Viking River launches new long boats!

Viking River Cruises are Europe’s largest river cruise line by half. Viking are saying they will have the first true suites on the rivers  with the definition of  “suites” as accommodations with two distinct rooms (other lines offer suite accommodations that are basically a larger-than-usual room). They would have full-sized balconies, just like ocean-going big ships. And they would feature the first genuinely outdoor cafe on a riverboat.

With the debut of Viking River Cruises’ Viking Idun and Viking Odin, the first two in a series of 12 Longships that will launch over the next two years, it’s time to learn whether the cruise line’s claims are mere hype or definite reality.

It is reported that these new vessels have the feel of Seabourn’s new Odyssey class.

But the beauty of these ships goes beyond the Seabourn comparison. Europe’s river operators have long been trying to distance themselves from the reputation, at one time deserved, that its vessels were stodgy and not all that comfortable. Over the past decade, the industry’s been moving toward designing ships that will appeal to those accustomed to ocean cruising comforts.

Viking has delivered on much of its pre-launch hype. Not only were these ships created at the highest standard for Viking itself, but they’re helping, along with lines like Ama Waterways, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways, to establish a new benchmark for comfort in European river cruising.

And with Joanna Lumley as the Godmother of the Viking Odin, you expexct quality and sophistication and ‘by george’ u’ll get it!