On Location: “Like getting a massage”: Viking Saturn pampers guests in cozy-chic style

STORY BY DIANE TIERNEY

If there was any cruise ship at sea that didn’t need a spa to make your clients feel incredibly relaxed, it would be Viking Cruises’ Saturn, a luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only ship that carries 930 guests in cozy-chic style.

Within minutes of stepping aboard, Saturn’s soothing atmosphere is like getting a massage.

Any stress is melted away by the calm, comfy surroundings, muted colours of cream, greens and auburn, light woods and a welcoming vibe that whispers, ‘You can relax – our crew will take care of everything.’

PAX cruised on Viking Saturn from Dec. 22-30, 2024, visiting Rome, Kusadasi and Athens.

Viking’s all-inclusive packaging of dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers and much more removes any worry your clients may have about unexpected costs or nickel and diming.

A “thinking person’s cruise”

The Viking Saturn launched in early 2023. It’s appropriate that the ship’s atrium is called the Living Room with its tasteful yet practical style.

It’s a two-storey space where your clients can relax with a book, chat with guests, have a drink and listen to music played on the piano.

There isn’t even a typical reception counter here. Instead, there are three Guest Services desks where your clients can take a seat and ask questions.

The calm Scandinavian spaces are anything but bland. The ship has some of the most interesting decor accessories at sea – from brass compasses and antique telescopes to classic maps and books. Much of the wall art features artistic black and white photographs of people and places around the world.

Viking describes itself as being a “thinking person’s cruise” and the ship’s features, decor, entertainment, enrichment programs and destinations support this notion.

Saturn has many interesting lounges such as the two-storey Explorer’s Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow.

Leather chairs and couches with decorative pillows, faux fur pelts and a fireplace provide understated elegance. It’s a great space for relaxing, playing cards, enjoying drinks at the bar, listening to the piano player or being mesmerized by the sea views.

The Wintergarden lounge has a unique decor style with pale wood pillars that mimic trees and spread their “branches” on the glass ceiling.

The venue gets lots of natural light and a pianist plays here to enhance the lovely, serene atmosphere.

The Nordic Spa highlights the benefits of hot and cold sensations. A large, jetted swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and heated loungers are complemented by a snow room and cold water bucket shower.

Treatment rooms, large gym and salon round out the offerings that are made to pamper.

Life outdoors  

Saturn has a large mid-ship pool and hot tub covered by a huge retractable glass roof if the weather isn’t cooperative.

Pool lounge chairs have a unique footrest extension if desired and nearby there are also cushioned teak sofas and chairs.

At the aft there’s a gorgeous mosaic tile infinity pool and hot tub surrounded by teak furnishings. The top deck features faux grass carpet for bocce ball, mini-putt and ping pong.

Eat & drink

Be sure to explain the included drinks package to your clients.

Wine and beer are complimentary during lunch and dinner hours. However, if your clients want wine and beer at any other time, or spirits anytime, it costs extra unless your clients purchase the Silver Spirits package for about $27 U.S. per day.

The Restaurant is the main dining room and serves international and classic cuisine. The Chateaubriand roast was spectacular and fish options from salmon to tuna were delightful.

Soups were particularly delicious and desserts such as cheesecake, crème brûlée, cherries jubilee and strudel were perfect.

The World Cafe is the buffet-style restaurant for casual dining with many excellent international choices to suit all tastes from sandwiches to roasts.

Manfredi’s Italian restaurant is a boutique-style restaurant with a particularly gorgeous tile floor that captures attention. The cuisine is high quality here with pasta and fish options being the best choices.

The Chef’s Table is an upscale venue that offers a multi-course meal with wine pairings.

In the Explorer’s lounge, guests can enjoy Mamsen’s, a Norwegian deli that serves breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks and treats from sushi to sweets.

Wintergarden has one of the best traditional afternoon teas at sea with perfect scones, sandwiches and sweets.

The Pool Grill is ideal for casual dining and the plant-based burger is fantastic.

The Kitchen Table restaurant is an exception to the all-inclusive packaging as this experience is for about 12 guests that is a combined special shore excursion with the chef, and cooking/dining experience, for a fee of about $199 U.S.

It’s extremely popular and books up quickly.

Show business

The theatre features performances by about four talented singers and dancers, as well as providing a place to enjoy movies, trivia games and interesting lectures from experts.

Torshavn is a small jazz club and there’s space for guests to dance. Guests can also sign up for interesting ship tours to the Captain’s bridge, engine control room and kitchens.

There’s no casino and guests generally retreat to their staterooms by about 11 p.m.

Staterooms that make an impression

All staterooms have balconies and suites range from about 252 sq. ft. with a 45 sq. ft. balcony to 1,320 sq. ft. with a 175 sq. ft. balcony. There are six categories.

Seemingly small stateroom details make great first impressions such as leather-wrapped door handles, cashmere throw blankets and heated floors in the bathroom – as well as a brilliantly designed, pop-up makeup mirror and light built into the desk that surprises and delights.

Viking has about nine more ocean ships arriving by 2030. Adding to the approximately 450 awards that Viking has won, in 2023 and 2024 the line was named #1 by Conde Nast Traveler in the Readers’ Choice Awards for ocean, river and expedition cruises. This marks the first time a travel company has won these three categories in back-to-back years – a feat difficult to beat.

Diane Tierney has been on 95 cruises to 57 countries and has 142,000 followers on Instagram @Cruiseguru.

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