Face Coverings, Physical Distancing to be Standardized at Hotels
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has released the “Safe Stay Guest Checklist” for guests on how to travel safely while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide. This checklist is part of AHLA’s Safe Stay guidelines, an industry-wide, enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees.
Safe Stay Guest Checklist”
The Safe Stay Guest Checklist includes:
Require face coverings in all indoor public spaces and practice social distancing in all common areas.
Choose contactless options, where available, including online reservations, check-ins, and payments.
Consider daily room cleaning, only if necessary. Ask the hotel about your options.
Request contactless room service delivery.
Refrain from traveling if you have, or recently had, any symptoms of COVID-19 or contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
“The top priority for the hotel industry is the health and safety of guests and employees. Utilizing these best practices, including requiring face coverings and practicing social distancing in public spaces, will create an even safer environment for all our guests and employees,” said Chip Rogers, President and CEO of AHLA. “As an industry, we want every guest to experience a clean and safe hotel no matter where they stay. We applaud governors who have standardized the use of face coverings in all indoor public spaces and we urge all lawmakers to help make this a national standard by implementing this requirement in their states. These preventative measures make it safer and easier for Americans to travel while also supporting hotel and tourism employees.”
Arne Sorenson, CEO, Marriott International said, “The health and safety of associates and guests has always been a top priority at Marriott. Part of our Commitment to Clean is that we’re redefining our cleaning and safety standards to align with evolving expert protocols as we all work together to manage the spread of COVID-19. Health guidance is clear on wearing masks and it is a simple step everyone can take when in public spaces of hotels to protect themselves, each other and associates. We’re pleased to join with the industry to create consistency and collectively support our communities so we all can travel more safely.”
Jonathan Tisch, Chairman & CEO, Loews Hotels & Co. said, “The travel & tourism industry is rooted in partnerships. As an industry we need to work and align together and AHLA’s Safe Stay Guidelines is an opportunity to do just that. As hotel operators and owners, we have a role and responsibility to provide a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment for team members, guests and our communities, and now more than ever we need to ensure we are exceeding expectations in this area.”
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry and contributes nearly $660 billion to U.S. GDP.
Two new itineraries focus on France’s culinary delights – Michelin cooking, wines and more
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is making it easy to say bonjour to France in 2021, offering a season full of new opportunities. The luxury cruise line is unveiling a new selection of exclusive experiences featuring immersive art exhibitions, classical music masterpieces, and acapella performances, as well as gastronomic delights, providing guests with a truly unique and exclusive river cruise – and as always, truly all-inclusive.
Booking Incentives
Guests booking by August 14, 2020, receive complimentary pre-cruise overnight stays; a city tour of Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux (itinerary dependent) in a classic Citroën 2CV car (two guests per vehicle); transfers between airport, hotel and ship; free flights (economy-level on 8- to 10-day sailings or $1,200 savings per guest; premium level on cruises of 11 or more days or $1,800 savings per guest); and a free Book with Confidence program that offers guests additional flexibility and includes Deposit Protection (value $125) and reduced deposits. An additional Early Payment Discount of $350 per person is available on 2021 bookings paid in full within 14 days of booking.
New Itineraries
Scenic is introducing two new 11-day French culinary cruises in 2021 featuring outstanding gastronomic experiences, including an onboard dinner prepared by Michelin star chef Didier Goiffon and a cooking class at three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc’s restaurant. Guests on Flavours of Bordeaux spend a one-night pre-cruise stay at the Intercontinental Bordeaux*, tour Bordeaux in a Citroën 2CV, enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the immersive digital art exhibition, Les Bassins de Lumières, set inside Bordeaux’s former submarine base, learn about and indulge in the Grand Cru wines of Sauternes, the French aperitif, Lillet, and the wines of Médoc, and spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, accompanied by a tasting of Rémy Martin. Tastes of Southern France guests overnight at Sofitel Bordeaux* pre-cruise and enjoy a tour of Lyon in the Citroën before sailing. Along the route, guests join an exclusive interactive workshop at the Valrhona Cité du Chocolate museum, after it has closed for the day, take in an exclusive classical concert in the Grand Tinel Room of the Palais des Papas, learn about truffle farming from local truffle farmers and their specially trained dog, and indulge in some of the best vintages of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Prices start at $6,695 per person, double, for either cruise.
Guests joining Scenic’s 11-day Beautiful Bordeaux ($6,195) or eight-day Bordeaux Affair ($4,495) can explore Bordeaux in the Citroën 2CV while staying one night at the Intercontinental Bordeaux*. During the cruise, guests will be immersed in French culture, wines and foods, and take in an evening of unforgettable classical music during an exclusive concert at the 13th-century Château d’Agassac, set in the spectacular surrounds of the Médoc countryside.
The 11-day South of France and eight-day Idyllic Rhône cruises put guests in the Sofitel Bordeaux* for one pre-cruise night and takes them on a tour of Lyon in a classic Citroën 2CV car. Among a long list of highlights on the South of France, the itinerary is an exclusive breathtaking acapella performance in Trinity Chapel, while both cruises include an exclusive performance at a Gala dinner at the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Starting prices run $6,495 and $5,095 per person, double, respectively.
Guests on Scenic’s eight-day Highlights of Normandy & the Seine ($4,695) and 11-day Normandy & Gems of the Seine ($6,395) itineraries can look forward to a serene cruise directly into the English Channel port of Honfleur – one of few lines that able to dock within the city. Besides a complimentary pre-cruise stay at the Hilton Opera Paris* and tour of Paris in the Citroën, guests are treated to an exclusive classical concert performed by the region’s top musicians in Vernon’s Château de La Roche-Guyon, overlooking the river and the small village bearing the same name.
Scenic’s Award-Winning History
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 34-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive river, and ocean cruises and handcrafted land tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has offered river cruises in Europe, SE Asia, Russia, and Egypt on its 15 Space-Ships. In 2019, Scenic introduced the world’s first luxury Discovery Yacht, the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse. Sister brand Emerald Cruises has eight (soon to be nine with the 2021 launch of Emerald Luna) Star-Ships offering sailings on European rivers and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River. In 2021, the Emerald Azzurra will be the first yacht to launch under the Emerald Cruises brand – a 100-guest superyacht that will ply the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red seas.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is resuming daily departures from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has announced an extended delay to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows:
“As you know, we recently announced that we would finally return to sea this August – offering travelers the chance to enjoy a much-needed, two-night getaway to paradise. However, given the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) extension of its No Sail Order, we have no choice but to delay our resumption of cruise operations to October 1st, 2020.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have remained one of the few cruise lines that reported no cases of the virus onboard our ships. We have also followed all required guidelines, including adhering to strict requirements for our onboard crew members, and installed the best safety protocols in the industry across our fleet to protect our guests and crew, who are always our top priority. In addition, we remain the only cruise line in the country to receive “green status” from the CDC on our No Sail Response plan, meaning we have met their requirements in providing a safe environment for our crew members to work and disembark via commercial travel. This was also recognized in the CDC’s own statement.
While we are disappointed that we are not able to sail as planned, we will of course continue to work side by side with the CDC and have therefore suspended all future sailings until October 1st. We are also aware of the recent announcement from Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Munnis regarding the travel ban on travelers from the U.S., and we are prepared to make necessary changes to our sailing schedule, as needed. Until then, we will continue our preparations to return to Grand Bahama Island while keeping a close eye on the overall landscape. We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard and appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.”
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Where is it located?
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Address: 1700 Sea Ray Dr. Merritt Island, FL 32952
New itineraries for Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic
Carnival Cruise Line has begun notifying guests and travel agents of revisions to the delivery of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, as well as the transformed Carnival Radiance – both resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic – and new itineraries for Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic that are all part of an updated deployment plan from November 2020 to May 2021.
The key points of the changes:
Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered ship to operate in the Western Hemisphere and featuring the first roller coaster at sea, will now enter into service from Port Canaveral, Fla. on Feb. 6, 2021. Itineraries out of Port Canaveral for departures from Nov. 14, 2020 to Jan. 30, 2021 have been canceled.
Carnival Radiance’s $200 million dry dock at the Cadiz, Spain shipyard was suspended this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a nationwide lockdown. Carnival is now evaluating shipyard options to complete the transformation, but the ship is likely not going to be completed until the spring.
As a result of the delayed arrival of Carnival Radiance, Carnival Breeze will be redeployed from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral and will assume the itineraries for Carnival Radiance from Nov. 8, 2020 to Apr. 24, 2021. Consequently, guests on 18 Carnival Breeze sailings from Fort Lauderdale scheduled to operate from Nov. 7, 2020 to Mar. 7, 2021 are being notified that their cruises have been cancelled.
Carnival Magic’s transatlantic and European itineraries from Mar. 13, 2021 to May 3, 2021 have been cancelled. Seven sailings previously scheduled for Carnival Breeze from Fort. Lauderdale from Mar. 13 to Apr. 24, 2021 will move to Miami and those guests will sail on the same itinerary, but on Carnival Magic operating from PortMiami.
“We continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global commerce, public health and our cruise operations. In addition to our current pause in service, there have been many other unintended consequences, including shipyard, dry dock and ship delivery delays, and related changes to our deployment plans for our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “While we had hoped to make up construction time on Mardi Gras over the summer, it’s clear we will need extra time to complete this magnificent ship. We share our guests’ disappointment and appreciate their patience as we work through this unprecedented time in our business and the lives of so many people. We remain committed to working with government, public health, and industry officials to support the response to the pandemic and to return to operations when the time is right.”
On July 2nd, The Scenic Group’s newly formed shipbuilding company, MKM Yachts, was granted a sub concession at the Maj 3 Shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia, in an official signing ceremony attended by the Croatian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Sea, Oleg Butkovic.
The recently formed business, MKM Yachts, wholly owned by the Scenic Group, will be the prime contractor for all of the group’s new-build ship projects in Croatia, with the construction of Scenic Eclipse II already underway. Scenic Group also confirmed the construction of four additional custom-built vessels over the next six years, all of which will continue the brand’s signature five-star ultra-luxury standard.
Glen Moroney, Chairman of the Scenic Group commented, “This is a very exciting development for the Scenic Group to build on the experiences gained with the construction of Scenic Eclipse I and utilizing the team we have built that delivered her in difficult circumstances. Plans are well advanced for future projects and we look forward to sharing these at the appropriate time.”
The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Australian-founded business and demonstrates its confidence in the luxury yacht market. The business continues to secure its position as a major player in the global industry and experts in small-ship cruising.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 34-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive river, and ocean cruises and handcrafted land tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has offered river cruises in Europe, SE Asia, Russia, and Egypt on its 15 Space-Ships. In 2019, Scenic introduced the world’s first luxury Discovery Yacht, the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse. Sister brand Emerald Waterways has eight (soon to be nine with the 2021 launch of Emerald Luna) Star-Ships offering sailings on European rivers and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River. In 2021, the Emerald Azzurra will be the first ship to launch under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand – a 100-guest superyacht that will ply the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red seas.
For more information contact your travel agent or in the US visit www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7985 and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone (866) 689-8611
Viking Has Been Voted a #1 Ocean Cruise Line Five Years in a Row
For the fifth consecutive year, Travel + Leisure readers have voted Viking® (www.viking.com), to the top of its categories in the 2020 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today by the publication. Viking was named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line for ships carrying 600 to 2,199 guests and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines. Since the launch of Viking’s ocean cruises in 2015, the company has been named a #1 Ocean Cruise Line every single year.
Travel + Leisure is the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., and since 1995 its readers have been asked to cast their votes for the World’s Best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, food, service itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities, and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on newsstands in July; the full results of the 25th annual awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.
“It is an honor to be voted a #1 ocean cruise line for a fifth consecutive year,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “While we may not be traveling together at this time, Viking remains focused on the future and continuing to expand our fleet with more award-winning ocean and river ships, as well as new expedition vessels. When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming our guests back to exploring the world in comfort. Thank you to our guests and readers of Travel + Leisure for this prestigious award.”
Today’s announcement follows the recent “float out” of the company’s seventh 930-guest ocean ship, Viking Venus®– marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touched water. Scheduled to debut in early 2021, Viking Venus will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe and will join the an award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships, which include Viking Star® , Viking Sea® , Viking Sky® , Viking Sun® , Viking Orion® and Viking Jupiter®.
Earlier this year, Viking announced it will launch Viking Expeditions, with two purpose-built 378-guest vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, debuting in 2022 to sail voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. Also in 2022, Viking will launch its highly anticipated U.S. river cruises, with the debut of the 386-guest Viking Mississippi, sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul.
Viking.TV
Viking’s new experience channel, Viking.TV (http://viking.tv/), was launched in April 2020 as a digital platform for people to come together and continue to explore the world in comfort – from home. Viking.TV provides a continually expanding library of enriching cultural content and weekly live stream sessions from around the world.
Passenger safety on cruise vessels is a major topic these days. The Coronavirus put a spotlight on how foreign-flagged cruise vessels protect passengers on their liners– or as we’ve seen since January– have not. We sat down with Los Angeles personal injury attorney and cruise ship legislation lobbyist Michael Ehline to discuss his role in major legislation on the topic.
Ehline, along with several other lawyers and victims, was key in the passage of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. This was the landmark legislation that ensured passenger safety on cruise vessels. As a skilled attorney with ample experience on cruise ship issues and injuries, Michael jumped at the chance.
However, this was not before Michael worked with the International Cruise Victims Association or ICV. The ICV pushed for Congressional hearings in 2005 and 2006. Ehline worked with the late Ken Carver on key provisions of the act, which included protection for cruise passengers. The situation was dark before the two worked together. In 2007, the Los Angeles Times reported that during a 32 month period, there were 250 sexual assault incidents on Royal Caribbean lines alone. Furthermore, during Congressional testimony, it emerged that crew members perpetrated many of these assaults. Furthermore, the FBI reported that almost 40% of all such assaults were due to the employees of the cruise vessels. The act was co-sponsored by both Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and California Representative Doris Matsui.
The measures are both sweeping and common sense. It required cruise ships installing 42-inch high guard rails. And the bill mandated Man Overboard (MOB) Systems, to stop and circle the vessel around the fall area when someone goes off the ship into the waters. It also reported that the cruise liners report all serious crimes to the FBI or law enforcement. The liners also must post the crime data on their website.
The legislation became a model not only for transport in the United States but for other nations as well.
A Central Role
In the middle of many of the key elements was Michael Ehline.
“Working with Ken was quite the experience,” Ehline told us. “He was a wealth of knowledge and always fighting for the little guy. There were so many cases of cruise ship lines looking the other way.
Ehline added that the reporting requirements in the Act were intended to cause a reduction of serious issues on cruise ships. While the issues are not completely solved, the work of ten years ago “made a major difference.”
“It’s something I can point to and know that I played a role in making our seas safer,” he said.
Ehline is available to assist both individuals and associations in handling the topic of cruise ship safety.
“There’s still more work left to be done,” he said.
The attorney hopes that in the aftermath of the Corona crisis, Congress considers new legislation aimed at protecting passengers, especially in terms of disease.
“There’s now a precedent a mile long,” he said.
Ehline can be reached at michael@ehlinelaw.com or for more info on cruise ship safety, read his important webpage here.
Strong Demand Leads to Early Release of 2023 Departure Dates
Viking® has announced that new 2023 sailings of its Mississippi River cruises are now on sale. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Viking’s first river cruises in the U.S. had been highly anticipated when they were officially announced in April 2020, and several sailings have already sold out. This strong demand has led Viking to open additional 2023 sailing dates sooner than originally expected. Also, the company has released several new renderings of Viking Mississippi, which can be accessed in the Viking Media Center.
View current Viking Mississippi Images Here:
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Ship – Living Room
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Ship – Aquavit Terrace at night
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Ship – Aquavit Terrace as seen from the River Cafe
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Ship – Living Room
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Living Room
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – River Cafe
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Mamsen’s Restaurant
Viking Mississippi Penthouse Terrace Suite
Viking Mississippi Restaurant Interior
Viking Mississippi Restaurant Entry
Viking Mississippi Restaurant Interior
Viking Mississippi Pool Area
Viking Mississippi Penthouse Veranda
Viking Mississippi Living Room
Viking Mississippi Fwd Suite Balcony
Viking Mississippi Fwd Suite Deck 5
Viking Mississippi Fwd Suite Deck 3 Bedroom
Viking Mississippi Explorers Lounge
Viking Mississippi Entry Foyer
Viking Mississippi Deluxe Verenda
Viking Mississippi
Viking Mississippi Aquavit Terrace BBQ Area
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Junior Suite
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Forward Explorer’s Suite Living Room on Deck 3.
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Forward Explorer’s Suite Living Room on Deck 3
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi Explorers Lounge – Deck 2
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Aft Explorer’s Suite on Deck 3.
Viking Mississippi Rendering
Viking Mississippi Rendering
Viking Mississippi Rendering
“We are very pleased at the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Like me, many travelers are planning ahead for when we will once again be exploring the world in comfort – to exotic destinations as well as those closer to home. We look forward to welcoming guests as we bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi River in 2022.”
Viking’s arrival to the Mississippi will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river, with the new cruises expected to bring more than 5,800 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full sailing season in 2023. Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking’s new Mississippi River cruises to comprise seven U.S. states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans, and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque, and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).
2022-2023 Viking Mississippi Voyages
America’s Great River(15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)—Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and enjoy the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this leisurely voyage. Enjoy Southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit “The Norwegian Valley” in La Crosse. Multiple sailing dates now available in June, September and October 2023. Pricing starts at $10,999 per person, with discounted airfare from $199 per person.
America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul)—From pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience the regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste regional cuisine showcasing local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese. Multiple sailing dates in August and September 2022; additional sailing dates now available in July, August and September 2023. Pricing starts at $4,599 per person, with discounted airfare from $199 per person.
Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis)—This journey on the Lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement; discover the music of the South—jazz, blues and gospel; and experience the life and food culture of the south, from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis BBQ. Multiple sailing dates in October and November 2022; additional sailing dates now available in May and June 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at $4,199 per person, with discounted airfare from $199 per person.
Southern Celebration (8 days; New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)—On this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Multiple sailing dates in November and December 2022; additional sailing dates now available in January 2023. Inaugural pricing starts at $3,699 per person, with discounted airfare from $199 per person.
Viking Mississippi
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.
Purpose-built for the Mississippi and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern cruise ship in the region. Highlights of the new ship include:
Rendering of the Viking Mississippi – Aft Explorer’s Suite on Deck 3.
All Outside Staterooms
Guests can choose from an unparalleled seven spacious stateroom categories that range from 268 sq. ft to 1,024 sq. ft: Veranda, French Balcony, Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Veranda, Penthouse Jr. Suite, Terrace Suite, and Explorer Suite. All staterooms feature a private veranda or French balcony, king-size bed with luxury linens, large flat-screen interactive TV, mini-bar, large glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor, and 24-hour room service.
A Penthouse Veranda Suite aboard Viking Mississippi
Viking Suites
Viking Mississippi will have some of the largest true suites on the river, with every suite featuring two rooms and a full-size veranda off the spacious sitting room. Guests in Penthouse Jr. Suites (400 sq. ft.) and Terrace Suites (425 sq. ft.) receive early stateroom access; expanded double-sink bathroom; mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and snacks replenished daily; welcome champagne; and laundry, pressing and shoe shine services. Guests in the expansive Explorer Suites (657 sq. ft. to 1,024 sq. ft) also receive a wraparound veranda and complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package.
The Aquavit Terrace aboard Viking Mississippi will feature a Barbecue.
Aquavit Terrace
A public space beloved by many of Viking’s ocean and river guests, Viking Mississippi will also feature a revolutionary Aquavit Terrace on the top deck, providing a casual dining space ideal for an American barbecue experience. Combined with the River Café, the Aquavit Terrace will provide the most al fresco dining on the Mississippi.
Similar to Viking’s ocean ships, Viking Mississippi will have a glass-backed pool experience at the aft, allowing guests to take a dip while fully surrounded by their destination.
The Viking Mississippi will feature a Living room area
The Living Room
Clean Scandinavian design paired with American influences, the Living Room on Deck 1 is designed for socializing, relaxing and entertainment. Nearby, the quiet corner of The Library, is a perfect place to discover a new book.
The Restaurant will be located on Deck 1 and feature serve daily-changing menus.
The Restaurant
This main dining venue on Deck 1 will serve daily-changing menus featuring delicious regional cuisine and always available classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Full 360-Degree Promenade Deck
Guests can stroll the entire ship outside on Deck 1, stretching their legs while viewing scenic landscape and regional wildlife.
Enrichment On Board and On Shore
Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” A focus on cultural enrichment onboard Viking Mississippi means that guests will enjoy Destination Performances that represent the most iconic music of the region—as well as Guest Lecturers that shed light on the region’s art, architecture, history, culture, the natural world and more.
And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Privileged Access®, Local Life and Working World experiences, opening doors to places otherwise difficult to visit.
On Viking’s Mississippi River itineraries, guests may choose to take a guided kayaking trip in the Louisiana bayou; visit a working farm in Quad Cities, or immerse themselves in Cajun culture during a Privileged Access excursion to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.
Sustainable Features
Solar panels, LED lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system will make Viking Mississippi the most environmentally friendly passenger ship on the Mississippi River.
Viking Inclusive Value
Every Mississippi River cruise fare includes everything guests need, with no surprises or hidden fees. Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi.
This announcement is the most recent milestone as Viking continues to expand its destination-focused travel offerings. The company’s seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, will join the fleet in early 2021; an eighth ship will arrive in 2022 as planned. Also in 2022, Viking will introduce its new expedition cruises, with the first 378-guest purpose-built expedition ship, Viking Octantis, launching in January 2022 for voyages to Antarctica and then North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Viking® has announced its seventh ocean ship – the 930-guest Viking Venus® – was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in early 2021, Viking Venus will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.
“We started Viking’s ocean project eight years ago, and together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most beautiful ships. Today we are pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our seventh ocean ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As the world continues its path to recovery from COVID-19, we remain focused on the future, and with strong bookings for 2021 and the enthusiasm of our guests, we are optimistic about what is to come. I would like to thank our partners at Fincantieri and everyone working at the yard in Ancona for the hard work and dedication on the building of Viking Venus, and we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet early next year.”
The float-out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of Viking Venus began at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time when a cord was cut to allow water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set Viking Venus afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
In its first four years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 “World’s Best” Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as “Best Overall” Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, “Best River Cruise Line” and “Best River Itineraries,” with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named “Best New River Ships” in the website’s Editors’ Picks Awards.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
