Visiting British coastal gems onboard Viking Jupiter

Viking Cruises are named after the eponymous seafaring Norwegians, who historically started the tradition of global exploration in the 9th Century. No longer trading and settling the shores of Northwestern Europe, these modern-day Vikings are instead a fleet of 16 sleek, small cruise ships, each accommodating around 930 passengers in considered Scandinavian style.

Several Viking cruise itineraries incorporate the smaller ports around the coast of the British Isles before heading onwards to destinations such as Norway, Iceland, and Northern Europe. It is all too easy to bypass the gems of our own coastline in the haste to reach further shores, but Gary from our Chichester branch joined his Viking cruise in London, skirting the Southern and Southwest coastline, before disembarking in Liverpool. With congested roads and unreliable trains, this could be one of the more pleasurable ways to visit the British Isles!

Embarking at Greenwich – on the River Thames in the heart of London, Gary checked in in the shadow of the magnificent Cutty Sark, which must feel particularly poignant, as this historic tea clipper was once at the forefront of sea travel as the fastest ship of its time. Gary’s six-night voyage was to be a more leisurely route to Liverpool, initially setting sail down the Thames towards Tilbury.

Gary’s first impressions were good, “The ship is stunning, everything looks and feels brand new. My Deluxe Verandah cabin was immaculate, with underfloor heating in the beautiful bathroom and a minibar.”

Onboard there is a spa, fitness room, cinema, theatre and two pools - one outdoor and the other with a retractable roof. “There are lots of quiet lounges you can relax in,” confirms Gary, “But Explorers’ Lounge was my favourite, as well as the comfy chairs on the Sports Deck right at the top of the ship. The atmosphere is relaxed - guests are wearing smart casual and there are no gala nights - I don’t think I even saw anyone wearing a jacket and tie.”

There is a choice of eight dining venues onboard - The Restaurant is the main dining venue with all-glass walls for sweeping views whilst you savour global classics and regional specials. Other options include Chef's Table with a multi-course menu paired with wines; Manfredi's for trattoria-style Italian, and Mamsen's in Explorers’ Lounge offering Norwegian specialities. “The food was very good, I wish I had packed trousers with a bigger waistline!!!” confirms Gary, “I had the best streak ever in Manfredi’s, amazing pancakes in Mamsen’s and an incredible Viking burger at the Pool Grill. There is no charge for afternoon tea and all the restaurants are included in the cruise fare – the only extra would be a cooking class or wine tasting.”

On each sailing a Viking Resident Historian offers lectures & discussions on the arts, architecture, music & culture of upcoming ports & selected world history. The Planetarium and cinemas offer big screen entertainments, and in the evening the theatre hosts shows, with live music at various locations throughout the ship.

Viking fares include one excursion per port, with further options available at additional cost. Gary visited Canterbury from Dover, took a panoramic tour of the Isle of Man from Douglas and saw Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey from Holyhead. “I really enjoyed Beaumaris,” says Gary, “I had never been before, and it was beautiful.”

Gary sums up his thoughts, “I do not think any guests that go on a Viking Cruise will find any problems or disappointment, their attention to detail is amazing. Unlike many other operators, lots of things are included in the cruise price, such as drinks with meals, starlink Wi Fi, an excursion in each port, gratuities, launderette, specialty restaurants, and access to the spa with its sauna, steam room, plunge pool and Jacuzzi. There’s even real a snow room in the Spa!”

Gary concludes, “All Viking ships are almost identical, so once you have been onboard, you’ll be able to find your way around any of the ships, and customers can relax knowing what to expect and that they will enjoy their favourites time and again.  The whole trip was amazing, with understated luxury, fantastic cabins, wonderful food and a relaxed, calm atmosphere onboard this beautiful ship.”

You can find Gary at our Chichester branch or find your local shop here.