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This is one area where the line strives to provide regional offerings. Having a step-out balcony on a European river ship is not a given. Viking has designed its Longships so there are 39 cabins with full step-out balconies, where you can sit with your coffee in the morning and enjoy watching the river.
Viking river ships
When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun. The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea.
River Cruises
That's because the vast majority of Viking's ocean vessels are carbon copies of each other. Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking's vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking's signature Italian spot, Manfredi's and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen's outlet. In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel. As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.
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In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule. As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There's also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.
Nods to Viking and Scandinavian culture are present in the décor and design elements, while birch tones, wintry blues and earthen hues provide a light and airy ambiance. The two ships (Viking Octantis now sailing and Viking Polaris due in late 2022) are both rated Polar Class 6 which allows them to operate through ice in Summer/Autumn and medium first-year ice. Each of the Viking Ocean ships is rated Ice Class 1C which is the lowest rating for ships – this is about 0.4m of ice in the Baltic regions.
Itineraries This Ship Sails
In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.
Delve into the past for a look into the art of building a Viking longship. Meet a master boatbuilder and learn about the role these vessels played in Viking society centuries ago. Journey through the world’s most exciting destinations with The World’s Leading River Cruise Line.
Viking Octantis Expedition Ship, Switzerland - Ship Technology
Viking Octantis Expedition Ship, Switzerland.
Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. Each of the ships' interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. At the top of the ships, you'll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).
The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River. Each sister ship is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” the fleet features understated elegance and Scandinavian design. Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.
Its smart layout means the ship never feels crowded even when sailing at full capacity, as there are plenty of inviting public areas peppered throughout. But for all its inward allure, Viking Mars is a ship made for destination-intensive itineraries. Its nimble size means it can visit a wider assortment of ports ranging from world class to barely accessible. And you get one free excursion in each port -- one of the many inclusions you enjoy when sailing with Viking -- further emphasizing the cruise line's commitment to shoreside exploration. Onboard, daily enrichment lectures led by resident historians and informative port talks whet passengers' appetite for discovery. Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.
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The Viking 10-day Empires of the Mediterranean voyage sails from Athens to Venice via Santorini and Corfu, the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, and other stops in Croatia and Slovenia. Discover these 15 unforgettable things to see and do on a Viking river or ocean cruise in Europe. For a more casual option, the Aquavit Terrace on the upper deck has light buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It's a particularly charming place to eat when the weather is nice and the glass walls come down, opening the entire area up to al fresco dining. Tables here are smaller, so if you're traveling with a friend or partner, you don't have to sit at a table with strangers. You can also come and go a bit more freely here, during serving hours.
Viking's Longships were considered pioneers when they were built. By building modern European river ships at scale, Viking has been credited with revitalizing river cruising due to their deck plans, cabins and dining spaces. Viking Mars may be on the smaller end of the scale when compared to mainstream ocean cruises.
Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $17 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants. Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.
Known as "Longships," Viking's fleet of river cruise ships on most rivers all carry 190 passengers, with a similar Scandinavian decor and sensibility, as well as inclusions and programming. Having a fleet of identical ships is not unusual in river cruising, which is why it's more important to choose a line that fits your needs, rather a specific vessel, when you're planning your trip. First, river cruise ships are restricted in size by the locks and canals systems along Europe's waterways. Viking simply can't make a larger river cruise ship than what they already have.
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