More than a thousand years since they last sailed up the Thames, the vikings are back in London.But instead of threatening rape and pillage, these Scandinavians are bringing the latest word in cruise ship design to the capital.Viking Cruises‘ first ever ocean-going cruise ship, Viking Star, today sailed through the Thames barrier during its maiden voyage. ‘With our new ocean cruises, we have created a new kind of vessel that is smaller in size and smarter in design, offering an alternative to today’s mega liners. Along with our privileged-access excursions and on board enrichment, we have made the destination the true focus of our new ocean cruises.
‘An infinity pool is cantilevered off the stern so passengers can enjoy looking out at their surroundings from the water. The glass infinity pool is one of the showstoppers on board the new boutique cruise ship which carries up to 930 passengers. The main pool has a retractable dome permitting any-season swimming, meaning there is another option to the glass-backed infinity pool. More privileged guests can enjoy 14 two-room explorer suites which feature wrap-around private verandas and measure up to 1,163 sq ft. They offer luxury bed linens a large flat-screen interactive TV, a coffee maker and cashmere blanket, 24-hour room service and free laundry, dry cleaning, shoe shine and pressing.
With crisp blond woods, pared-back cabin decor and light and airy spaces throughout, the ship channels the best of Scandi design. Reminders of the Viking legacy are borne out in artworks across the ship, with some impressive stairwell art.
Viking Star marks the travel industry’s first entirely new cruise line in a decade and is among the largest to sail up the Thames. After being formally launched, the ship will take passengers on voyages from the brand’s homeland in Scandinavia and the Baltic through to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean – mapping the path of Viking traders and warriors who journeyed as far as Istanbul. Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises, said he aimed to buck the trend for building bigger cruise liners by creating a smaller ship that can easily access its historic destinations.
