One of Viking’s many proud boasts is that it doesn’t nickel and dime its guests. LATTE discovered that firsthand recently on Viking Orion’s 15-day Sydney to Auckland cruise. How’s this?There is no charge for beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch or dinner, no extra charge for alternative restaurants, free Wi-Fi, free laundrette, one free excursion in every port and free return shuttle bus to each city where the ship docks.While house wines are complimentary at onboard lunches and dinners, oenophiles might consider elevating to the Silver Spirits Package which costs US$25 per person per day, and covers any drinks (excluding champagne) up to US$18 by the glass, cocktails and aperitifs. Or, you can opt to pay US$350 for 14 nights.
If you choose not to go with this package, Viking’s house wines are still very good quality. You will discover some truly remarkable international wines in the upgraded package – premium vintages from the USA, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Argentina, to name a few.LATTE loved the Donnafuggata Sherazade (Nero D ‘Avila), a spicy and juicy Sicilian red, and the Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde, a fresh and crisp, citrusy light-bodied white from Portugal.Don’t miss dining at The Chef’s Table where you will sit down to a set menu of gourmet food matched with perfectly paired wines. Knowledgeable waiters will gladly advise and recommend the wines.
Our meal consisted of a five-course Cantonese dinner where the food is presented ‘family style’ with all dishes placed in the centre of the table for everyone to share.It was incredibly diverse: Hot & Sour Soup, fried prawns, salty, crispy and spicy, and Wok-Fried Beef, a meat lovers’ favourite Cantonese dish.It was the perfect ending to yet another great day on Viking Orion.
