German shipbuilder Neptun Werft recently handed over two new vessels to Viking River Cruises of Basel, Switzerland. The vessels have been named Viking Egdir and Viking Gymir after two notable figures in Norse mythology.
Whereas the other long riverboats in the Viking fleet each feature all-diesel propulsion encompassing the main engines and the generators, Viking Egdir and Viking Gymir are each equipped with a hybrid propulsion system consisting of three diesel engines and a large-capacity battery pack. However, like their diesel-powered sisters, the newbuilds have been fitted with roof-mounted solar panels for supplying additional electrical power.
The new riverboats each have an LOA of 135 metres, a beam of 11.5 metres, a draught of 1.8 metres, and a gross tonnage of 3,140. The diesel-electric propulsion delivers a speed of 15 knots.
The sisters each come with 95 staterooms in eight different classes across three decks to accommodate a total of 190 guests in addition to the 50-strong crew. On deck three are seven veranda suites and two large owner's suites with wrap-around balconies located at the stern so that guests are provided with 270-degree views of the surroundings. The remaining accommodation options include 37 balcony staterooms, 20 French balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors/windows, and 25 standard staterooms with non-opening porthole windows.
The amenities on each ship include an observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors located at the bow, a 360-degree view sun deck with bar and sunbathing area, restaurants, a live entertainment venue, a two-deck atrium with lobby and 24-hour front desk, gift shops, an herb garden, and deck facilities where guests can play such games as miniature golf, shuffleboard, and giant outdoor chess. Each vessel also has a lecture area and an onboard library with a wide selection of books on history, culture, and other related subjects in line with Viking's aim of being the "The Thinking Person's Cruise Line" with the focus on educating rather than entertaining guests during each voyage.
Access between the four decks including the sun deck is via forward, midships, and aft stairways. A passenger lift has also been fitted, though it is available only for serving decks two and three. All interior spaces also have wi-fi connectivity.
Viking Egdir and Viking Gymir, the final two additions to Viking's 65-ship river cruise fleet, will commence operational sailings within this year under the Swiss flag. The vessels' initial voyages will be eight-day Rhine River itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel. Future sailings will also encompass the Main and Danube Rivers and will include Austria, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovakia.
| Viking Egdir & Viking Gymir | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | River cruise ships |
| Flag: | Switzerland |
| Owner: | Viking River Cruises, Switzerland |
| Operator: | Viking River Cruises, Switzerland |
| Designer: | Neptun Werft, Germany |
| Builder: | Neptun Werft, Germany |
| Length overall: | 135 metres |
| Beam: | 11.5 metres |
| Draught: | 1.8 metres |
| Gross tonnage: | 3,140 |
| Main engines: | 3 |
| Maximum speed: | 15 knots |
| Other electronics: | Solar panels |
| Other equipment installed: | Passenger lift |
| Interior fitout/furnishings: | 3 x stairways |
| Type of fuel: | Diesel; battery power |
| Accommodation: | 9 x suites; 37 x balcony staterooms; 20 x French balcony staterooms; 25 x standard staterooms; observation lounge; sun deck; bar; restaurants; entertainment venue; lecture area; library; atrium with lobby; gift shops; gaming facilities |
| Crew: | 50 |
| Passengers: | 190 |