Why a voyage on the water doesn't mean compromising on style

Telegraph

2 days ago

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.