All Aboard

My Tour on the Viking Mars

A group of our AAA Northeast Travel Advisors had the pleasure of being invited to tour the Viking Mars when it was docked in Boston Harbor. This ship, along with the rest of the fleet, is pure elegance. You are meant to feel special and experience pure luxury from the minute you step onboard. With six decks, 465 staterooms, including 47 suites, 32 penthouses, and 386 veranda/balcony cabins, the Viking Mars has a total passenger capacity of 930 guests. The Mars is a small sized ocean cruise with an intimate vibe. The rooms and common areas are spacious, light, and open and offer plenty of seating. Your wifi, shore excursions, wine and beer are provided at no extra cost. There is also a no fee launderette. Although Viking is a higher end cruise line, monthly promos can include: a $50 total deposit, silver spirits package, prepaid gratuities, and discounted cabin rates. It's important to work with a travel agent who has insider information (me!) thill2@aaanortheast.com - AAA Northeast, Newburyport, MA branch

#viking #vikingmars #luxurycruise #cruiseviking #oceancruise #aaanortheast #aaanortheasttravel #travelagent #traveltheworld

The Wintergarden

The Wintergarden: This elegant space is adorned under a cover of trellised wood. My Viking host told us the wood design is inspired by the Tree of Life in Norse Mythology. This is a relaxing area to enjoy an afternoon tea while listening to live soft music.

The design throughout the ship is Scandanavian influenced with light oaks and Nordic styled decor creating an elegant residential design. You really feel like you're walking through the pages of Architectural Digest. Every room and bathroom are designed with careful thought and color palette, giving a serene and soothing Scandanavian aesthetic. We were lucky to view a penthouse junior suite (405 sq ft) and a deluxe veranda stateroom (270 sq ft). In addition to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a full-size veranda, both offer the same personal touches you would receive at a five-star hotel. All staterooms have twice-daily housekeeping, 24h-hour room service, spacious storage, comfortable king-size Viking Explorer Bed, private veranda, and many extras. #vikingcabins #vikingdeluxeveranda #wintergarden #vikingwintergarden #scandanaviandesign

Penthouse Junior Suite - 405 sq ft - with separate living area

Penthouse Junior Suite Bathroom - spacious shower and double sink

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom - 270 sq ft

Deluxe Veranda Stateroom Bathroom - single sink and walk - spacious

As an artist and avid reader, I was very impressed with the wide selection of curated books in a lot of the common areas and the considerable assortment of artwork found on each deck. Complimentary headsets are provided so you can learn about the various artwork/artists. There is no shortage of space to relax, read, or learn about art. You are free to learn and relax while at sea!

The Living Room features nightly musical entertainment

In addition to the relaxing common areas, the Mars offers standout features such as a glass-backed infinity pool located aft (back), main pool with retractable sunroof, the Nordic-inspired spa with Snow Grotto, dining with panoramic views, The Chef's Table which offers an intimate experience of dining with wine pairings, The Kitchen Table, an onboard cooking school, Explorer's Lounge, Fitness Center, and a Theater that hosts seminars and lectures on the art and culture of your destinations. #vikinglivingroom #vikingsnowgrotto #snowgrotto #chefstable #explorerslounge #vikingkitchentable #learningatsea #nordicspa #livnordic

Infinity Pool - Aft

Main Pool with retractable sunroof

Viking's Nordic Spa and Snow Grotto, exclusive to Viking only, focuses on holistic wellness and offers a unique sub-zero room filled with fresh, fluffy snow. LivNordic Spa features a pool, sauna, steam room, Snow Grotto and treatment rooms.

Snow Grotto

*Manfredi's Italian Restaurant - One of two specialty restaurants with fresh daily made pasta

The Restaurant - Main dining room

Dining areas with views - World Cafe Buffet (indoors) and Aquavit Terrace (al fresco dining)

*The Chef's Table - one of two specialty dining restaurants

The Chef's Table offers a five-course menu each night, and every three days, the menu changes. With each course, a different wine is paired (extra fee unless you have silver spirits package). There is a private room for larger parties. #vikingchefstable #manfredirestaurant #vikingworldcafe #vikingmaindining #vikingkitchentable

The Kitchen Table and Learning School

The Kitchen Table cooking school highlights local flavors purchased at port destinations. You are cooking market to table with fresh ingredients that are handpicked, prepared, and cooked into three course displays. This is a unique 'optional' excursion that allows you to work alongside your chef - from concept to completion.

The Explorer's Lounge - It doesn't get better than this! Hello Stargazing! Forward location (front) where you can enjoy panoramic views #vikingexplorerslounge #explorerlounge

Theater - Entertainment options are designed to highlight the itinerary destinations

Experiences range from cultural, musical, educational lectures, and wellness interests

Viking is a leader and stand out in the ocean and river cruise industry for a reason. This cruise line is designed for the passenger who is curious, active, interested in history, culture, and art. Every detail and feature has been created for the ultimate experience in luxury. You are getting an all-inclusive, high-end voyage with meals, wine with lunch and dinner, amenities, excursions, and entertainment included. The Scandanavian aesthetic onboard is gorgeous and displayed with natural wood, clean lines, and a modern influence throughout the ship. The Viking staff provide incredible service making your stay a more personalized journey. The ship sets itself apart from other cruise lines not only with its smaller size, decor, and service but also with its culturally enriching philosophy.

We had ourselves a wonderful day on the Viking Mars! Great group of ladies!

**If you would like more information on a Viking ocean or river cruise, please contact me at: thill2@aaanortheast.com - AAA Northeast, Newburyport, MA Branch