the landscape changed its expression, eventually blooming with a full moon to guide the way. It was the final leg of an epic Mediterranean voyage beginning in Barcelona, winding through the French Riviera and Italian coast en route to Rome, onward to Athens, and culminating in an exploration of Greek islands and Turkish landmarks.
Many guests had been onboard for the three week-long itinerary, an impressive inaugural season for Viking’s newest ocean ship that features the latest comforts and can slip into small ports with ease. I came aboard for the 6-night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruise, from Athens to Istanbul, to experience some of the oldest historical sites in the Mediterranean. Thank you to Viking for hosting me so that I could write about the experience.
While I may have been among the youngest on the ship, I felt very much at home cruising on the new Viking Vesta, not only enjoying the calm and space of only 499 staterooms, but appreciating how the new modern Scandinavian-inspired design never felt crowded. The spacious layout offers many options to unwind – like library nooks, multiple dining areas, a fitness center, hair salon and spa, two pools (with more than enough lounge chairs), numerous decks, and various lounge spaces, like the grand two-story panoramic window Explorer’s Lounge in front of the ship. All staterooms come with verandas, climate control, complimentary mini bars, free WiFi, plush robes, purified refilled water, King-size beds (or optional twins) and daily cleaning that magically occurs every time the room is vacant.
After 7 days on the 784-foot-long ship, these are my favorite moments onboard Viking’s newest serene ocean ship, the Viking Vesta.
Rejuvenating at The Nordic Spa
I booked an early morning massage the second day on the ship, to alleviate all the airplane kinks in my back, neck and legs. It was a great way to begin the trip and enjoy the ship’s Nordic Spa amenities, like steam room and sauna with ocean views. As a core part of the traditional Nordic bathing ritual to invigorate the body, create your own “hot, cold, hot, cold” sensory experience at Viking’s Nordic Spa. Move from the hot sauna, to the sensory massage shower with sprays in all directions, then on to the cold water plunge to count how long you can stay up to your neck, before heating up in the jacuzzi. Then, enter the Snow Grotto to cool down, and challenge yourself to a refreshing tepid water bucket shower after returning to the heated pool and jacuzzi. Known to help circulation and help with metabolism, the hot cycle helps open up pores and relax muscles, while the cold phase refreshes the body, flushes toxins and stimulates circulation.
My other favorite spa moment was receiving a private pedicure with ocean views. I would only book this when at sea because I never want to miss time in port. I watched the sunset and ocean glide by while my toes were expertly fixed and legs massaged. This indulgent treat was a first for me, as I’ve never had a beauty service in front of an up-close moving ocean view. After walking over five miles in port, soaking my feet in warm water felt like the best pampering.
Dining experiences everywhere
The food options are incredible. The World Café was a favorite restaurant, open almost any time of day, with numerous stations offering an array of beautifully displayed options like local specialties, fresh sushi, various types of pizza, Dan Dan noodles, gelato and a dessert bar. Each meal I loved trying the new daily wines, served from around the world. Guests can sign up for a multicourse Italian feast at Manfredi’s restaurant with exceptional Bistecca, lasagna, bread, soups; or the 5-star Chef’s Table restaurant with alternating daily menus. I appreciated a special multi-course Korean meal paired with wine, with courses like Eel Chawanmushi, Korean soup pot and marinated beef short ribs.
One morning atop the ship, we sampled Nordic delights and Scandinavian breakfast treats from Mamsen’s, a traditional Norwegian deli, with heart-shaped Norwegian waffles, open faced sandwiches, and pea soup. One late night we discovered crab legs, salmon, and a shrimp seafood bar at World Café. Guests can take a cooking class at The Kitchen Table or sign up for a Spirits class in the club bar focused on top-shelf rum or bourbon tastings.
Lunching on the Viking terrace ported in the Bosphorus
Lunch on Viking’s terrace, in port at Istanbul’s new Galetaport, on the Bosphorus strait between Europe and Asia, is a memory that is lodged at the forefront of my mind. In view of hillsides dotted with domed mosques and minarets, historic buildings with architectural styles from many periods, and bustling boats and ships, lunch comes with a city skyline view of moving moody clouds and the sprawling towering Bosphorus Bridge in the distance. Listen when the call to prayer echoes in the distance, as this East-meets-West city viewpoint is one you will never forget. Add in one of Viking’s specialty wines-of-the-day to complement your good fortune.
Tea service time with ocean views
Offered daily from 4pm-5pm, this classic British tea service tradition is such a nice treat after a long day of exploring. Located in a glass-enclosed conservatory near the main pool, called the Wintergarden, a classical guitarist enriches the vibe while the afternoon sun sets the mood. I chose a cozy couch area next to the ocean as the 3-tiered tray of scones arrived with jams and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and dessert bites. Viking goes above and beyond, with culinary twists like tomato bread. The expansive tea menu includes numerous specialty teas like Rose with French Vanilla, Ceylon Cinnamon Spice Tea and Mandarin and Strawberry. Try a few. Pinkies up!
Live music opportunities throughout the ship
Soothing classical music is a relaxing treat found throughout the ship. I enjoyed savoring an after-dinner drink in the grand foyer, known as the Living Room, to appreciate resident pianist Antal Farkas, who once performed traditional Norwegian music, while Munch’s works on travel and sea graced the Atrium screen. Pianist (Tim Abel) and classical duo (Liliya and Tatsiana) also showcased moving melodies on our journey. Bigger musical productions, destinations performances (like History of Music of Greece) and guest speakers can also be found in the Star Theater, where we delighted in a full-on singing and dancing show featuring catchy beloved tunes of our childhood on the final night.
Pulling in and out of port
Arriving and departing from each port is a special experience that should never be missed, watching the curves of the land and seeing an island or country by sea, providing an entirely different heartfelt feeling. Being on the ocean feels peaceful but also makes you feel alive, as new adventures await upon each new location.
Add a dip in the infinity pool, in the back of the boat, as the Viking Vesta departs Crete or Rhodes, and the sunset cascades across the land and sea, and you’ll soon come to realize this experience as one of the most moving memories you can witness on Viking.
After returning from a day of exploration, I often took a dip in the centrally-located pool and had my pick of relaxing loungers that faced the sea. Espresso martinis or a plate of sushi often accompanied a relaxing ocean view as the Viking Vesta slipped away from land.
From my room’s veranda, I often sat outside to admire the gentle Aegean Sea slipping by or the full moon in September, illuminating the ocean right into the cabin. It felt otherworldly.
The Viking Experience
In July of 2025, the Viking Vesta joined the company’s fleet of elegant, award-winning small ocean ships and spent her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The ship is designed for future retrofitting, to incorporate upcoming new technologies that Viking plans to implement. In 2026, the company expects to roll out the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions.
In my experience as a travel advisor, Viking is the most-booked luxury cruise line. I believe the brand loyalty stems from the cruise line’s trustworthiness to deliver interesting, well organized and safe experiences. Founded in 1997 as destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen says Viking offers experiences, “for the thinking person.”
Most amenities and activities are included as part of every sailing – with all food and non-alcoholic beverages complementary, as is beer and wine served with meals. Make the trip virtually all-inclusive with the reasonably-priced Silver Spirits drink package. Alcohol purchased off-ship is always welcome and there are no corkage fees onboard. While dozens of luxurious excursions are available for purchase, Viking includes a high-end complementary guided tour at every port. Read about favorite port excursions on Viking’s Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruises.
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