Embarking on a journey from Australia to New Zealand with Viking Orion proved to be a delightful exploration of comfort and culture. Here's my firsthand account of the experience, from the moment I stepped onboard to the fascinating destinations we visited.

I arrived in Hobart the day prior and stayed at the Movenpick Hotel - this was a great choice. Hobart itself offered a charming start to my journey, with a leisurely morning spent wandering through Salamanca, downtown, and Battery Point. The city's vibrant atmosphere left a lasting impression, with the added bustle of being a Sunday.

The Viking Orion welcomed us with open arms, boasting a maximum capacity of 930 passengers, ensuring a relaxed and uncrowded environment throughout the journey. Check-in was seamless, with a warm reception setting the tone for the voyage ahead.

Our balcony room provided ample space and comfort, with heated bathroom floors and a spacious glass-enclosed shower adding a touch of luxury. The balcony was on the smaller side but completely undercover, providing a sheltered place to unwind and take in the ocean views.

Dining options onboard were diverse, with standout experiences at Chef's Table, where I ate twice. It was a degustation menu, with no options. The service was excellent and the food delicious. I also enjoyed Manfredi's, the Italian restaurant. World Café was great for every meal. The variety was endless. There were several different stations with a variety of options for each meal.  I was in my element one night they had lobster tails, amazing sushi, Alaskan King crab legs and huge prawns. I was happy. I brought my yummy food up to the pool area with the cover closed. The main dining room had a good selection of food. The presentation and service were first class.

While the ship offered an array of activities, including classical music venues and trivia sessions, I found the options lacking on sea days. However, the complimentary spa facilities were amazing and provided a welcome respite, with a variety of amenities to indulge in. There was a steam sauna, dry sauna, snow room, ice plunge, Hydro pool and much more. I spent 4 hours on the 2 sea days and was in my element.

In port, tours, such as the Dunedin City Tour and Christchurch Manderly Farm excursion, varied in quality, with the farm visit falling a bit short of expectations. However, the Wellington Te Papa Museum proved to be a standout, offering an immersive and emotional experience. There is an ANZAC exhibit that is by far the best museum exhibit I think I have ever seen. Giant size human replicas with their extensive stories. I was in tears at the end of walking through because it was all so real.

Overall, my experience aboard the Viking Orion was incredibly enjoyable. The ship's intimate atmosphere and attentive crew made for a memorable journey, and the destinations we visited offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich culture and history of the region.