IN TERMS of spanking new ship-hot launches, 2013 belongs to
Viking.
This year has seen the announcement of Viking Ocean Cruises (the
first new cruise line with newbuilds in nearly a decade), as well as the
christening of a Guinness record-breaking 10 river vessels.
Viking Aegir, one of these identical longships, is named after the
Norse god of the sea but operates on Europe’s rivers.
According to Nordic legend, Aegir was known for hosting lavish
parties for the gods, and his namesake ship continues this tradition
with banquets, an open bar and concierge service.
Even the house wine is special, as Viking is the only cruise line
with its own wine-maker, thanks to a partnership with a vineyard in
Austria’s Wachau Valley.
Shore excursions, wireless internet, lectures, live music, cooking
demonstrations and tipping are also included in fares.
The ship was designed by Yran & Storbaten, the same team behind
Seabourn’s yachts, so it’s sleeker than the usual river vessel.
Aegir and the nine sisters certainly make an attractive family,
glowing with a typically Scandinavian complexion – white, bright,
clean, smooth.
There’s lots of natural light, shiny surfaces and neutral colours, and
the two-deck atrium guarantees a glamorous welcome (especially on
a sunny day).
One of the innovations is an asymmetrical corridor, shifted one
metre over, which allows more space for full-size verandas on the
cabins on one side (without losing any interior space), and on the
other side, suites have a veranda off the living room as well as a
French balcony in the bedroom.
These two-rooms suites stand apart from other river cruise lines
where a suite is simply one big room.
Two even larger Explorer suites, at the stern, have wrap-around
balconies and double bathrooms.
Energy efficiency is also a main consideration. Aegir is equipped
with solar panels and a hybrid engine that minimises vibrations,
providing a noticeably quieter sailing. In fact, it’s one of the quietest
ships I’ve ever been on.
In-cabin amenities include heated bathroom floors, L’Occitane
toiletries and Sony HD televisions. The beds are big and comfy, with
luggage storage underneath.
For great views and a summery vibe, my
favourite spot is the Aquavit Terrace, an indoor/
outdoor dining area with unbeatable views.
You can take your morning coffee in the fresh air, enjoy a drink
outside on a sunny afternoon, or have a casual meal while viewing
the scenery.
The new Viking Aegir and its sister ships (Atla, Bragi, Embla, Forseti,
Jarl, Rinda, Skadi, Tor and Var) are sold out for 2013 and have limited
availability for 2014.
Itineraries include the Grand European Tour (15 days, Amsterdam-
Budapest); Tulips & Windmills (10 days, Amsterdam-Antwerp-
Amsterdam); Passage to Eastern Europe (11 days, Budapest-
Bucharest); Romantic Danube (8 days, Budapest-Nuremberg);
Danube Waltz (8 days, Passau-Budapest) and Rhine Getaway (8 days,
Amsterdam-Basel) – contact a travel agent for more information.
