Why a voyage on the water doesn't mean compromising on style
What if there was a ship that was in tune with the type of hotel you like to stay at? Serene and stylishly understated, this hotel on the water would embody that relaxing Scandinavian aesthetic.
Every design detail, from the elegant public spaces to the Aquavit Terraces, would be inspired by nature. Think granite, slate and finely crafted birch and juniper woods, hand-woven textiles, ingenious lichen 'rugs', and traditional Norwegian-knit bed throws. Pelt-draped sofas and cosy fire pits would complete the look.
Service would be subtle and refined (better, possibly, than you're used to on land) though never formal or stuffy. On this light-drenched ship, and with no children on board, you would be assured of a blissful hush, whether watching the horizon, dipping into one of the hundreds of books from the well-curated library, or relaxing with a drink in the Lounge.
The good news is this is not a 'what if ' scenario. Your stylish sanctuary on the water awaits – on board a Viking ocean, river or expedition ship.
A cut above
Viking does holidays on the rivers, lakes and oceans like no other line. When it comes to décor, design and ambience, it is simply being true to its Scandinavian roots. Torstein Hagen, the chairman and chief executive of Viking, brings decades of experience and Norwegian heritage.
Combine the company's heritage with some impressive cultural partnerships and an emphasis on destination enrichment, and it's no wonder that the Viking experience is a cut above. Nothing is showy – you won't find cocktail umbrellas, casinos or chintz on a Viking ship. Announcements are kept to an absolute minimum and there are no formal nights or dinner jackets required.
Think of a place you'd love to visit and chances are Viking sails there. Launched in 1997 with four river ships, Viking now offers journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world and visits all seven continents. In Europe there are river itineraries for every interest and season, whether it's castles, cathedrals, wine, tulip fields, grand waterside cities or snow-draped villages and festive markets.
River ships also sail the Mekong, the Mississippi and the Nile, while ocean ships visit places such as the remote Easter Island, the Panama Canal, the Chilean fjords and Sydney Harbour. Much closer to home you could be weaving through Norway's dreamy Lofoten Islands or sailing down a stunning fjord towards the Unesco-listed Montenegrin port of Kotor.
Ships ahoy
Viking's fleet of innovative river, ocean and expedition ships are purpose-built for both enjoyment and comfort. Two of the latest ships to join the Viking family are Polar Class expedition ships, each carrying a host of state-of-the-art equipment and two submarines.
Viking seeks to elevate the guest experience, which is why it takes its guests to inspiring destinations on all seven continents. Viking offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes access on its excursions and was the first to offer a boutique, Scandi-luxe vibe to the Mississippi.
Viking's inquisitive guests show an appreciation for culture, art and design. They travel to be stirred, to widen their horizons in destinations including Asia and to deepen their knowledge of a place and its inhabitants. Through Viking's signature Privileged Access shore excursion programme guests can choose to take private tours of world-class institutions. Viking's cultural partners include the Munch Museum in Oslo, where guests can see paintings by the Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch. In fact, one of the largest collections of his works outside of Oslo can be found on board Viking's ocean ships. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York guests can access the museum before it opens to enjoy a clear view of its artworks, guided by a museum expert.
Expansive experience
Each Viking journey includes shore excursions and an onboard enrichment programme that provides immersion in the destination through talks from carefully selected guest lecturers on topics including wildlife, architecture, culture, cuisine and natural phenomena, such as the aurora borealis. In certain destinations there may be wine tasting, a culinary class or a music performance.
All of this is included in the ' inclusive value ' fare. Across the whole Viking fleet, the pricing covers everything that guests could possibly need – all meals on board, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, a shore excursion in most ports, onboard gratuities and flights. And on ocean and expedition ships, guests can enjoy access to alternative restaurants and spa and fitness centres. So, there is no need to worry about any hidden surprises mysteriously finding their way onto your bill.
The only problem that you'll ever face when you're on a Viking ship – if you can even call it a problem – is that you may get too settled, feel too at home, and not want to get off. And that would be a shame, because this hotel is going places.
Start exploring Viking's incredible range of river, ocean and expedition voyages, on ships designed for discovery.
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Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Telegraph
Why a voyage on the water doesn't mean compromising on style
What if there was a ship that was in tune with the type of hotel you like to stay at? Serene and stylishly understated, this hotel on the water would embody that relaxing Scandinavian aesthetic. Every design detail, from the elegant public spaces to the Aquavit Terraces, would be inspired by nature. Think granite, slate and finely crafted birch and juniper woods, hand-woven textiles, ingenious lichen 'rugs', and traditional Norwegian-knit bed throws. Pelt-draped sofas and cosy fire pits would complete the look. Service would be subtle and refined (better, possibly, than you're used to on land) though never formal or stuffy. On this light-drenched ship, and with no children on board, you would be assured of a blissful hush, whether watching the horizon, dipping into one of the hundreds of books from the well-curated library, or relaxing with a drink in the Lounge. The good news is this is not a 'what if ' scenario. Your stylish sanctuary on the water awaits – on board a Viking ocean, river or expedition ship. A cut above Viking does holidays on the rivers, lakes and oceans like no other line. When it comes to décor, design and ambience, it is simply being true to its Scandinavian roots. Torstein Hagen, the chairman and chief executive of Viking, brings decades of experience and Norwegian heritage. Combine the company's heritage with some impressive cultural partnerships and an emphasis on destination enrichment, and it's no wonder that the Viking experience is a cut above. Nothing is showy – you won't find cocktail umbrellas, casinos or chintz on a Viking ship. Announcements are kept to an absolute minimum and there are no formal nights or dinner jackets required. Think of a place you'd love to visit and chances are Viking sails there. Launched in 1997 with four river ships, Viking now offers journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world and visits all seven continents. In Europe there are river itineraries for every interest and season, whether it's castles, cathedrals, wine, tulip fields, grand waterside cities or snow-draped villages and festive markets. River ships also sail the Mekong, the Mississippi and the Nile, while ocean ships visit places such as the remote Easter Island, the Panama Canal, the Chilean fjords and Sydney Harbour. Much closer to home you could be weaving through Norway's dreamy Lofoten Islands or sailing down a stunning fjord towards the Unesco-listed Montenegrin port of Kotor. Ships ahoy Viking's fleet of innovative river, ocean and expedition ships are purpose-built for both enjoyment and comfort. Two of the latest ships to join the Viking family are Polar Class expedition ships, each carrying a host of state-of-the-art equipment and two submarines. Viking seeks to elevate the guest experience, which is why it takes its guests to inspiring destinations on all seven continents. Viking offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes access on its excursions and was the first to offer a boutique, Scandi-luxe vibe to the Mississippi. Viking's inquisitive guests show an appreciation for culture, art and design. They travel to be stirred, to widen their horizons in destinations including Asia and to deepen their knowledge of a place and its inhabitants. Through Viking's signature Privileged Access shore excursion programme guests can choose to take private tours of world-class institutions. Viking's cultural partners include the Munch Museum in Oslo, where guests can see paintings by the Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch. In fact, one of the largest collections of his works outside of Oslo can be found on board Viking's ocean ships. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York guests can access the museum before it opens to enjoy a clear view of its artworks, guided by a museum expert. Expansive experience Each Viking journey includes shore excursions and an onboard enrichment programme that provides immersion in the destination through talks from carefully selected guest lecturers on topics including wildlife, architecture, culture, cuisine and natural phenomena, such as the aurora borealis. In certain destinations there may be wine tasting, a culinary class or a music performance. All of this is included in the ' inclusive value ' fare. Across the whole Viking fleet, the pricing covers everything that guests could possibly need – all meals on board, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, a shore excursion in most ports, onboard gratuities and flights. And on ocean and expedition ships, guests can enjoy access to alternative restaurants and spa and fitness centres. So, there is no need to worry about any hidden surprises mysteriously finding their way onto your bill. The only problem that you'll ever face when you're on a Viking ship – if you can even call it a problem – is that you may get too settled, feel too at home, and not want to get off. And that would be a shame, because this hotel is going places. Start exploring Viking's incredible range of river, ocean and expedition voyages, on ships designed for discovery.
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Telegraph
Discover timeless treasures with a voyage on the Rhine
Politics may be the reason why Strasbourg makes the headlines, but the historic beauty of the city is as eye-catching as anything discussed in the European Parliament. Wandering among the picture-perfect half-timbered buildings of the Petite France district, their flower-dappled facades reflected in the canals, the giant modern buildings of various EU institutions seem a world away. After giving my camera a workout, I relax in a café with a slice of tarte flambée; the next day, I learn how to make the Alsace version of pizza in a fun cooking demonstration on our Viking Longship, moored nearby. Strasbourg is a highlight of Viking's Rhine voyages and it features on the eight-day Rhine Getaway (which operates from early March to late November). The journey starts and finishes in Amsterdam or Basel (or vice versa), with ports of call in four countries. Arriving in Cologne, I find it easy to switch between standing in awe beneath its gigantic Gothic cathedral and sampling its revered beer culture in a traditional tavern. Another fine cathedral dominates Speyer, this one having sandstone walls and towers that glow brightly in the sun at the end of a charming 'high street'. Speyer is also home to my all-time favourite museum, the Technik, which has every mode of transport on display, from bicycles to a space shuttle. The charming town of Breisach is the gateway to an engaging included tour through the enchanted Black Forest to a hamlet where cuckoo clocks and the namesake gâteau are made. Then there's the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where the hillside castles and soaring churches come one after another – best enjoyed from the Sun Deck, with a commentary bringing the monuments to life. The authentic regional cuisine and live music on board the Viking Longship complement the chic modern comforts to be had on board. It's certainly a ship to luxuriate in, with its spacious staterooms, expansive, elegant suites, streamlined Scandinavian design and al fresco dining out on the deck. Our guide tells old tales of Kinderdijk, with its string of 19 handsome windmills built in the 18th century. Koblenz is a classic: pastel-coloured time-worn houses, cobbled lanes, enchanting churches and a colourful market square. Germany at its most picturesque is best found at Rüdesheim. The quirky taverns on and around Drosselgasse are perfect for people-watching with a glass of wine from a nearby estate. Heidelberg, on the River Neckar, a tributary of the Rhine, is unforgettable. Its huge castle dominates a hill above the river and the 18th-century bridge makes a perfect foreground for a photo. Viking offers an included excursion at almost every stop, plus a range of exciting options *. With the latter, you can discover other castles and palaces, further your knowledge of the local food and wine, explore by e-bike or climb up on the roof of a cathedral. Summer or winter? Choose one and I bet you'll return to savour the other. My unforgettable moments Infused with classic fairy tales, Germany's dense Black Forest is both romantic and mysterious. Everyone can join in Viking's included excursion from Breisach, taking the luxury coach along winding lanes, enjoying everchanging panoramas of wooded hills and lush pastures. At a hamlet hidden in the woods, you'll discover the history of cuckoo clocks, watch a glassblower and learn how to make the region's timeless gâteau. There is still enough time to follow a ravine through this captivating forest, imagining coming across Snow White or the Big Bad Wolf. The optional Beer Culture and Dinner excursion in Cologne is the perfect excuse to sample mouthwatering cuisine and beverages while immersing yourself in the cultural history of the German Purity Law, passed in 1516 to regulate beer production. In the company of a genial local host, you'll spend the evening hopping between traditional brauhauses, with generous helpings of the coveted kölsch beer and hearty food to soak it up.
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Telegraph
Embrace adventure and natural beauty with a voyage to Iceland
It's a chilly morning off Iceland's remote west coast. As we rise and fall through those petrol-blue waves on our rigid inflatable boat (RIB), something wonderful happens. A collective sigh fills the air as vapour erupts from a multitude of blowholes – humpbacks emerging in a synchronised dance before vanishing with a slap of their flukes. This is one of those hold-your-breath moments. And yet it's just one of many great experiences on our eight-day voyage around Iceland. Circumnavigating the country aboard one of Viking's ocean ships is an ideal way to absorb the drama of an extraordinary country, and adventurous excursions like this highlight its unusually raw beauty. Our week unfolds in a mix of kayaking, scootering over volcanic slopes in ATVs, riding on Icelandic horses then soaking in lesser-known geothermal baths. And complementing all this high drama is the Viking Jupiter's elegance – a ship accommodating just 930 guests in all-veranda staterooms. The décor is elegant with an emphasis on Scandi details. Original art, including lithographs by Edvard Munch and a collection of traditional antique Scandinavian costumes, mix with reindeer fur throws, pastel-toned contemporary furniture and blond-wood detailing. Unusually, everything from afternoon tea in the Wintergarden to room service and restaurants, such as Manfredi's Italian fare, are fee-free. Particularly memorable is the five-course Asian tasting menu at The Chef's Table and World Café's sumptuous seafood buffet. Inclusive, too, is The Nordic Spa, where we wallow in a heated indoor pool, linger in saunas, steam rooms and even a bracingly chilly Snow Grotto. In the evenings, we have enrichment lectures on Iceland's geology as well as quizzes and string quartets. We also appreciate the complimentary excursions. This being Iceland, a trip around its Golden Circle, including Thingvellir's rift valley, Geysir's spurting pools and Gullfoss's waterfalls, offers a perfect microcosm of this deeply unusual country. At Thingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are physically tearing apart, I swear I can almost hear nature screaming. Weak sunlight plays over moss-freckled lava fields as the wind, like an angry slap, howls along a deep, narrow slash between basalt columns. It's hugely atmospheric. At Geysir, palls of steam make ghosts of a crowd gathered around Strokkur, the lively hot spring. Eventually, the pool bubbles and belches, a plume of hot hissing water rising 30m into the breezy air. Midweek, we dock at Ísafjörður in the Westfjords region. This is Iceland's least visited area – and more's the pity, because it's outstandingly beautiful. Our goal is the tiny, far-flung island of Vigur. From our small boat, we can see the island's clapboard houses pulled into sharp relief against a tentative sun. This is the home of puffins, terns and guillemots, and also of British polar explorer Felicity Aston, her husband Gisli and their young son. They tend the island's 4,000 eider ducks – a kilo of eiderdown sells for about £1,500, Gisli says. If it seems an odd lifestyle choice, it's a profitable one. Icelandic people enthral us as powerfully as those extraordinary landscapes, and our guides are full of wry humour and eccentric stories. Further east, at Djúpivogur, the local mayor walks us around the town, telling scary tales from Icelandic folklore; then later, in a scrubbed-out fish oil tank, his wife sings exquisite songs of trolls and elves. Her ethereal voice wafts through the darkness; candles flicker and tears spring to my eyes. A captivating moment, yes – but that's Iceland – a country that's truly captivating and unforgettable. Iceland's Natural Beauty is an eight-day ocean voyage sailing roundtrip from Reykjavík with six guided tours.
