Viking has welcomed eight new river “longships” to its fleet – vessels built specifically to navigate the Seine River and bring guests to the heart of Paris, and four more to sail popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
The ships were officially named at a ceremony in Paris last week, which officially introduced the Viking Fjorgn, Kari, Radgrid, Skaga, Egdir, Gersemi, Gymir, and Hervor.
The naming of the new river ships comes as Viking continues its 25th anniversary and a year of multiple milestones. In January 2022, the company launched Viking Expeditions and its first Polar Class vessel, the Viking Octantis. By the end of the year, Viking will have also welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new purpose-built vessels for the Nile and Mekong rivers and new Mississippi River voyages.
“As we mark 25 years of sailing the iconic waterways of the world, it is always a proud day when we welcome new ships to our fleet and offer more opportunities for curious travellers to explore the world in comfort,” said Viking chairman Torstein Hagen.
The ceremony was also timed to kick off Viking’s 2022 Europe river cruise season.
New offerings on the Seine
Building on Viking’s offerings in Paris and the four new Viking Longships sailing the Seine River, the company announced today a new post-trip extension entitled “Paris: A Culinary Experience” that will explore the cuisine of the French capital. Available beginning in 2023 for guests sailing on the eight-day “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” itinerary, the new extension allows guests to immerse themselves in the culinary history of Paris and taste the gastronomic delights the city has to offer.
Guests on the three-night extension will disembark their ship in Paris and explore the city with a culinary guide, visiting the “Belly of Paris” and the Rue Montorgueil, home to the city’s first pâtisserie, before checking into their hotel. The following day, guests will visit a Parisian cooking school to attend a croissant baking workshop with a local chef and learn about the pastry’s origins, before taking part in an evening wine and cheese tasting with an expert sommelier at a private wine cellar.
On the final day, guests journey to the Jacquemart-André Museum for a tour of the 19th century mansion and its private art collection followed by a special workshop delving into the art of table etiquette. Each day allows ample free time for guests to explore iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées from their centrally located hotel.
Christmas sailing
Additionally, Viking has announced a new holiday sailing, the eight-day “Christmas on the Seine”, sailing roundtrip from Paris. Available during the holiday season beginning this year, guests will sail through Normandy’s snow-covered countryside while enjoying the festive Christmas markets. Guests can select from holiday-centric shore excursions such as baking homemade gingerbread at the 850-year-old Abbaye du Valasse or attending a festive Christmas ornament making workshop in Rouen. Onboard, guests will enjoy special holiday-themed festivities including regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more.