The 190-passenger, 443-foot-long Viking Embla launched earlier this year, and is one of Viking River Cruises' new Longship class. By the end of 2013, a dozen sisters will be plying Europe's inland waterways. In 2012 and 2013 Viking Embla will sail the seven-night Romantic Danube itinerary, which starts in Budapest, visits Vienna, Melk, Passau and Regensburg, before ending in Nuremburg.
Amenity-wise, here's what passengers can expect to find on Viking Embla:
There are two 445-square-foot Explorer Suites on Embla. Each features a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private, wraparound verandah. The seven 270-square-foot Veranda Suites on each ship offer full-size balconies in the living room and French balconies in the bedroom, a "balcony-and-a-half" concept introduced by AMAWATERWAYS.
Seventy-five percent of cabins feature small verandahs or French balconies, including 39 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms. (The slender balconies have room for two chairs and a table.)
The Aquavit Terrace is a new lounge concept found on all the Longships. The all-weather indoor/outdoor space features retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors for alfresco relaxation on nice days and climate-controlled views on crummy days. The sun deck features a shaded sitting area, putting green, chess and walking track.
Passengers have several dining options, including the main restaurant (set time, open seating) and an alfresco area with grills on the sun deck.
Viking maintains a "green" reputation. Embla and its sisters feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden.
Viking has opted not to take away from cabin space to offer a spa or cinema. Instead, it offers spa and health club packages at luxury hotels in select destinations and can transform Embla's main lounge into a theater with multiple viewing screens and surround sound.
--Above photo is of sister ship Viking Freya.
