The 3 Types Of Viking Cruise Ships, Explained
When compared to other major cruise lines, Viking is unique in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships in addition to its river cruises. Despite this, it has one of the fleets that is the least complicated to comprehend.
The great majority of Viking’s river ships, which at the company’s most recent count numbered more than 80, all have the same basic layout. You only need to view one of them in order to have seen them all.
The same can be said for the line’s ocean ships. Seven of Viking’s nine ocean ships are virtually indistinguishable from one another. The two ships that are an exception to this rule are the recently introduced Viking ocean vessels that were created expressly for expedition cruising. Expedition cruising is a type of cruising that involves travelling to remote and difficult-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.
Because of this, the majority of Viking’s almost one hundred ships may be classified into one of just three groups; the designs of the ships in each group are extremely similar to one another.
An introduction to the cruise ships owned by Viking
In recent years, Viking has added scores of additional ships, both river and ocean vessels, contributing to the company’s remarkable growth.
The company began operations in 1997 with just four river vessels, and as recently as 2012, it only had 29 ships in its fleet. The fleet currently consists of over 90 ships in total.
The vast majority of these vessels are river ships, which were the exclusive emphasis of the company for the first 18 years that it was in existence. The corporation controls the majority of the market for river cruises that are geared toward people from North America and is responsible for around half of all trips of this kind.
As was said earlier, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet by the beginning of 2022, practically all of which followed the same fundamental blueprint. One or two vessels that Viking runs on rivers in Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia are the only exceptions to this rule (more on these ships below). In the not too distant future, the line will also begin providing trips on the Mississippi River and its tributaries utilising a new class of vessel.
The ocean vessels that Viking operates can be broken down into two distinct categories: a series of traditional ocean ships with a capacity of 930 passengers that began debuting in 2015 and a series of expedition ships with a capacity of 378 passengers that began debuting in 2022.
Viking Cruises, in contrast to the majority of other cruise companies, does not divide its ships into distinct “classes” to better categorise them. Instead, it refers to both its line of traditional ocean ships and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and the “Viking expedition ships,” respectively. Below you’ll find a breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleets using the same format as before.
Ships of the Viking ocean fleet
Ships: Viking Saturn (coming in 2023), Viking Neptune (coming in 2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).
Dimensions: 47 800 metric tonnes
For a number of years, Viking was comprised entirely of river ships, and even now, many vacationers consider the line to be solely a river cruise operator. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of expensive ocean vessels. These new additions are increasingly dominating the field of higher-end ocean cruising due to Viking’s rapid rollout of these vessels.
By the end of the year 2022, Viking will have nine ships that are capable of traversing the oceans of the world, and each vessel will have the ability to carry 930 passengers. In the upscale market for ocean cruises, this will provide Viking 8,370 berths, which is more than its competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.
The final episode of the series has not yet been shown. The Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has received an order for three more of these vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, the company has options with Fincantieri for four more of these ships, which are scheduled to make their debut in the years 2026 and 2027. Assuming that all of them are constructed, the ocean segment of Viking Cruises will soon be larger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn, and Silversea Cruises put together.
The fact that all of the ships in this series are almost exactly the same should be the first thing that you learn about them. You will have a difficult time identifying the differences between them when you are sailing on any of them.
They are likewise of a very high class. Even though Viking does not promote itself as a luxury label, many people nevertheless perceive it to be in that category. The vessels are outfitted with a variety of high-end amenities, such as plush beds in the cabins and heated flooring in the bathrooms of the cabins.
The cabins on each ship in this series are exceptionally spacious in comparison to the norm for cruise ships, and each ship in this series features an elegant design heavily influenced by Scandinavian aesthetics. Even the smallest of the cabins on each of the vessels has a good amount of space, measuring in at 270 square feet. There are also 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels, measuring anywhere from 757 to 1,448 square feet in total area. These suites are much larger than the average cabin. The private balconies of many of these larger rooms offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area.
Each of the ships’ internal spaces are constructed around a sophisticated atrium that is three decks high and is furnished with cosy lounging places that have the appearance and feel of a living room. A guest relations desk and a bar are included in each one. At the very top of the ships, you’ll find glass-walled lounges that are two decks high and offer breathtaking views over the bow of the ship. Other inside spaces include a fitness centre, a chic spa, and a thermal suite area, all of which are accessible to passengers at no additional cost (something that is not common on cruise vessels).
The Italian bistro Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table are just two of the many restaurants that can be found on board each of the ships. Manfredi’s was named after the former owner of Silversea, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who was a friend of Viking’s founder, Torstein Hagen. The latter offers revolving menus with different themes.
The main pool area, which includes a glass magrodome that can be closed when there is inclement weather, is the primary focus of the uppermost deck on each of the cruise ships. The main pool area on each of the ships is located next to a gorgeous lounge known as the Wintergarden. This room features glass-topped tables and comfortable seats, and it is where afternoon tea is served. It’s a haven of peace and quiet, and it’s one of our very favourite spots aboard these ships.
At the aft end of each of the cruise ships is a supplementary pool area that includes an infinity pool.
There are some minor distinctions between some of the ships in this series, despite the fact that all of the vessels in this series are virtually the same. Most notably, the two most current ships in the series, the Viking Orion and the Viking Jupiter, each include a small planetarium constructed into the upper level of the two-story lounge that is located at the front of the ship and is called the Explorers’ Lounge. Some of the later ships in the series have hair salons that are significantly smaller, but the fitness centres on those ships are slightly larger.
Take note that the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, one of the eight ships in this type that are currently in operation, was recently and permanently moved to a joint venture that runs for the China market. The vessel was initially marketed for the North American market and given the name Viking Sun when it made its debut in the year 2017.
Ships of the Viking river fleet
Ships include the Viking Fjorgyn (2022), the Viking Kari (2022), the Viking Radgrid (2022), and the Viking Skaga (2022), in addition to more than 60 other Longships completed since 2012 and additional river vessels.
The size ranges between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes.
River ships were what put Viking on the map in the beginning, and to this day, they remain the company’s primary focus.
As was mentioned earlier, the line’s fleet consists of more than 80 different river ships. The vast majority of them are of the same fundamental design and are referred to as Longships. This is a reference to the historic vessels that were employed by Vikings during the Middle Ages.
The Longships, which were first shown to the public in 2012 and were built to be able to navigate through the locks that are commonplace on many of Europe’s rivers, were innovative in river ship design in numerous aspects.
To begin, its layout has some of the largest suites ever offered on European river liners, making them one of the most desirable options available. They also include a considerable number of cabins that come equipped with balconies, which is made feasible by an innovative arrangement that offsets the main corridors that run across the cabin areas. (In other words, the corridors do not run along the middle of the ship, which results in the creation of a side that is broader and has capacity for verandas as well as a side that is narrower and has cabins that have been turned on their sides to create place for verandas.)
The ship also features a squared-off bow, which enables it to accommodate eight additional staterooms than ships of a comparable size that are operated by competitors. In addition, extra passenger space can be created in the back thanks to engines that produce less noise. Redesigning the bow portions of the ships, in particular, required a significant amount of innovative engineering in order to make place for additional cabins while yet maintaining adequate space for the necessary machinery.
Because to developments such as these, Viking Longships are able to transport a greater number of passengers than ships of comparable size that are managed by other companies. This has allowed Viking to offer lower pricing than other river cruise companies while still bringing in a similar amount of money per ship. This fact has helped immensely to the company’s quick expansion because it has allowed Viking to offer lower costs than other river cruise lines.
Each of the Viking Longships features one main interior lounge with a bar, similar to what is seen on many river ships, and one main restaurant, which is where the vast majority of passengers eat their meals. A secondary, more casual dining space may be found at the front of each vessel. This section features seats both indoors and outdoors. (During non-business hours, the area of the patio that faces the street is transformed into a front-facing outdoor lounge and is referred to as the Aquavit Terrace.) The vessels, in contrast to those found on many other river cruises, do not have spas or fitness centres.
The top deck of each and every Viking Longship is outfitted with a sizable lounge area, similar to what is found on other river ships. In addition, there is a walking track and a herb garden, the latter of which is utilised by the culinary staff in order to cultivate herbs that are utilised during the preparation of meals served onboard.
The typical length of a Viking Longship is 443 feet, which makes it the ideal length for passing through the locks found on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built somewhat shorter versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length expressly for sailing on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational constraints need smaller vessels. These variants of the Longship measured in at 361 feet or 410 feet in length. The versions of the vessels that are 410 feet long, for example, were purposely constructed so that they could navigate their way into the centre of Paris on the Seine River.
Although the Longships come in a variety of lengths, each one is fundamentally the same in terms of the amenities it provides and the way it is furnished. The most apparent distinction is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and can only accommodate a lower number of passengers as a result. For instance, the versions of the ship that are 443 feet long have the capacity to hold 190 passengers, whilst the versions of the vessels that are 410 feet long have the capacity to hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).
There are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet, despite the fact that Longships make up the majority of the Viking river fleet. On the Nile River in Egypt, Viking runs a number of smaller vessels that were purpose-built for the river. In addition to this, it possesses a number of older river vessels that predate the Longships that are currently in operation in Russia and Ukraine. Because of the conflict in Ukraine, river cruise itineraries in both nations are now on pause for the time being.
In addition, Viking has just just started offering cruises on the Mississippi River with a brand-new ship that was built with the river and its tributaries in mind.
Ships used on Viking expeditions
Both the Viking Polaris (2022) and the Viking Octantis will be present (2022).
Dimensions: 30,150 metric tonnes.
The Viking expedition ships are designed to hold a maximum of 378 passengers and are built with the express purpose of transporting tourists to the remotest and most inaccessible regions of the world, such as Antarctica and the Arctic.
The Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are the only two ships in the series that are currently in operation for Viking Cruises. Both of these vessels made their debut in 2022. There are currently no plans to order any more.
These are hardy vessels with strengthened bows that enable them to break through ice in polar locations; in addition, the ships have additional tanks for fuel and food storage. These characteristics are typical of expedition ships.
Each of these warships comes equipped with its own own landing craft, which can bring passengers ashore in inaccessible areas, as well as kayaks, and even submarines, which may be used for exploration. (The latter is the trendiest new thing for expedition ships; high-end cruise companies such as Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have also begun adding them to expedition ships.)
Both the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and experienced “expedition team” that consists of biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, and ornithologists who lecture on a consistent basis. This is similar to how other expedition ships are constructed.
Additionally, each of the vessels possesses a number of novel and out-of-the-ordinary characteristics. The most remarkable feature of this ship is known as “The Hangar,” which is an enclosed marina that provides guests with the opportunity to board a 12-seat excursion vessel while remaining safely within the ship’s interior. An expedition cruise ship has never done anything like this before.
Every cabin on board the ship features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that can slide out partially from the top, giving the impression of a balcony. This is another first for a ship designed specifically for polar expeditions.
Both the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are intended to provide a luxurious experience for passengers. Elegant Scandinavian designs can be found throughout the entire fleet of Viking vessels. Both ships have an iteration of Viking’s iconic Italian eatery, Manfredi’s, in addition to Mamsen’s, a restaurant that takes its inspiration from the cuisine of Scandinavia.
A top-of-the-ship Explorers’ Lounge with glass walls, which is available on both ships, is another feature that regular Viking customers will be familiar with. This lounge provides breathtaking views of the passing scenery.
In case you were wondering, the ship Viking Octantis was named after Sigma Octantis, which is the current “south star” that is located over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris gets its name from the “north star” that can currently be seen hovering over the Arctic Circle. The names of these expedition ships are a homage to the polar regions, where they would most likely spend the most of their time on their voyage.
Bottom line
The number of cruise ships operated by Viking is greater than that of any other major cruise line serving the North American market. This is due, in part, to the fact that it is active in the ocean cruise sector as well as the river cruise business. Even though it is quite extensive, the company’s fleet of vessels is not overly complicated to grasp. The designs of the vast majority of both the company’s ocean ships and river ships are virtually interchangeable with one another.
