Viking Ocean Cruises - Food and Dining Guide
(Ad, press trip: I travelled with Viking as part of a press trip, however, all opinions are my own)
Here’s my full guide to food and dining onboard the Viking Ocean fleet.
Dining onboard a Viking ship is always a luxurious experience.
With several delicious restaurants to choose from each and every day, it can be difficult to choose favourite. I particularly love the variety available in the World Cafe, the Norwegian style waffles in Mamsen’s and the pasta in Manfredi’s!
This guide is based on my experience sailing around Southeast Asia on the Viking Venus, but as their ships are identical, this applies to their entire Ocean fleet.
Dining Room Etiquette
The dress code for all of Viking’s restaurants is fairly casual compared to other lines.
During the day there is a casual dress code in place. Anything goes, although it’s asked that swimwear and workout clothes are restricted to the pool areas, sports deck and fitness centre.
There are no formal nights, and each evening ‘elegant casual’ dress is requested. This means no jeans. Trousers with a collared shirt are sufficient for men, as well as dresses and skirts for women. There’s no need to pack your dinner jacket and tie, unless you particularly want to of course!
Note that the World Cafe is an exception where the dress code remains casual throughout the day.
As with many other cruise lines, the seating arrangements in each restaurant are flexible. There’s no need to table share if you don’t want to - although you definitely can - and plenty of tables for two are available.
One of my favourite things about Viking is that their dining is all inclusive. That means you can visit the speciality restaurants as many times as you want (as long as you remember to make a reservation).
It’s important to plan in advance and make you restaurant bookings as soon as you arrive onboard in order to avoid disappointment.
The Restaurant
Simply named, the Restaurant is Viking’s main dining room and is open each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The room itself is split into lots of separate dining spaces, which makes it feel more like a boutique restaurant and less like a dining hall. I loved the floor to ceiling windows, which let in loads of natural light.
The menu changes each day and offers a mix of regional dishes and always available classic dishes. There’s no reservation required, just stop by within serving hours.
Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant
This speciality restaurant is not to be missed on any Viking Ocean cruise.
I enjoyed several meals here while sailing around Southeast Asia and particularly loved their delicious bread baskets. I certainly consumed a large amount of focaccia, and I’d do it again too!
There’s a varied menu with lots to choose from, including plenty of pasta dishes and daily specials.
I recommend making your reservations for Manfredi’s as soon as you can, because it’s super popular and can become fully booked.
The Chef’s Table
Another speciality dining spot, the Chef’s Table features elaborate multi-course tasting menus designed by different chefs from around the world.
These rotate every few days, making return visits a must.
During my Southeast Asia cruise I had the opportunity to dine with fantastic guest chef Karen Burns-Booth, who has contributed several British dining menus to the fleet. The food was incredible, with a number of British favourites including Yorkshire puddings and fish and chips.
I found that each portion was perfectly sized, leaving me feeling satisfied but not overfull.
World Cafe and Aquavit Terrace
Viking’s answer to the typical cruise ship buffet, the World Cafe is one of my favourite places for dinner on the Ocean fleet.
This relaxed dining option serves a variety of delicious food from around the world, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The selection in here is fab, with live cooking stations, fresh seafood and delicious desserts.
As a vegetarian I was always able to find plenty of options, and particularly enjoyed the stir fried noodles which were prepared in front of my eyes.
Despite being a casual option, the World Cafe still has a classy feel, and I particularly enjoyed eating outside in the Aquavit Terrace.
I have a lovely memory of eating my final breakfast here while docked at Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong, looking out at the skyscrapers before we disembarked for the final time.
Mamsen’s
Ahh, Mamsen’s. The things I could say about you!
Located in the Explorer’s Lounge, this venue is named after the Hagen family matriarch Mamsen. I discovered this venue far too late into my Ocean cruise, and it quickly became a regular haunt of mine!
Open for breakfast and lunch every day, Mamsen’s serves a selection of Norwegian treats, including their delicious freshly made waffles. I was obsessed with these, and it quickly became part of my routine to eat one every day.
Don’t miss the fantastic open sandwiches that they serve each lunchtime.
Mamsen’s is also open for an evening snack, making a classy alternative to the midnight buffet hosted by other cruise lines.
The Wintergarden
If you enjoy afternoon tea, then this is a venue that you don’t want to miss!
Open every day from 4pm, this beautifully designed venue takes inspiration from Norse Mythology. Inspired by the sacred tree ‘Yggdrasil’, the Wintergarden is outlined by canopy of Scandinavian style trees.
The afternoon tea is served on traditional three tiered stands, filled with freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and a range of desserts. A variety of international teas are also available to alongside the food.
The whole experience is accompanied by live music from the resident Viking musicians, and quickly became my activity to indulge in on a sea day. Note that it tends to be very popular, and as you can’t book, it’s best to arrive at least half an hour early to make sure you get a seat.
Pool Grill
Open late morning and into the afternoon, the Pool Grill is a great place to grab lunch.
Here you can choose from a variety of freshly cooked hot dogs and burgers, including a delicious vegan burger. Fries are also available, as well as a salad station which was always filled with fresh produce.
There’s lots of comfy places to sit down and eat, and it’s particularly nice in the sunshine when the retractable glass roof as been opened.
Room Service
For the ultimate casual dining option, order room service and enjoy a meal in the comfort of your stateroom.
All you need to do is choose what you want from the menu, give room service a ring, and they’ll bring it straight to your room. I recommend ordering room service on a sea day and eating breakfast on your balcony while you watch the sea go by.
It’s included in your cruise fare, so there’s no reason not to!
The Living Room
If you’re after a quick bite to eat, then the cafe in the Living Room is a great option.
Here you’ll find cakes and pastries throughout the day, as well as delicious coffees all included in your cruise fee.
I found that on port days we often disembarked on the gangway next to the Living Room cafe, making it perfectly located for a quick snack en route to a shore excursion.
Bonus Option: The Kitchen Table
This venue is a dining experience mixed with an onboard activity, and is the only option on this list that costs an additional fee.
Spend an afternoon cooking a delicious three course meal with one of the talented Viking chefs, and sit down to enjoy it with the group afterwards.
I had so much fun during this activity - I felt like I was on a game show, and the food tasted great at the end of it too! It’s a unique way to spend a sea day and definitely worth booking (although make sure to do it in advance).
Do you have a favourite Viking dining venue? Leave a comment and let me know.
Read More About Viking Cruises
My Full Review and Ship Tour of the Viking Venus