Viking River Cruises has
commissioned another six
vessels for 2013, on top of six
new ships already on the way
this year.
THERE seems to be no stopping Viking and
its liking for launching new ships.
The company has announced it has placed
orders for six of its most revolutionary vessels,
to be delivered next year.
And tomorrow it will christen the newly built
Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord and
Viking Odin – which are set to be followed
later in the year by the slightly delayed Viking
Embla and Viking Aegir.
With the dozen additional vessels, Viking will
have invested more than US$400 million in its
fleet development program over three years,
expanding to 31 ships since its 1997 inception.
“The new orders reflect the great interest in
Viking River Cruises and its revolutionary
longships,” said chairman Torstein Hagen.
He said the patent-pending design would
combine “cutting-edge technology with
comfortable amenities”, such as the allweather
Aquavit Terrace.
The indoor/outdoor terrace will have
retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors allowing
passengers to enjoy the scenery while dining
“alfresco”.
Two Explorer Suites, the largest in Europe at
41 square metres, will have a separate lounge
room, bedroom and wraparound veranda
offering 270-degree views.
Two-room veranda suites will have a full-size veranda in the lounge room and a French
balcony in the bedroom.
In-cabin features have also been enhanced,
with heated bathroom floors and mirrors, Sony
HD TVs and premium toiletries.
Sustainability upgrades include solar panels,
an onboard organic herb garden and energyefficient
hybrid engines that reduce vibrations
for a smoother ride.
“The ancient vikings were the ultimate
explorers, and that tradition lives at Viking
River Cruises today,” said Hagen.
“For that reason, we have honoured our new
Viking longships with names of celebrated
Viking gods and heroes.”
See www.vikingrivercruises.com for details.
