VIKING EMBLA Ship Preview

The Viking Longships will be an entirely new class of river cruise vessel. Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises

The brand-new Viking Longships are Viking River Cruises’ most ambitious vessels to-date. Offering an abundance of “must-have” features, these game-changing vessels have captured the imagination of river cruise travellers; so much so that in the summer of 2011, Viking River Cruises announced the original four-ship order would be increased to six vessels due to unprecedented demand.

Viking Aegir and Viking Embla will join sister-ships Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord and Viking Odin as some of the most innovative ships plying the waterways in Europe when they are launched in the spring of 2012.

Environmentally friendly, these innovative vessels offer more of the amenities passengers have been asking for, like full-depth balconies in most staterooms, redesigned accommodations, and modern, stylish interiors crafted by Norwegian firm Yran & Storbraaten, who have been designing deep-ocean cruise ships for more than 20 years.

Viking’s Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen noted, “What has emerged are vessels that will deliver a peerless travel opportunity to aficionados of river cruising and those that have yet to try this unique way to see the world.”

Named after members of the Norse pantheon, they will operate some of Viking’s most sought-after itineraries, including the popular 10-day Tulips and Windmills voyage, the 8-day Romantic Danube, the 8-day Danube Waltz and the spectacular 15-day Grand European Tour.

VIKING EMBLA Staterooms

Veranda Staterooms will boast full balconies similar to those found on deep-ocean cruise ships. Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises.

• Explorer Suites will be the largest river cruise suites in Europe at 445 square feet. These two suites each featuring a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views.
• Veranda Suites measure 270-square feet with full-size verandas in the living room and French balconies in the bedroom, offering guests the best of both worlds. Seven of these Suites are aboard Viking Embla.
• Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas measure 205-square feet, and closely resemble their deep-ocean cruising cousin. Thirty-nine of these well-appointed staterooms are onboard.
• French Balcony Staterooms measure 135-square feet and feature a French balcony. Twenty-two of these staterooms are available on Viking Embla, and include all the comfortable amenities you might expect from a boutique European hotel.

VIKING EMBLA Public Areas

The new Aquavit Terrace is the ideal lounge, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Careful attention has been put into these six Viking Longships to ensure passengers are constantly surrounded by an environment that is as rich and comfortable as the regions they sail in.

Notable among Viking Embla’s public areas is the addition of a new indoor/outdoor lounge called the Aquavit Terrace. Featuring retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the lounge can be used in any weather conditions and makes the perfect place to enjoy a drink and the company of new friends while admiring the stunning scenery.

Adjacent to the Aquavit Terrace are new Al fresco dining areas. Located on the Upper Deck, these alternate venues offer guests more dining choices, and passengers are no longer limited to dining in the ship’s main restaurant.

Viking Embla also features a main lounge and restaurant, both of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows for unparalleled views of the passing scenery. A library, Internet Centre and Reception area are also offered. On the uppermost level is the expansive Sun Deck, which boasts ample seating, including plenty of direct-sunlight and shaded options.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• The six Viking Longships are all due to set sail in the spring of 2012. However, itineraries can be booked immediately through Viking River Cruises or your local travel agent.

Read more about Viking Embla.

Viking LongShips Reviews