What could possibly be more exciting than the prospect of embarking on a world cruise with Viking Cruises? Well, knowing you can still enjoy a taste of Britain in the form of traditional, hearty home-cooked food while on-board, of course!
Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to spend a night on-board the Viking Sun ocean cruise ship, with a British-themed dinner hosted by Neil Barclay of Viking Cruises and fellow blogger and Guest Chef, Karen Burns-Booth of the Lavender and Lovage blog (you may recall me reviewing the Lavender and Lovage cookbook not so long ago!).
The Viking Sun had just returned from a 128-day World Cruise that departed from Miami in January, visiting five continents, 21 countries and 44 ports along the way, with 10 port overnights. Karen boarded the ship for the final days of the cruise to take guests on a gastronomical journey across the British Isles.
Highlights of the Viking Sun
Built in 2017, the 745-foot long, nine-deck Viking Sun accommodates just 930 guests at a time, making for an intimate cruise experience.
Despite being one of the smallest ships in the Viking fleet, the Viking Sun includes many of the features you’d expect from a modern-day ocean cruise ship. Highlights include a theatre, cinema, spa, fitness centre, the atrium, Explorer’s Lounge, Sport’s Deck, two swimming pools, five bars and a choice of seven restaurants.
A room with a view
Viking Sun is equipped with a selection of Staterooms including the Veranda Stateroom, Deluxe Veranda Stateroom and Penthouse Veranda Stateroom, in addition to Penthouse Junior Suites and Explorer Suites. All of the rooms are decorated in the signature understated style and contemporary Scandinavian design that Viking Cruises is so well-known for.
I could happily spend hours lounging around in my Deluxe Veranda Stateroom.
With its own private veranda offering awe-inspiring views over the London City skyline, King Size Viking Explorer bed, well-stocked mini-bar (replenished daily), 42″ LCD TV, in-cabin binoculars, coffee machine and snug Norwegian Marius-weave blanket, my room had a luxury feel while maintaining a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the en-suite bathroom was dotted with complimentary luxury Freyja toiletries and equipped with a spacious glass-enclosed shower cubicle, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, fluffy robes and slippers.
A taste of Britain
After indulging in drinks and ‘Munch Moments’ canapés in The Atrium, we took a seat in the private dining room at the Chef’s Table.
With a focus on traditional British cuisine with a gourmet twist, Karen’s British menu took us on a journey through the changing face of the UK food and drink scene, without so much as having to leave the table.
Amuse-bouche
We kicked things off with an amuse-bouche of quail Scotch egg paired with quick pickle, edible flowers and dressed mesclun salad. Although you may think the Scotch egg comes from Scotland, as Karen explained, it actually originates from the Middle English verb scocchen, meaning ‘to cut’; this is why the egg is covered in finely cut pork.
Second course
Moving on, we dug into beer-battered fish and chips with homemade vinegar salt, minted pea puree and homemade tartare sauce. It was fascinating to discover that chips were initially made from bread, until potatoes became substituted following a wheat shortage.
Granite
Beginning to feel a little full, I was relieved to discover our third course took the form of a simple granite (flavoured ice). In keeping with the ‘Taste of Britain’ theme, this was flavoured with gin and tonic, with a hint of lemon. Sharp yet also slightly sweet, this gave my taste buds a wake-up call and refreshed my palate ahead of our main course.
Main course
For our main course, Karen served freshly baked Yorkshire pudding and beef brisket in a rich beef gravy with garden vegetables and chive butter. Dating back to the 17th Century, the Yorkshire pudding offers a true taste of Britain – an iconic British dish typically served with a roast beef dinner and all the trimmings. Karen injected a contemporary twist by topping her Yorkshire puds with caramelised onions and bacon.
Dessert
Named after the word ‘whimsy’, our dessert took the form of a popular boozy British pudding dish known as the Whim-Wham. This Scottish Regency trifle is layered with moist sponge, fresh raspberries, orange zest and whipped cream, infused with cream sherry and Scotch whisky. Safe to say our meal ended on a high!
Each dish was accompanied by a premium wine pairing, normally included in Viking’s Silver Beverage package or chargeable at an additional $25.
After dinner, the festivities continued with drinks in the Torshavn bar, before retreating to our cabins for a good nights’ sleep.
It’s fantastic to hear that Karen’s British menu for Viking Cruises has been so successful, she’s taking up the role of Guest Chef again in just a few days time, when the Viking Sun sets sail from Greenwich for the 245-day Ultimate World Cruise on 31st August. Apparently, Karen has a few new British classics up her sleeve to woo diners with this time, but I’m pleased to hear her fish and chips isn’t going anywhere.
Available itineraries for the Viking Sun
Viking Sun currently sails on 39 different worldwide or routes, with prices starting at £2,240 for a cruise from Barcelona to Rome, ranging to £82,990 for the Ultimate World Cruise from London to London. Take a look at the full list of destinations that Viking Sun sails to.
Have you ever been on a cruise? Would you like to get a Taste of Britain with Viking Cruises? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
If you’ve enjoyed hearing about Viking Cruises’ British-inspired dinner menu, I think you’ll love these posts too:
- My First Time on a Cruise Ship with MSC Cruises
- Top 5 Mediterranean Walking Holidays
- Disabled Holidays Abroad: Travelling With a Disability
- The Best British Foods: Discover the Unique Cuisine of the UK
- Christmas in Britain: From the Tudors and Stuarts, to Christmas 2019 and Beyond
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What an amazing experience! Steve and I have been talking about cruises lately so I will certainly be checking out Viking Cruises.
I know a few people thinking of going away with them, and one person actually going on an ocean cruise. I loved the Viking Sun!
I’ve only ever visited a cruise ship for a day but I’ve never stayed overnight. What a great experience that must have been! The room looks incredible.
Me too – it’s such a tease, haha. I went on an MSC Cruises ship for a day before (it was a blogging event – maybe the same as you!)
I’ve always wondered about doing something like a cruise, it sounds like a really interesting way to see some of the world! It looks like you had a lovely taste of Britain with them, the rooms look really cosy and the food delicious.
It was such a memorable evening. I loved Karen’s British-inspired menu – every course was sensational! My cabin was gorgeous – could’ve happily stayed on-board!
Wow those rooms look amazing. Of course you had to have both fish and chips and a yorkshire pudding when doing a taste of Britain x
Oh yes, definitely!
I would absolutely love to go on a cruise one day! There is just something so amazing about the idea of relaxing at sea and getting to visit a few different destinations! Viking Cruises sound amazing and the food all looks so delicious too!
I loved the understated glamour on-board the Viking Sun, and the signature Scandinavian design.
We’d love to head to Rome on this cruise ship! What amazing rooms and the British menu sounds and looks divine!
Rome seems like a very elegant cruise destination. I’m still yet to visit Italy!
I would love to go on a cruise but my husband is absolutely terrified of boats
Aww that’s a shame. My mum is the same and I’ve tried explaining that you can barely tell you’re on the water once you’re on-board, but she’s not having any of it.
I’d love to go on a cruise on day, I love the look of your room. I’m not sure what I expected (probably it looking a lot smaller) but it is modern, clean and bright.
The cabins were gorgeous – could’ve happily have stayed much longer than just one night!
What a wonderful experience! I’ve been on a couple of cruises now (not with Viking Cruises though) and I love them. It’s definitely an excellent way to travel.
It was lovely. We were truly spoilt. It’s really made me want to book a cruise now!