The 190-passenger, 443-foot-long Viking Freya is one of four Viking River Cruises new-builds set to launch in March and April 2012. Two more will launch in the summer.
Freya and its sisters will inaugurate Vikings's Longship class of vessels, designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten (known for creating
Disney Dream and
Seabourn Cruise Line's ships) and named after Norse gods. The foursome will sail Viking's most popular routes, including the 10-day "Tulips & Windmills" cruise, 8-day "Romantic Danube," 15-day "Grand European Tour" and 8-day "Danube Waltz."
Amenity-wise, here's what passengers can expect to find onboard:
The line will introduce its Explorer Suites. There will be two per ship, and they'll each measure 445 square feet and feature a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private, wraparound verandah. The seven 270-square-foot Veranda Suites on each ship will offer full-size verandahs in the living rooms and French balconies in the bedrooms.
Seventy-five percent of cabins will feature verandahs or French balconies, including 39 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandahs.
The Aquavit Terrace brings a new lounge concept to the line. The all-weather indoor/outdoor space features retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors for alfresco relaxation on nice days and climate-controlled views on not-so-nice days.
Passengers will have several dining options with the addition of alfresco areas with grills on the Upper Deck.
And, with green cruising becoming a big trend these days, Viking will offer energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden on the Longships.
Viking has opted not to take away from cabin space to offer a spa or cinema. Instead, it will offer spa and health club packages at luxury hotels in select destinations and provide the option to transform the ship's lounges into theaters with multiple viewing screens and surround sound.
