VIKING RIVER CRUISES REFURBISHED RUSSIAN FLEET
Fleet Is Fully Renovated and Renamed to Honor Viking’s Russian Heritage
Viking’s completely renovated Russia ships form the very best fleet of river cruise vessels in the region. Viking has rechristened the ships to honor important figures in Russian history and would like to share their story with you.
In the 9th century A.D., a Varangian (Viking) warrior called Rurik came to the large medieval state of Novgorod, which stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Ural Mountains. There he established Kievan Rus, which absorbed Novgorod and more. Rurik and his family began the Rurikid dynasty, which ruled a powerful and successful state for several hundred years. This land became the country we now know as Russia. One of the Russia ships has been named Viking Rurik to honor the leadership of Rurik and the Rurikid dynasty.
Viking Rurik’s sister ships—Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor—are named for members of the original Rurikid family of explorers. Helgi was a contemporary of Rurik’s, perhaps a brother-in-law; he is known in Russian as Oleg of Novgorod or Oleg the Seer. Truvor, one of Rurik’s brothers, took charge of Izborsk, an area near what is now Russia’s border with Estonia, securing those lands for Kievan Rus. Ingvar, a son of Rurik known in Russian as Igor of Kiev, was seated in Kiev in 907 A.D. by Helgi, who had raised young Ingvar after his father’s death.
What makes these ships worthy of such distinguished names? We are glad you asked.
In addition to redefining the interior space to create significantly larger staterooms, the ships’ full bow-to-stern refurbishment is highlighted by full, private verandas added to all staterooms on the Upper and Middle decks, which house four Suites, two Junior Suites and 60 Veranda Staterooms. At 405 square feet, the two-room Suites will each have separate sleeping and sitting areas, two Sony 26-inch flat-panel televisions, a walk-in closet and a full bathroom with double sinks and a separate bathtub and shower. Other in-room amenities for all staterooms include hotel-style beds, a safe and refrigerator plus premium bath products.
The ships also have fully renovated public areas such as the restaurant, lounge (complete with grand piano), library and bar, featuring Viking’s signature Scandinavian décor. Other upgraded ship areas include a shaded sun deck and a walk-around open air promenade deck. These modernized ships also include elevators that go to all decks.