Don BucoloViking offers cruises that traverse all the world’s oceans and touch ports on every continent. Still, there is something special about cruising on one of their ocean ships in Norway. The line’s Nordic heritage and Scandinavian aesthetic just feel even more at home while sailing the Norwegian Sea. The last time we were onboard a Viking Ocean ship was in 2021. So, the cruise line recently invited us back onboard to experience the popular Into the Midnight Sun itinerary. Now, we’re back and share all the details in our Viking Ocean cruise review.
Viking Ocean Cruise Review: Into the Midnight Sun on Viking Jupiter
Boarding a Viking Ocean Cruise Ship
Although we had never cruised from the UK before, we can happily report that boarding our Viking Ocean cruise ship in Greenwich was a seamless experience.
From the moment we stepped off our flight at London Heathrow Airport, a Viking representative was there to greet us. Another benefit of booking your air directly with the cruise line is complimentary shuttle service to the ship.
Viking Jupiter was tendered in the River Thames just outside of London in Greenwich, England. Like many of the line’s longer voyages, our ship was overnighting at the embarkation port. This gave us two days to explore the city of London.
We’ll admit that we were a bit apprehensive about an embarkation port requiring tender service. However, when we arrived at the Greenwich pier, a Viking representative quickly directed us to the check-in location and a porter whisked away our bags. We did keep our carry-on bag with us as we were informed there might be delays getting the luggage due to the tender operations.
In less than 10 minutes, we were checked in with our key cards in hand and taking the short walk to the tender location. The ship was anchored just a short distance away so we were onboard Viking Jupiter in no time. In fact, the whole embarkation process was more efficient than most cruise terminals.
Onboard Viking Jupiter
All Viking Ocean cruise ships accommodate just under 1,000 passengers. So, even though Viking Jupiter is a “small ship”, there was still plenty to do, see, and eat over our two week journey.
The ship’s design is simple yet elegant, with modern touches that are both stylish and functional. Public spaces are inviting, meant to encourage socializing among guests.
Deck 1 is home to the Living Room and Library. With smaller alcoves lined with plush couches and oversized chairs, guests can unwind, review tour options, or make new friends. They can also grab a specialty coffee or cocktail at the bar while enjoying light piano music in the atrium.
The same thoughtful design shines in spaces like the Explorers’ Lounge as well. Located on Deck 7, the venue offers amazing forward-facing views of the bow. We found ourselves spending a lot of time in this cozy yet expansive two-deck observation space. There are plenty of nooks to read, do work, or just admire the views.
On Viking Jupiter, the Explorers’ Lounge is home to the Explorers’ Dome. This onboard planetarium is found only on two ships in the fleet. While complimentary, space is limited. So, guests looking to experience the Explorers’ Dome are encouraged to book as soon as they board.
Midship of the Explorers’ Lounge is the equally tranquil Wintergarden. We couldn’t pass up the afternoon tea on several occasions during our trip. With snacks and a wide array of teas, it was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up after a chilly day ashore.
This space is bright, comfortable, and airy but does feel underutilized. It would be great if there was additional programming in the Wintergarden, besides the afternoon tea with accompanying light music. Honestly, this space was mostly empty with some guests using it as a quiet spot to read or check emails.
Outdoor Spaces on Viking Ocean Cruise Ships
In addition to the inviting interior lounges and public spaces, the outdoor areas on Viking Jupiter are equally serene and thoughtfully designed.
All the way forward on Deck 9, there is a small sports deck. Although it may not be a large enough space for a pickleball court, there are a few games available. On a few of the sunnier days, we did catch some fellow passengers challenging one another to some shuffleboard. There is also a putting green, lawn bowling, and a ping pong table.
For more active cruisers, the fitness center on Deck 1 offers a variety of options. There are free weights, cardio equipment, and weight machines. Some group fitness classes are available for a nominal upcharge as well. If you’d prefer some fresh air during your workout, there’s the outdoor promenade on Deck 2 that fully circles the ship. Four laps equals one mile.
On the portside and starboard side of Deck 8, you can find sun loungers, couches, and small tables. Thus, guests could catch some rays on sunny afternoons. Or, just enjoy some coffee as the ship sailed through the stunning Norwegian fjords.
Additionally, Viking ocean ships feature two pools, both on Deck 7.
Midship is the main pool deck. Surrounded by loungers and additional cafe seating, the main pool is an indoor solarium with a retractable roof. So, regardless of the temperature or weather outside, you can enjoy the pool and whirlpool. Although we had 14 days onboard, we never found the time to take a dip.
Aft on the same deck, beyond the World Cafe, is the Aquavit Terrace. This deck space boasts an infinity pool and whirlpool along with outdoor cafe seating for the nearby buffet. This is also a popular place for sightseeing during scenic sailing. On a couple of days, it was sunny and warm enough for some guests to take the plunge with beautiful vistas in the backdrop.
Viking Ocean Cruises Casual Dining
When compared to Viking river cruise ships, the ocean ships feature a greater variety of casual dining options, which is a huge positive for us given we are used to the offerings on modern megaships. With various casual dining options, as well as alternative dining, we never went hungry.
The World Cafe, the ship’s buffet, offers a standard rotation of breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices every day. While breakfast remains the same, options for lunch and dinner change daily.
Breakfast is available from 6:30/7:00 AM to 10:00 AM most days. With a selection of hot and cold breakfast items, along with made-to-order omelets, we could fuel up for the long day of sightseeing ahead.
The World Cafe was open for lunch most days from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Like all the restaurants on the ship, dinner was from 6 PM to 9 PM. During lunch and dinner, the options consisted of a salad bar, pizza, a carving station, an Asian station with rotating selections, sandwiches, made-to-order grill items, and a variety of hot international entrees. At dinner, there’s also sushi and various seafood selections, in addition to occasional themed nights.
While Heidi stuck mostly to salad, pizza, and grilled chicken at lunchtime, I enjoyed some of the upgraded specialties. Among my favorites were the freshly grilled salmon and stir-fried shrimp, as well as the sushi and seafood bar for dinner.
Other casual dining options available include the Pool Grill (with a nearby Pool Bar). Like most cruise lines, this venue serves hot dogs and hamburgers, accompanied by some crispy French fries. Open most days, guests could grab a quick bite to eat here from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Heidi got creative here, grabbing a piece of grilled chicken from the buffet and making her own chicken sandwich with fries.
One of the more popular dining spots on Viking is Mamsen’s located on Deck 7 in the Explorers’ Lounge. For a quick bite, guests can try one of the Norwegian-style open-faced sandwiches. However, it is almost mandatory to order at least one Väfler during your cruise. We couldn’t help but dig into these irresistible Norwegian waffles with mixed berries, whipped butter, and brown cheese a couple of mornings during our cruise. The other breakfast pastries here are also quite tasty. This “late risers” breakfast runs until 11 AM most mornings.
Among many of Viking Ocean’s inclusions, guests can get espresso-based coffee drinks at several bars and self-service stations in the World Cafe. Still, the Living Room was our go-to spot for our morning iced caramel latte and double espresso. By Day 3, the resident morning bartender, Adi, knew our regular order.
The Living Room Bar also offers a small selection of cookies, breakfast pastries, breads, and sandwiches throughout the day. It was hard for us to resist the freshly made cookies when grabbing our afternoon caffeine fix.
Finally, unlike most mainstream cruise lines today, all-day room service is complimentary on Viking ocean cruises. For breakfast, the menu features hot items like omelets, eggs, and pancakes, along with continental pastries. For lunch and dinner, there’s a small selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. The menu also features a few entrees including steak & fries, salmon, chicken tenders, and pasta.
The Restaurant on Viking Ocean Ships
On Deck 2 of our Viking Ocean cruise ship was the main dining room. Like many of the other venues on the ship, the Restaurant is bright and warm. With each side lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, there was plenty of natural light. This was especially true during our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary, which featured days with 24 hours of sunlight.
At all meals, the Restaurant is open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. You can opt for a private table for your party, or elect to sit at a shared table with other guests. While there may have been a small queue to check in, we never had to wait for a table.
The Restaurant served breakfast every morning of the cruise, usually from 8 AM to 9:30 AM. The menu featured many of the same selections as the buffet. Although, it is nice to enjoy a sit-down breakfast once in a while.
On sea days, the restaurant also had a sit-down lunch usually from 12 PM to 1:30 PM. Like dinner, the lunch menus consists of an “Always Available” selection of sandwiches and entree salads. There were also daily specials.
Each evening, guests had the option of classics like Viking steak and fries, poached salmon, or beer-marinated chicken. Like most main dining rooms, there were rotating daily specials as well as select destination-themed dishes.
The Cornish Hen in England and Angus Beef from Scotland, were among the trip’s highlights. Still, there were other classic cruise dishes that I couldn’t pass up either, like the grilled lobster tail and beef wellington. Heidi also enjoyed the turkey dinner.
Overall, the menu selections were a bit more upscale than mainstream cruise lines. There are also no up-charges for additional entrees.
Alternative Dining on Viking Ocean Cruises
In addition to The Restaurant, there are two alternative dining venues open for dinner on Viking ocean cruise ships. Unlike most cruise lines though, these “specialty restaurants” do not incur a cover charge.
Our favorite is Manfredi’s, serving up Italian classics on the starboard side of Deck 1. It is home to perhaps the best bread basket of any cruise ship restaurant. Plus, this venue offers freshly made linguine and spaghetti. If you are a pasta lover, you need to dine at Manfredi’s at least once. The menu features a daily fish and pasta special, as well as classics like frutti di mare and carbonara.
But, steak lovers will not want to pass on the Viking Bistecca. This signature steak is among my favorites at sea. Heidi’s favorite dishes were the chicken parm and ravioli.
Opposite of Manfredi’s on the port side of Deck 1 is the Chef’s Table. This alternative restaurant offers themed, 5-course menus that change every few days. It also comes with an included wine pairing. Guests can opt to purchase a premium wine pairing for $25. Or, guests with the Silver Spirits package receive the upgraded wine pairing at no charge.
During our 14-day cruise, there were 5 different menus: Xing (featuring Chinese cuisine), Great Britain, Lotus, Mexico, and Asian Panorama. Once onboard, we were able to switch our pre-made reservation to a menu that better suited our tastes.
We tested out the Mexico and Asian Panorama menus. On both occasions, the food was on par with our previous Chef’s Table experiences on Viking ships. I quite enjoyed the short rib entrée on Mexico night, as well as the dessert trio from the Asian Panorama. Happily, the chef also worked to customize the menu for Heidi as she doesn’t eat seafood or red meat.
While these two alternative restaurants are complimentary, reservations are required. Depending on their suite category, guests can make advanced dining reservations as early as 100 days before the ship’s departure. But once onboard, you can make as many additional reservations as you want, based on availability.
Similar to Viking river cruises, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included at all meals. With our Silver Spirits package, we had access to a premium wine list at dinner. Still, these wines were only a modest $8 upcharge per glass for those without the package.
Onboard Enrichment and Activities
Viking Ocean ships contain several exhibits that are ripe for independent review. Throughout the ship, guests can marvel at various pieces of art and photography. Using the Art Guide feature in the app, we garnered a great appreciation of the ship’s onboard artwork.
Additionally, the Viking Heritage exhibit on Deck 2 details the “Viking Ages” with replicas from the roughly 300 years of Viking dominance. Plus, various authentic Norwegian Bunads are prominently displayed on Deck 3.
While guests can use the app to delve deeper into these pieces on their own, organized tours take place on sea days as well. For instance, guests can learn more about the Bayeux Tapestry with a guided tour hosted by the onboard historian.
Viking takes its enrichment and cultural immersion program very seriously. During our sailing, there were four lecturers with diverse backgrounds. These speakers included a retired space astronaut instructor serving as the resident astronomer to a world-class storyteller. There was also a resident historian and a lecturer offering a range of featured presentations.
The daily topics spanned from World War history, to Northern Europe’s natural weather phenomena, to UFOs. It was always intriguing to discover what each day would bring. These sessions consistently attracted guests to the Star Theater eager to expand their horizons.
Along with these enrichment talks, the cruise director, Graham, and the shore excursion staff also hosted your typical port talks. These shorter presentations provided a quick overview of the next destination, as well as a brief discussion of the tour options.
Beyond enrichment opportunites, there were other activities available for guests such as trivia or competitions like cornhole. There’s also a book exchange and various tabletop games to challenge your friends and family.
Not to mention, the Spa’s thermal suite is included in the cruise fare. After a long day ashore, guests can relax in the therapy pool, on a heated stone lounger, or in the sauna. Or, maybe take a cold plunge and step into the snow grotto.
Nightlife and Entertainment on Viking Ocean Ships
Unlike Viking river ships, Viking ocean cruise ships do feature regular entertainment more akin to mainstream cruise lines. While not the elaborate cruise productions that you’ll find on Royal Caribbean ships, the Viking Jupiter Vocalists were a quartet of singers that performed various revue-style shows in the Star Theater.
Our favorite performance was Duets. The wide-ranging set list featured popular duet songs spanning various genres, including pop, rock, and even country. Other productions included Stage Door in which the cast celebrated musical theater. And Southern Sounds boasted country hits from Shania Twain and Johnny Cash, among others. There were also ABBA and Beatles shows that we didn’t attend.
Honestly, the highlights of the entertainment were cruise director Graham and assistant cruise director Tara. Both of them were visible presences throughout the ship. From Tara hosting daily trivia to Graham mic’ing the Arctic plunge and officers vs. guests competitions, both were lively, fun, and very personable.
On Night 6, Tara hosted her show “Lil O’ Me”. Filled with a mix of musical classics, all the way to Guns n’ Roses, her vibrant personality and amazing voice truly sparkled. On Night 11, Graham hosted his one-person show, “Be Careful What You Wish For.” With a mix of storytelling, music, and his distinct sense of humor, this hour-long show was standing-room-only!
Additionally, comedy wordsmith Lloyd Hollett offered two unique comedy shows. On the last night of our cruise, acclaimed Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold captivated the audience with a destination performance.
Along with the theater performances, the ship also featured additional musical acts. Two pianists tickled the ivories in the central atrium. These tranquil melodies were a soothing way to unwind before or after dinner with a cocktail from the nearby Living Room bar.
Jazze and Jason were the featured singers in Torshavn. Each evening, they offered dynamic sets with playlists ranging from Motown to Latin hits. As one of the only bars open “late night”, this was where the evening crowd tended to gravitate for live music, dancing, and cocktails.
For something a bit more chill, Paolo strummed up acoustic guitar sets in the Explorers’ Lounge most evenings after dinner. This venue was our go-to spot for enjoying some espresso martinis while watching the midnight sun glow near the horizon.
On one evening of our cruise, all the performers even took to the pool deck for the lively Dancing Under the Stars party.
A Deluxe Veranda on Viking Jupiter
We stayed in a deluxe veranda stateroom during our recent Into the Midnight Sun cruise. Suite 4083 was not far from the midship elevators on the starboard side of Deck 4. At 270 square feet, including the balcony, this veranda stateroom is slightly larger than similar accommodations on mainstream cruise lines. Yet, the layout was still very similar to that found on most cruise ships.
Our deluxe veranda featured two chairs and a coffee table in the seating area, rather than the typical loveseat. Between the chairs and the desk across from this sitting area, Heidi and I were able to find corners of the suite for our daily work breaks.
Of course, when the weather permitted, the veranda also served as a great place to do some work. That is, if we weren’t distracted by the magnificent vistas of the Norwegian fjords. Similar to Alaska, having a balcony when sailing the Norwegian fjords is a must in our opinion. We spent a lot of time this trip just admiring the views at all hours of the day. Luckily, all Viking Ocean cruise ship rooms feature a veranda.
With so much happening onboard and at each port of call, it was always easy to fall asleep on our Viking king bed. While we don’t usually watch television on a cruise, Viking’s program includes recordings of all the lectures and port talks. So, if we missed these talks in the theater, we could tune in later on our own.
Although, there was just enough storage space for our two weeks’ worth of clothes in this cabin. One side of the closet consisted of three drawers and a half-length clothes bar, while the other side was a full-length clothes bar with hangers. In the entrance hallway, there were three additional drawers along with the safe and Nespresso coffee maker. The silver lining is that with self-service laundrettes on every floor, guests can do laundry at any point during the cruise.
All guests will appreciate the spacious and premium bathroom in Viking ocean veranda staterooms. Heidi is a big fan of the heated tile floors and upgraded Freyja bath products. I appreciated the standard-sized shower, storage, and counter space that you typically don’t find in a cruise ship bathroom.
Other nice touches included an umbrella and bathrobes for guest use, USB ports and outlets on each side of the bed, water carafes, the Nespresso maker, the included non-alcoholic mini-bar, and twice daily housekeeping service.
The Into The Midnight Sun Itinerary
Over 14 nights, we visited three countries, nine ports, and had 5 days with no sunset.
As part of the cruise fare, Viking includes one shore excursion at every port. At most ports, these tours are typically a walking tour or a “panoramic” bus tour. If you are looking for something a bit more active or more in-depth, then you’ll need to pay for these tours.
If you prefer to do your own thing, Viking did offer a complimentary shuttle into the center of town at most ports as well. Therefore, it was easy for us to get around and explore independently, or to combine guided tours with self exploration afterwards.
Of course, guests can also book tours with local providers or third-party vendors like Shore Excursions Group.
DIY London
Given that most of the tours in London were sold out by the time we got around to booking them, we opted to explore the city on our own for the first two days of the cruise. By reserving our own tickets and tours, we were able to see several highlights. These included Big Ben, an inside visit to Westminster Abbey, a ride on the London Eye, and a guided tour of the Tower of London.
We used a combination of Uber, Uber Boats, and a Thames River hop-on-hop-off boat for our transportation. While everyone recommends the Uber Boats, they may not be your best bet if you’re looking to sightsee and take photos as there are no outdoor seating areas.
When anchored in Greenwich, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to tender ashore and to get to London for any activities you’re booking on your own. The tender boats only run about every half hour and the drive into London can take up to an hour with traffic.
Have Fun Storming the Castle
Being waitlisted for one of the upcharge tours, we opted to combine a Viking panoramic tour with independent sightseeing during our stop in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Grabbing the 9:30 AM bus for the Edinburgh Highlights tour, we rolled out from our tender point to the city center. Along this 60-minute panoramic tour, our guide provided us with a robust history of the city. She pointed out notable buildings, monuments, and squares. From the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the bus slowly climbed the Royal Mile as it made its way to the towering Edinburgh Castle.
We were given about 45 minutes of free time before needing to return to the bus. This was where we bid our guide farewell and set off on our own. Fortunately, the day before, we made the decision to purchase tickets and an audio guide for Edinburgh Castle.
Strolling the Royal Mile to get a few souvenirs and some coffee, Castle officials let us in a bit early just in time to see and hear the One O’clock Gun, which has been setting time for locals since 1861.
From there, we spent about 90 minutes exploring the various exhibits. Having gazed at the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, we made sure to do the same while in Scotland. From the Royal Palace, to the Great Hall, we weaved in and out of the 900-year-old fortified castle, soaking in all of the history.
Wanting to ensure we didn’t miss the last tender back, we used Google Maps to make our way to the ship’s complimentary shuttle conveniently located near Charlotte Square.
Neolithic Sites in the Orkney Islands
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney consists of several locations that are thousands of years old. Unfortunately, Viking did not offer any tours that included stops at all of them. So, we booked two tours to cram in as much history as we could during our 8 hours ashore.
First up was the included Highlights of Historic Orkney. With a drive by Maeshowe and the Stones of Stenness, our bus finally stopped at the Ring of Brodgar. Older than Stonehenge, the 27-stone circle is nearly 5,000 years old. We had about 25 minutes, which gave us just enough time to walk the perimeter and snap photos.
From there, the bus took us to the seafaring village of Stromness. Here, we were given 45 minutes to explore independently. This really only gave us enough time to quickly browse a few local shops and take some photos of the village center. Honestly, we weren’t entirely sure why this stop was included as part of the tour.
Finally, we took the scenic route along Scapa Flow to rejoin our ship. As we hugged the shoreline, our guide detailed the waterway’s crucial role during World War I and World War II.
Returning to the ship, we had just enough time for a quick lunch before venturing back out again for our afternoon tour of Orkney’s Stone Age.
Following Scapa Flow and recounting the same war stories, our bus headed out to Skara Brae this time. Here, we had 90 minutes to explore both Skara Brae and Skaill House. This was enough time to cover the highlights of each, including listening to our guide provide commentary from outside the gate of Skara Brae.
Our First Grey Day in the Shetland Islands
Our last stop in the UK was Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. This port was the only stop on the itinerary that we had visited before. Back in 2018, we stopped here as part of a British Isles cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. Given it had been 7 years since our last stop, we opted for the included tour, Shetland Panorama & Ponies. This excursion was another bus tour with several photo opportunities.
Up to this point, we had been experiencing unseasonably warm and sunny days. But our luck had finally run out. As we pulled into the pier, our ship was greeted with wet, grey, and foggy conditions.
Unfortunately, the grey skies and intermittent rain continued through our 11 AM tour. We weren’t able to see much of anything at either the Scalloway Castle overlook or the Wormadale viewpoint due to the heavy fog. Despite the weather conditions, our guide did an excellent job providing commentary throughout the drive about Shetland culture and heritage.
The highlight of the day was our 25-minute stop at Carol’s Ponies. Here, we learned about these hardy little animals that have called the Shetland Islands home for over 2,000 years. Getting to see the ponies up close and hearing about their breeding and care was genuinely enjoyable.
One if By Land, Two if By Sea
Leaving the British Isles behind, we spent a day at sea heading toward our first stop in Norway, Lofoten. This group of islands remains mild all year due to the Gulf Stream. Along with mild temperatures, Lofoten is known for having some of the most picturesque landscapes. Thanks to glacial melting, the rugged landscape offers dramatic, mountainous vistas.
Our included tour today consisted of a panoramic bus and boat ride along this picturesque coast. Given this was another tender port, we met in the Star Theater and were quickly called to go ashore. Once ashore, we met our guide, who walked us down the pier to another boat to begin this approximately 3-hour tour.
As the boat began to pull away, we completed the safety drill in just enough time to get outside for some shots of the Viking Jupiter anchored in the harbor. This first portion of the tour was an approximately 90-minute boat tour.
Guests seated inside the vessel were treated to narration during most of the cruise. However, we spent most of our time on the outside deck taking photos and videos. The landscapes became increasingly spectacular as we approached the small fishing town of Reine. The photogenic village is famous for its traditional red rorbuer cottages that dot the shoreline where fishermen once processed stockfish.
The bus ride back provided a completely different experience. Our guide offered insightful commentary about the islands’ culture and way of life as we passed through small villages nestled beneath towering peaks.
Up to this point, this is the first included tour that was akin to something we would actually pay for on another cruise line.
Trekking Through Tromso
Thus far, most of the included tour options consisted of bus tours. So, we were happy to set off on a walking tour in Tromsø. Meeting our guide pierside for our Tromso on Foot tour, we took the 15-minute shuttle from the ship into the heart of the city. Starting at the harbor, our guide began sharing Norwegian history as we strolled along the waterfront.
He told us about the country’s establishment in 1905 and its first king, Haakon VII. He also shared details about the devastating 1969 fire that destroyed many historic buildings near the wharf. From this spot, we could see across the harbor toward the mainland where the famous Arctic Cathedral stands.
We walked toward the Polar Museum while our guide explained Tromsø’s role as the “Gateway to the Arctic”. He shared fascinating stories about the city’s rich history of polar exploration. Our guide then led us down the Storgata, a pedestrian street, lined with restaurants and shops. This street is also home to the Raketten, one of Norway’s smallest bars. It is also where the wooden cathedral is located.
We then took an unexpected detour to a local glass shop, where we watched a glass-blowing demonstration that the tour description hadn’t mentioned.
At this point, we decide to forgo the shuttle back to the ship to explore more on our own. We chose to browse the pedestrian area for shopping and sightseeing. We stopped for coffee and a traditional sjokolade bolle (chocolate bun). No visit to Tromsø feels complete without this local treat.
How Far North Can You Go?
Viking Jupiter had been above the Arctic Circle for a few days now. Therefore, it was only fitting that the ship proceed north to Honningsvåg, the northernmost city on the mainland of Europe.
The quaint village is home to only a few thousand residents. But the main draw here is Nordkapp, or North Cape. Located at 71 degrees latitude, it is the farthest north point in continental Europe accessible by road. So, we weren’t going to go all this way and not get a selfie at this historic landmark. Thankfully, the day’s included tour was a bus trip to North Cape.
The hour-long ride took us across the dramatic landscapes of Magerøya Island to Europe’s symbolic northern edge. We headed straight to the famous globe monument for photos. Actually, this steel sculpture has become the icon of North Cape since 1978.
From here, we spent time admiring the spectacular views from the 1,000-foot cliffs where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet. The barren tundra landscape stretched endlessly in every direction.
Nearby, there’s the “Children of the World” monuments, seven bronze disc sculptures created by children from different countries in 1988. With the persistent wind and chilly temps, we were eager to head back inside the hall to browse the gift shop for our requisite souvenirs and warm up with some hot cocoa.
We Need to Stop to Take Photos
After two full days at sea, we were back below the Arctic Circle heading to our last two ports of call.
Given the altered itinerary for this sailing, our ship would anchor at Eidsdal, instead of the nearby Geiranger. While disappointed initially, it turns out that Eidsdal is a quaint, picturesque village. We would later learn that Eidsdal hasn’t seen a cruise ship in over 30 years!
Viking’s included tour was Eagle’s Bend Overlook & Panoramic Drive. From Eidsdal, we began what would become an hour-long drive to Djupvatnet Lake. The bus climbed through valleys filled with lush green landscapes.
We passed Eagle’s Bend and Flydalsjuvet viewpoint on our way up. Initially, this concerned us since these were supposed to be our photo stops. However, we soon learned that the tour would first visit the lake, stopping at both viewpoints on the return journey.
The narrow and winding mountain road buzzed with tour buses navigating up and back from the various lookout points. Arriving at Djupvatnet Lake, we had about 20 minutes to take in the views and some photos. We then began our return journey, stopping first at Flydalsjuvet viewpoint for about 15 minutes. From this vantage point, we could see two cruise ships docked in the fjord below, one being another Viking ship.
Our final stop came at Eagle’s Bend. Again, we had another 15-minute photo opportunity with sweeping vistas of Geirangerfjord’s dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. After admiring the pristine majesty that has made this fjord world-famous, we completed the 30-minute return journey to Eidsdal. Once back, we took a short stroll before tendering back to the ship.
A Snapshot of Bergen
While we had pleasant weather most of this trip, grey skies and intermittent rain dampened our explorations in Bergen, similar to our day in the Shetland Islands.
Initially, we had ambitious goals of completing two tours on the last day of the cruise. First, we were going to start the day with the optional “A Snapshot of Bergen” tour. Then, we were going to follow up with the included “Bergen on Foot” tour in the afternoon.
After meeting our tour guide, we took a short bus ride from the pier to our first stop, the funicular to the top of Mt. Fløien. Unfortunately, the rain persisted for almost the entire 45 minutes we spent at the summit. We managed to grab a few quick photos and browse the souvenir shop. But the wet conditions prevented us from enjoying the outdoor facilities and walking trails.
From there, we took a panoramic drive through Bergen, passing the fish market and winding through various neighborhoods before heading out to Fantoft Stave Church. We spent about 45 minutes at the site, though we learned the current structure is actually a complete replica. The original church, dating back to the 11th century, was destroyed by fire in 1992.
Our final stop on this tour was the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, where we embarked on a walking tour. The timber warehouse district still retained its medieval character despite centuries of change. Weaving in and out of the streets, we arrived at the Schøtstuene Museum. Here, we explored the multipurpose rooms that wealthy Hanseatic merchants once used to gather during the winter months.
After the museum visit, we decided to explore more of Bryggen independently and to forego the organized Viking tour. We tracked down a Starbucks to snag our “Been There” Norway mug. Then, we discovered a nearby bakery for coffee and local pastries. The rain had finally let up too, making the stroll much more enjoyable and a great way to end our two-week Into the Midnight Sun journey.
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