Photo tour: Viking Cruises' Viking Sun

Viking’s fourth ship hasn’t tinkered with the magic formula that Viking introduced aboard Viking Star in 2015. Rather, it’s only enhanced it. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

One of the first things you’ll notice about Viking Sun is how spacious it is ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... and how much open deck space it boasts. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

A Promenade Deck runs 360 degrees around Viking Sun ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... uncluttered by deck chairs or other obstructions. This also functions as the ship’s onboard jogging track. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

High up on Deck 9, guests can find the ship’s Builders Plaque in a most unique area. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Unlike on other ships, Viking has turned what would be a technical space – the forward radar tower – into a space for guests to enjoy. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Surrounding the base of the ship’s radars, guests can find cozy seating areas for sunning ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... quiet areas for conversation ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... or even a round of mini-golf. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Don’t forget about shuffleboard, either. A cruise classic, it’s remarkably well-used aboard Viking Sun. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

If you get thirsty, a glass of water is just at hand, with the water station placed on the bulkhead of the ship’s radar mast. It’s one more thoughtful example of how Viking pays attention to small details. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Going downstairs and inside ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... we come to the heart of the Viking Sun: the ship’s three-story Living Room Atrium. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Spanning Decks 1, 2 and 3, the Living Room is exactly what it sounds like: a cozy oasis that serves as the social hub of the ship. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

While it is a grand space at its core ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... it is filled with plenty of quiet nooks and overlooks, like these corridors that run along the upper edges of the Atrium on Deck 3. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Nordic-inspired window treatments keep the lighting soft throughout the Living Room ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... while chairs and décor change subtly throughout the different sections, lending each its own distinct feel. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Up on the Deck 2 level of the Living Room, you can find games of Scrabble, plenty of books and ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... even tables with digital games built into them. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Books play a huge part in the Living Room, as they do throughout the ship. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

New titles are interspersed with older, well-loved titles in good condition, creating a homey feeling that is only accented ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... through Nordic art and artifacts. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Even the ship’s main staircase is noteworthy for its bright, airy appearance ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... complemented by reproductions of the famous Bayeux Tapestry on each deck landing. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Digital information boards are situated between each pair of elevators, and can be changed to provide gangway and tender locations, as well as a guide to the ship. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Aboard Viking Sun, accommodations are spacious and inviting. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Penthouse Veranda Suites, like this one, have a bit more room than standard staterooms, but even entry-level rooms boast an uncommon amount of space. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

In a nod to Viking Sun’s World Cruise pedigree, guests will find additional storage options in stateroom closets. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

The additional space is a welcome touch, and is sure to be appreciated by those on longer voyages. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

A pull-out mini-bar is replenished daily, and offers a selection of complimentary offerings that varies depending on your stateroom category. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Like its sister ships, Viking Sun has some of the best-designed bathrooms at sea. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Staterooms are stocked with easy-to-open (and nicely scented) Freyja toiletries ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... and have large, glass-enclosed showers. No clingy shower curtains here. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Every type of accommodation aboard Viking Sun features its own private balcony. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Stateroom corridors feature navy blue inner bulkhead walls and attractive black-and-white photography, along with a recurring Nordic motif on the carpeting that will be familiar to those who have taken a river cruise on Viking’s Viking Longship river vessels. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Of course, there are plenty of ways to relax aboard Viking Sun, whether that means a trip to the Salon ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... or the sumptuous Thermal Suite at the LivNordic Spa on Deck 1. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Other cruise lines charge hundreds of dollars a head to use their Thermal Suite facilities. Not Viking. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Aboard Viking Sun, and every Viking ocean cruise ship, entrance to the Thermal Suite is entirely complimentary. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

In a nod to Scandinavian bathing rituals, the Thermal Suite includes a snow room (with real snow!) ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... and a bucket, pulled by a cord, that sends a refreshing cascade of cold water onto you. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

The Thermal Suite also has a Finnish Sauna, and plenty of seating areas. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Of course, fresh water here is never far from hand. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

With its relaxing loungers ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... and soothing “fireplace” (actually water vapours and colored lighting), this is a place you’ll want to spend some considerable time in. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

A view of the Men’s Changing Room at the LivNordic Spa. Both men's and women's facilities have their own hot tub pools and saunas. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Not to mention, individual seating areas. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Up on Deck 7, more options for those looking to take a refreshing plunge. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Viking Sun’s main pool deck area has plenty of seating for all (and cocktail menus to accompany it). Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Viking didn’t even go with the standard hot tub, preferring this rectangular one in the foreground that is more aesthetically pleasing. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

A retractable Magrodome roof can be opened or shut as weather allows, and is perfect for enjoying lunch ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... from the nearby Pool Grill. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Finally, guests can enjoy a relaxing dip by day or dusk at the Infinity Pool (and hot tub), located all the way aft on Deck 7. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Even the deck lights here cast Nordic patterns that gives this area a warm, cozy feel during the evening hours. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Running on either side of the midships pool on Deck 7 are two enclosed corridors that are perfect for quiet contemplation. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

These areas are filled with worldly motifs ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... and stocked with books on history and biographies of famous individuals. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself picking up a book on a subject you never thought you’d be interested in. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Adjacent to the midships pool is one of the ship’s most beautiful areas: the Wintergarden. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Used for afternoon tea service, the Wintergarden is perfect in sunny ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... or stormy conditions. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

If conditions out on deck are inclement ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... it’s the perfect time to retreat to the warmth and excellent views found in the Explorer’s Lounge. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Spanning two decks in height ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... the Explorer’s Lounge is an oasis filled with books, drinks and great food. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Unlike other observation lounges, this isn’t some staid area where guests fall asleep during the day. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Norse artifacts ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... seating that encourages conversation, and plenty of books on polar exploration tell the tale of those who have explored the Earth’s most remote corners. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

On Deck 7, guests can pull up a seat at Pap’s, named for chairman Torstein Hagen’s father. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Try the Pap’s Brandy Special (Norwegian brandy and sugar, warmed over hot water) while gazing out of the expansive windows of the Lounge. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

This is easily one of the most popular areas on the ship ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... one that radiates the Norwegian feelings of hygge. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Other ships might use chairs like this as a form of artwork. Aboard Viking Sun, they’re fully functional – and guests are encouraged to enjoy them as if they were their own. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

In addition to the Nordic touches spread liberally throughout the room ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... the Explorer’s Lounge is also home to Mamsen’s, a casual Norwegian bistro open for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Named after Torstein Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild (affectionately known as “Mamsen”) ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... Mamsen’s offers up heart-shaped waffles for breakfast; open-faced sandwiches for lunch, and the best split-pea soup ever as a late-night snack after 10 p.m. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Mamsen’s is all the more reason to take a stroll into the Explorer’s Lounge on Decks 7 and 8. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

If the Explorer’s Lounge pays homage to the Hagen family history, the Viking Heritage center on Deck 2 commemorates the rich history of the Vikings. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

What is truly remarkable about this is just how many artifacts Viking has culled to illustrate its collection with. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering here as you would in a museum. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Forward on Deck 2 is Torshavn ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... a cozy nightclub open during the evenings, typically from 9 p.m. on. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Torshavn boasts the largest Armagnac collection at sea ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... not to mention some pretty cool lighting and décor. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Cozy banquette seating complements tables for two ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... decorated with Viking’s signature attention to color, detail and texture. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Live nightly music is offered here, and it’s no coincidence that the Torshavn sign only illuminates the letters “Tors” – as in, Tor’s. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

After a few glasses of Armagnac at Torshavn, you might be surprised to see that Viking’s Scandinavian attention to detail extends all the way to the public restrooms. Listen closely: Some even have relaxing nature sounds piped in over a sound system. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

In Viking Sun’s Restaurant on Deck 2 aft ... Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

... most people walk right by this cozy bar, located in the center of the dining venue. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

There are no bad tables in The Restaurant, and every seat offers window views. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Seating is open, and dress codes are relaxed, allowing guests to dine when, and with whomever, they wish. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

On days when weather is good, most of the floor-to-ceiling windows in The Restaurant can be opened fully. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Viking Sun has two alternate dining venues on Deck 1, both of which are available at no additional charge. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

The first of these is The Chef’s Table, an intimate dining venue built around a set menu that changes every three days. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Meals here come with your choice of wine pairings: a standard, complimentary pairing, or an additional charge pairing that can be waived if you have purchased Viking’s Silver Spirits beverage package. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Next door is Manfredi’s, an Italian restaurant named after Silversea’s chairman (and friend of Viking’s Torstein Hagen), Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Manfredi’s is a classic Italian restaurant, and aboard Viking Sun, a new menu has been introduced that further refines the venue’s pasta and antipasti offerings. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Like every other public room, seating here is thoughtfully arranged, and can accommodate everything from couples to small groups. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY

Viking Sun is a pleasant, relaxing, welcoming ship to sail aboard, no matter where your destination takes you. In fact, the only thing we dislike about this ship is the knowledge that, at some point, we have to leave. Aaron Saunders for USA TODAY