Tenerife is a fantastic destination, offering stunning landscapes, warm sunshine, and plenty of activities for families. When planning our trip, we wanted to experience something unique to the island, something that would leave us with lasting memories. While researching family-friendly things to do in Tenerife, we came across Ragnarok, a Viking-themed cruise that promised an immersive adventure on the Atlantic Ocean, complete with Viking storytelling, fun activities, and the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Given John’s fascination with Vikings, this seemed like the perfect activity for our family!
Booking and Preparation
Booking our Viking cruise was a seamless process. The Ragnarok website was easy to navigate, and we quickly secured our spots. Before the trip, we checked the weather forecast, hoping for a calm sea, as the boat is reasonably sized but can be affected by rough waters. We also made sure to bring essentials such as suncream, hats, and bottled water to keep us comfortable during the voyage.
Finding the Dock and Boarding the Viking Ship
The cruise departs from Los Cristianos, a bustling port area in Tenerife. We were staying in Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel in Los Cristianos which was only a short journey away from the port.
We queued up for boarding and were warmly welcomed by the crew, who were dressed in full Viking attire. Before stepping on the boat, each group had their photo taken with the Viking host. The actor playing the Viking was fully committed to his role, staying in character throughout the entire experience, engaging with both adults and children, and making the trip extra special. Later, there was an option to purchase the printed photo for €10 as a souvenir.
Setting Sail – Viking Entertainment and Ocean Views
Once on board, we found a good spot to enjoy the views, and soon, the adventure began. As we sailed away from the shore, the Viking host entertained us with fascinating Norse mythology stories, traditional Viking music, and fun activities. The ship itself was impressive, with its rustic wooden build and Viking decor making it feel like we had stepped back in time.
We were free to explore the deck, take photos, and soak in the stunning scenery of the Tenerife coastline. Drinks and snacks were available for purchase, though we had brought our own, which was allowed. Interestingly, everyone was given a free lollipop, which at first seemed like a random gesture, but we later realised it might have been to help with potential seasickness—something that would become relevant later in our journey.
Whale and Dolphin Watching – A Breathtaking Experience
After about an hour of sailing, excitement spread through the boat as someone spotted the first dolphin. We all rushed to the side to catch a glimpse, and soon enough, more dolphins appeared, gracefully swimming alongside the boat. Moments later, we saw whales too, their sleek bodies gliding through the water.
The Viking host explained the migration patterns of the whales and dolphins, giving us fascinating insights into how they navigate the ocean. It was truly incredible to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. This was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip to Tenerife and an unforgettable experience.
The Challenges of the Open Sea – Seasickness Hits
While the first half of the journey was magical, the reality of being out on the open sea soon caught up with us. The waves became increasingly choppy, and the boat rocked more dramatically from side to side. At first, we tried to ignore it, focusing on the beauty around us, but soon we started feeling a little queasy.
Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones. A significant number of passengers were affected by motion sickness, and some even had to sit down or step away from the railing. While the crew did their best to keep spirits high, for those struggling with seasickness, the return journey felt much longer than the outbound trip.
Returning to Shore and Final Thoughts
As we made our way back to the dock, we tried to keep our focus away from the constant motion of the boat. By this point, our energy had dipped, and we were relieved to see land again. Once we disembarked, the fresh air and solid ground immediately made us feel better.
Reflecting on the experience, we had mixed feelings. The Viking theme was brilliantly executed, the ship was authentic, and the entertainment was engaging. The whale and dolphin sightings were truly breathtaking, and without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime moment. However, the seasickness in the second half of the trip made things challenging and took away from the overall enjoyment.
Would We Recommend the Viking Cruise?
If you or your family members are prone to motion sickness, this might not be the best excursion for you. However, if you can handle being out at sea, this is a fantastic and unique experience that combines adventure, history, and wildlife spotting all in one trip. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience
- Check the weather forecast before booking – calmer seas make for a more enjoyable trip.
- Take motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness.
- Bring your own drinks and snacks to stay hydrated and comfortable.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong out on the water.
- Be ready with your camera – the whale and dolphin sightings are truly a highlight!
Despite the motion sickness, we’re glad we went on this adventure. Seeing whales and dolphins up close was unforgettable, and the Viking theme made the experience even more fun and immersive. If you’re looking things to do in Tenerife with the kids or you want a unique excursion, the Ragnarok Viking Cruise is definitely worth considering!
Planning Your Own Viking Cruise in Tenerife?
For those interested in booking this experience, check out the official Ragnarok Viking Cruise Tenerife website for up-to-date availability, pricing, and departure times. It’s an adventure like no other, and while the ocean can be unpredictable, the thrill of spotting wildlife and sailing like a Viking is something truly special.
Have you been on the Viking Cruise in Tenerife, or are you planning to? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
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