Viking Sea in Kuşadası: morning ride or afternoon ride?

Two Wednesdays in May, one week apart: that is Viking Sea's whole Kuşadası year as the port schedule stood in early October 2026. The calls are on Wednesday 12 May and Wednesday 19 May 2027. May is well inside our season (we are closed from 1 December to 31 March and reopen on 1 April), so the only open question is the ship's clock, and the port times have not been announced yet for either date.

When they are, they will appear on the Viking Sea page beside each call. This post looks one step further: if her hours allow both of our sessions, which one should you pick?

Viking Sea carries about 930 guests. Her maiden voyage began on 3 April 2016, and she was christened on 5 May 2016.

First, which sessions are on the table

Our rides start at 11:00 and 16:00, nothing in between. We bring you back to the port at least 60 minutes before the ship sails, which turns into two pairs of numbers:

• the 11:00 ride needs Viking Sea in port by 10:10 and sailing at 15:15 or later;
• the 16:00 ride needs her in port by 15:10 and sailing at 20:15 or later.

Check her all-aboard time in the daily programme as well. It is usually earlier than the departure time, and when it is, the hour counts back from that. A call that clears both tests gives you a real choice. One that clears a single test makes the choice for you.

Giving the morning to the forest

The early session suits people who like to get going. You step off the ship, cross to the Kervansaray meeting point (The Big Ottoman Palace), about 50 m from the cruise port exit (map), and meet us at 10:10. About 15 minutes later you are in the pine forest behind Pamucak beach. The ride runs from 11:00 for roughly two hours, including half an hour by the sea at Pamucak beach, and you are back at the port between 13:45 and 14:15.

What it leaves you: the whole afternoon, for lunch, the town or a quiet deck chair, with the ride already done.

Or keeping the morning for town

The late session turns the day around. You have the morning free, in Kuşadası or on board, and meet us at 15:10 at the same spot. The ride starts at 16:00 and follows the same pattern: forest trails, a 30-minute sea break, the ride back through the trees. You are back at the port between 18:45 and 19:15.

What it costs you: a later finish, and it only works if Viking Sea stays until 20:15 or later. If she sails earlier than that, the afternoon is simply not possible on that date.

If neither session fits

It can happen that a call's hours rule out both rides, for example if she arrives after 10:10 and leaves before 20:15. In that case we will not try to squeeze a safari in, and the planner will say so. If the times look borderline, or show an overnight stay, message us on WhatsApp and we will look at it with you.

Wheels or hooves

The horse safari is the quieter way through the forest. It is open to beginners from 8 years old, with younger children riding with an experienced adult companion, in a small group led by a riding guide. Helmets are provided, and swimming at the beach on this tour depends on the season. If you would rather drive, the quad safari and buggy safari need no licence; drivers must be 16 or over, single and double vehicles are available, and a helmet, goggles and safety briefing come before the guide leads off in convoy. Children under about 2 cannot join those two.

Locking in your Wednesday

Once your May date has times, pick Viking Sea and the date in the cruise day planner. It lists the sessions that fit and fills in the reservation form, so all you choose is the session and the ride. If you are in Kuşadası for a night before or after the cruise, that day is free of ship hours and from April to November we pick you up from your hotel.

The two dates, updated as times are confirmed, are on the full list of Viking Sea calls.