Viking (cruise line)
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travel and Tourism |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | River cruises and Ocean cruises |
| Website | www |
Viking Cruises is an international company that operates a fleet of 37 river cruising vessels along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt; in 2015 it will begin offering ocean cruises as well. Viking has a primary sales office in the United States, secondary sales offices in the United Kingdom and Australia, and operational offices in Switzerland.
Company history
Viking Cruises, a global corporation with sales and marketing headquarters in the United States, was initially established as Viking River Cruises in 1997 by a Scandinavian and Dutch consortium. Viking River Cruises expanded into the American market in 2000, establishing U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, California.[1] As a result of acquisitions and new builds, as of 2014, Viking Cruises will operate a fleet of 52 ships with more than 9,000 berths.
In the mid-1990s, the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen, took a river cruise through Russia and decided to create a river cruising company so that others could enjoy similar experiences. Educated at Norwegian Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School, Mr. Hagen was formerly CEO of Royal Viking Line, and also served on the boards of Holland America Line and Kloster Cruise Ltd.
The company started with the purchase of four Russian vessels in 1997. In 2000, Viking purchased the multi-night portion of Europe’s KD River Cruises, founded in 1827.[2] KD retained its Rhine Line passenger ferries, scheduled services and day-excursion operations. Viking’s combined fleet consisted of 26 river cruise vessels accommodating approximately 4,200 passengers, resulting in Viking managing the largest fleet of river cruise vessels in the world.[3] The KD acquisition included the landing stages (docks), an extremely valuable asset—Viking owns docks in more European cities than it stops in, ensuring prime docking locations for easy passenger access and the ability to walk directly into town in many ports, while sailing past other ports without stopping.
The company expanded into China in April 2004 with Yangtze River “cruisetours” that include hotel stays in various cities like Beijing and Shanghai.[4] The company's latest acquisition, in 2006, was the UK river cruise specialist Travel Renaissance which is now known as Viking Cruises in the UK.[5]
On May 17, 2013 the company announced the launch of an ocean cruise division [6] and modified its name to Viking Cruises. The ocean cruise division focuses on destination-centric cruising in the small ship category, prices for value. Debuting its maiden season in 2015, its first ship, Viking Star, will sail ocean cruise itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, and the Mediterranean Sea.
River cruising
Viking’s European ships have a typical capacity of 190 passengers; its Russia ships hold an average of just over 200 and the China ship holds up to 246. The cruises are marketed as being unique from other tours in that they provide vacationers views and access to areas that they otherwise could only visit by driving on their own or by taking a bus tour. Suggested advantage of the river tour is the chance to see the best of the big cities and villages, in a relaxing, affordable and scenic mode of travel. Travelers unpack just once and enjoy scenic cruising on wide, smooth rivers instead of enduring extensive bus rides or long days at sea without scenery.
Viking itineraries range from seven to 23 days along Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Elbe and Douro Rivers; Russia’s Volga and Svir; Ukraine’s Dnieper; China’s Yangtze; Egypt’s Nile and Lake Nasser; Vietnam’s Mekong and Burma’s Irrawaddy. Some voyages, including those in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt and a few in Europe, are “cruisetours,” which include both hotel stays and river cruising. All itineraries include at least one shore excursion per day.
Viking’s river cruises are priced to include accommodations, onboard meals, most shore excursions and cultural activities. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with onboard lunches and dinners.[5] All ships have nonsmoking interiors with a smoking area available on the sun deck. Since the focus is on the river and the ports of call, onboard activities are geared toward enrichment lectures and activities that enhance the destination experiences. Air travel, including transfers, can be purchased through Viking.
Viking provides English-speaking staff on its ships and fully escorted tours in China and Russia. Shore excursions showcase the history, culture, art and architecture of the visited cities.[7]
River cruise ship design innovations
In 2009, Viking launched Viking Legend, the first of its ships to have hybrid diesel-electric engines. According to the company these engines use an estimated 20% less fuel than conventional engines. Noise-insulated engine rooms reduce noise and vibration and the ship has its own membrane water treatment plant to further reduce environmental impact. Viking’s next new vessel, Viking Prestige, launched in 2011 with the same "green" features as Viking Legend.
In 2012 Viking introduced its new Viking Longships® class; each of these ships has the same environmentally friendly engine system, plus a patented interior design configuration (Corridor configuration designs U.S. Patent No. 1832106-0001 to 1832106-0011) that creates large two-room suites, full-size rooms with full-size verandas and French balcony staterooms. Three-quarters of the staterooms on each ship feature a veranda, French balcony or both; staterooms near the water line have a window. Additional features include an indoor-outdoor "Aquavit Terrace" for alfresco dining at the prow of the ship, large "Explorer Suites" at the stern; solar panels and an organic herb garden. The first six Viking Longships that launched in 2012 collectively won Cruise Critic’s award for Best New River Ship;[8] the company launched 10 more in 2013 and will launch an additional 14 in 2014[9]; additionnally two smaller vessels purpose-built for Portugal’s Douro River will be taken into charter. Each Viking Longship is named for a figure in Norse mythology.
Fleet
Viking River Cruises currently operates a fleet of 37 vessels, marketed primarily to English-speaking customers in North America, the UK and Australia.[5] Most of its ships have been built or renovated since 2000; 100% of the staterooms are "outside" staterooms with picture windows, sliding doors ("French balconies") or full balconies ("verandas"). Other onboard amenities include restaurants, bars, lounges, libraries, sun decks, telephones and private bathrooms; most ships have additional in-room amenities like televisions, safes and refrigerators. All ships are air-conditioned. The company launched an unprecedented 10 ships at one time on March 20, 2013, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.[10] As of 2014, more than two-thirds of the company’s European fleet will be Viking Longships.
Ships cruising in Europe
| Ship name | Year built/refurbished | Class | Length | Crew | Guests | Staterooms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Aegir | 2012 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Alsvin | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Atla | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Baldur | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Bestla | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Bragi | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Buri | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Delling | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Eistla | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Embla | 2012 | Viking Longship | 439.6 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Forseti | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Freya | 2012 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Gullveig | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Heimdal | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Hermod | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Hlín | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Idi | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Idun | 2012 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Ingvi | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Jarl | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Kara | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Kvasir | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Lif | 2014 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Magni | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Njord | 2012 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Odin | 2012 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Rinda | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Skadi | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Tor | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Var | 2013 | Viking Longship | 443 feet | 50 | 190 | 95 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Hemming | 2014 | Douro | 262 feet | 36 | 106 | 53 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Torgil | 2014 | Douro | 262 feet | 36 | 106 | 53 | Launching 2014 |
| Viking Prestige | 2011 | Legend | 443 feet | 44 | 189 | 97 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Legend | 2009 | Legend | 443 feet | 44 | 189 | 97 | diesel-electric hybrid engines |
| Viking Helvetia | 2006 | -- | 433 feet | 44 | 198 | 99 | Sailing on the Rhine River |
| Viking Sun | 2005 | -- | 433 feet | 44 | 198 | 99 | Sailing on the Rhine River |
| Viking Europe | 2001 | -- | 375 feet | 40 | 150 | 75 | Sailing in Southern France |
| Viking Neptune | 2001 | -- | 375 feet | 40 | 150 | 75 | Sailing in Southern France |
| Viking Pride | 2001 | -- | 375 feet | 40 | 150 | 75 | Sailing in Northern France |
| Viking Spirit | 2001 | -- | 375 feet | 40 | 150 | 75 | Sailing in Northern France |
| Viking Sky | 1999 | -- | 360 feet | 35 | 150 | 75 | Sailing on the Rhine, Main & Danube |
| Viking Fontane | 1991/2010 | -- | 311 feet | 28 | 110 | 55 | Sailing on the Elbe River |
| Viking Schumann | 1991/2011 | -- | 311 feet | 28 | 110 | 60 | Sailing on the Elbe River |
| Viking Douro | 2011 | -- | 261 feet | 30 | 124 | 62 | Sailing on the Douro River |
| MS Vienna | 2006 | -- | 443 feet | 43 | 164 | 82 | Sailing on the Danube River |
Ships cruising in Russia
| Ship name | Year built | Last refurbished | Length | Crew | Guests | Staterooms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Akun | 1990 | 2014 | 423 feet | 115 | 210 | 106 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
| Viking Rurik | 1990 | 2012 | 423 feet | 105 | 196 | 98 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
| Viking Ingvar | 1990 | 2013 | 423 feet | 115 | 210 | 106 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
| Viking Truvor | 1987 | 2013 | 423 feet | 115 | 210 | 106 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
| Viking Helgi | 1984 | 2013 | 423 feet | 115 | 210 | 106 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
Ships cruising in Ukraine
| Ship name | Year built | Last refurbished | Length | Crew | Guests | Staterooms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Sineus | 1990 | 2014 | 423 feet | 110 | 202 | 112 | fully refurbished with suites & veranda staterooms |
Ships cruising in Asia
| Ship name | Year built | Last refurbished | Length | Crew | Guests | Staterooms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Emerald | 2011 | -- | 361 feet | 138 | 246 | 132 | Yangtze River, China |
| Viking Mandalay | 2002 | 2013 | 180 feet | 28 | 60 | 30 | Irrawaddy River, Myanmar (Burma) |
| Viking Mekong | 2012 | -- | 168 feet | 25 | 60 | 30 | Mekong River, Vietnam & Cambodia |
| RV Indochina | 2008 | -- | 180 feet | 28 | 60 | 30 | Mekong River, Vietnam & Cambodia |
Ships cruising in Egypt
| Ship name | Year built | Last refurbished | Length | Crew | Guests | Staterooms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Esplanade | 2012 | -- | 253 feet | 75 | 150 | 75 | Nile River, Egypt |
| MS Omar El Khayam | 2007 | 2011 | 280 feet | 75 | 160 | 80 | Lake Nasser, Egypt |
Ocean cruising
Drawing on its river cruising experience and based on requests and feedback from river cruise guests, in 2013 Viking Cruises launched the travel industry’s first new cruise line in nearly a decade. Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking’s ocean cruise division will begin sailing its first vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and more ocean vessels are planned.[11] Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said, "It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail. We are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus." Initial ocean cruising destinations include Scandinavia and the Baltics, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Viking Star
Classified by Cruise Critic as a "small ship," the new 930-passenger all-veranda Viking Star is engineered at a scale that allows for easy, efficient embarkation and debarkation. The ship’s design expands on Viking’s signature understated Scandinavian interiors, and features five stateroom categories, all with private verandas; two pools, a spa, multiple lounge and dining choices, and a theater. The ship, which is being built by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, is designed with environmental features including dual-fuel engines, a hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels, and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.
Viking Star’s technical specifications
Length overall: 745.4 ft. (227.2m); beam 94.5 ft. (28.8m); draft 20.7 ft. (6.3m); gross tonnage (GRT) 47,800t.
References
- ^ http://www.cybercruises.com/vicetwyeusapr02.htm
- ^ Lizz Dinnigan, Travel Agent magazine cover story, September 10, 2001
- ^ Insight Guide to Great River Cruises, 2006, 2007, ISBN 978-981-258-397-0, p. 22
- ^ http://www.sealetter.com/news/viking.html
- ^ a b c Insight Guide to Great River Cruises, 2006, 2007, ISBN 978-981-258-397-0, p. 37
- ^ http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/media/launch-new-ocean-cruise-line.aspx
- ^ Insight Guide to Great River Cruises, 2006, 2007, ISBN 978-981-258-397-0, pp. 112-13
- ^ http://www.cruisecritic.com/editors-picks/
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2013/09/09/viking-river-cruises-ship/2786325/
- ^ http://cruiseradio.net/world-record-viking-river-cruises-christens-10-longships/
- ^ http://www.labusinessjournal.com/news/2013/sep/05/viking-river-cruises-add-ships/
External links
