Viking Jupiter Mediterranean Cruise: A 5-Star Luxury Experience with Private Balconies

Pre and post-cruise stays:

For a seamless pre-cruise experience, I recommend Kimpton Vividora Barcelona. The hotel’s perks, such as daily breakfast and a $100 hotel credit, make it a great transition to your luxurious cruise. For post-cruise relaxation, consider Six Senses Rome, where wellness meets comfort with perks like early check-in and complimentary breakfast.

Essentials to bring:

Viking provides essentials like shampoo, conditioner and lotion, so you can pack light. Sunscreen and facial moisturizer are must-haves for the Mediterranean sun. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports, and if you love relaxing on the balcony, bring a good book or camera!

The ship:

The Viking Jupiter is designed to provide a luxurious experience at every level. One of the standout features is that every room on the ship has its own private balcony, meaning even if you book the entry-level, lowest fare, you’ll still enjoy a five-star experience with your own outdoor space to relax and take in the stunning Mediterranean views. The staterooms are thoughtfully designed, with comfortable beds, a built-in light-up vanity and outlets that cater to both European and American plugs, plus USB ports by each bedside. The Nespresso coffee machines in the room are a great way to start the day!

Dining options are equally luxurious, ranging from a sit-down restaurant with a rotating menu to a fantastic buffet with daily specials that speak to the region, for example, Bouillabaisse in Southern France. Room service is included in the fare and available 24/7, adding to the ease and comfort of your stay.

Entertainment and activities:

From live music to a Viking library stocked with books, the ship offers plenty of cultural activities. The spa was a highlight for me — access is included in the fare, and I loved the Nordic experience of alternating between the steam room and the snow grotto. The thermal bath and lounging areas were also a treat, making it easy to unwind. Don’t miss afternoon tea time onboard, featuring loose-leaf teas, delicious snacks and live piano.

Port calls:

Monte Carlo, Monaco: As this was a tender port, I highly recommend booking an early shore excursion through Viking to guarantee a spot. The included shore excursion was a perfect introduction to Monte Carlo, allowing plenty of time to sit at a café for espresso and crepes.

Sete (Montpellier), France: The port is very walkable once you take a quick shuttle out of the controlled port area. The town is lovely, with canals, markets and welcoming locals. I recommend visiting the market for fresh olives, pastries and pasta. After exploring in the morning, we took a beautiful afternoon excursion to Marseillan's Lagoon for fresh oysters.

Livorno, Italy: Confident travelers can opt to take the train from Livorno into Florence for a day of exploration, but Livorno itself is worth checking out, with its charming city center. Just plan for the shuttle times to avoid missing a ride back to the ship. On the second day in port, I opted for Viking's included excursion to Pisa.

Marseille, France: Marseille, France’s second-largest city, offers a wealth of exploration opportunities. Whether you take a Viking excursion or explore independently, you’ll find plenty of historic sites, markets and local charm. History buffs will enjoy Le Panier, the oldest district in the city, and a visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde for panoramic views of the port. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is a bustling area with restaurants, markets and local shops, perfect for wandering and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona’s bustling port is large, but shuttles make it easy to get to the heart of the city. The city itself is vibrant, filled with architectural wonders like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Barcelona is also known for its food, so be sure to try local tapas or visit La Boqueria Market for fresh seafood and other delights.

Additional costs:

All dining is included, including specialty dining options that require reservations. While alcohol is extra, complimentary bottled water, room service and daily restocked snacks in your room make it easy to enjoy the journey without extra costs. Afternoon tea and access to shared spa areas is also included. Spa services, like a massage or haircut, are additional costs.

Best time to travel: The Mediterranean cruise is ideal in spring or early fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. While there is a chance of rain, the weather overall is beautiful.

For first-time cruisers: Viking’s service makes the experience stress-free, from transportation from the airport to the personalized attention from the staff. It’s truly an all-inclusive experience—everything from bottled water to onboard amenities like the spa and room service is included in the fare. Specialty dining is also included, but you’ll need to make reservations.

Must-do activities: Enjoy tea time onboard for a lovely break in the afternoon (every day at 4 pm), and don’t miss a spa session to fully relax during your trip.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Gloria Elwood’s guide, Pet-Friendly Winter Wonderland in Chamonix, France.