IT WAS a sunny Sunday morning in Portsmouth when the 930 passenger Viking Sky sailed into port, and it wasn’t just the weather that was beautiful.

The ship’s smooth Scandinavian-styled interior instantly provides a feeling of space and light, along with a luxury that is hard to compare to, and the walls of the atrium are adorned with works by Norwegian expressionist painter and printmaker, Edvard Munch, who is recognised today as one of the world's most famous artists.

Viking Ocean Cruises believe travel broadens the mind, and their inclusive pricing means that at least one trip in each port is already factored into the cost to help passengers explore their destinations.

Viking Lectures, the lecture program on-board, is designed to shed light on the places you visit and add a cultural insight to an itinerary designed for personal enrichment. They are hosted by a wide range of experts, including authors, archaeologists and journalists.

Another focus for Viking is dining. They have a series of light and airy restaurants ranging from the buffet style World Cafe to the alternative restaurants, The Kitchen Table or Chef’s Table, and the highly recommended intimate Italian – Manfredi’s. A far cry from the pack them in and feed them fast mentality that can exist on some cruise lines.

The lounge areas on-board provide a classy place to retreat and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a book on a day at sea, and again they are spacious with a Nordic décor that includes reindeer blankets and artworks. Cabins, or in this case staterooms, all come with a balcony as standard and a sizeable bathroom with walk in shower.

But the spa area truly is something else.

Just walking through the spa brings a tranquil serenity, along with a feeling of pure indulgence that needs to be experienced - there is the usual sauna, spa, steam room and pool, but there is also a snow grotto. Yes, you read that right...a snow grotto. The frosty glass-encased snow-filled haven is kept below freezing and flurries of snow descend from the ceiling throughout the day.

It is based on the Scandinavian bathing ritual, which involves alternating hot and cold therapies and, among other benefits, is designed to leave you invigorated and improve circulation.

Viking Ocean Cruises pride themselves on a relaxed and informal style of cruise, indeed there are no formal nights on-board, and their pricing plan includes things other cruise lines may charge separately for - excursions, access to the spa and speciality restaurants, as well as wine with lunch and dinner - meaning it is also great value. In fact, Viking consistently wins customer-voted and industry-recommended awards for their rich, cultural, destination-focused voyages that passengers get to experience first hand.

With itineraries that start from the brand’s homeland in Scandinavia and the Baltic through to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, and whether you're thinking of booking your first cruise or your fiftieth - there's never been a better time to sail away with Viking!

Find out more at: www.vikingcruises.co.uk.

Catherine Collins