"Onboard/Offboard is a series that explores the can't-miss highlights of our favorite cruises-from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up. A new ship sometimes needs time to work out the kinks, but at this point-more than 100 vessels later- Viking has the routine down pat. In early November, I boarded the Viking Vesta, the line's 12th ocean vessel, in Istanbul, a few months into service."
"It marked my first Viking sailing and first time to Türkiye. I was instantly charmed by the line's size and Nordic-inspired spaces. The ships are nearly the same across each category, both in design and onboard experiences, though this one has the distinction of being the largest (998 passengers verses 930). This sameness has its plusses, as they've clearly figured out a nice setup:"
"The lounge areas feel spacious but also cozy and homey, with endless corners to curl up with a good book or simply sit and watch the waves go by. This isn't a go-go-go type of line, where you're racing to visit every last dining venue or lining up for rides-instead, it welcomes and fosters a more restorative type of trip. Read on for the highlights of my time onboard and off."
The Viking Vesta was a few months into service when it sailed from Istanbul on a seven-night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures itinerary. The vessel is notable as the largest in its class at 998 passengers while maintaining the line's consistent design and onboard experiences. Lounge areas are designed to feel spacious yet homey, offering many quiet corners for reading or sea watching. The line emphasizes restorative travel rather than nonstop activity. The spa features hot-and-cold therapy, including locker-room cold plunge and sauna, a main-area sauna, and a snow grotto with an ice slab for brief cold-air immersion.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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