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ABOARD THE VIKING SKY — With the launch of its third oceangoing ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sky, Viking Cruises has made changes that will be rolled out across the fleet, including a reduction of the beverage package price.
Viking has dropped the cost from $30 to $19.95 per day, with no restrictions, apart from champagne.
Also, the wine list is being overhauled with fewer selections but prominent, recognizable choices, Viking said. For beer drinkers, microbrewery selections are being added.
As Mamsen’s prepares dishes made from the recipes of Viking chairman Tor Hagen’s mother, now the adjoining Explorers’ Lounge bar serves his father’s favorite beverages. The bar has been renamed Pops.
Viking said it has made many changes based on feedback from guests who sailed on the Viking Star and Sea. The fitness rooms have been expanded by about 540 square feet, drawing space from the beauty salon and adjoining store. Passengers simply were not patronizing beauty services that much; they proved more likely to use the gym or book massages, according to Erling Frydenberg, head of hotel operations for Viking’s ocean ships.
The line also removed outdoor workout equipment that went unused and replaced it with comfortable lounges.
Viking passengers also informed the team that they wanted more color in the accommodations, which are rich in texture and design but rely mostly on natural shades. So, new jewel-tone half-slips were put on pillows.
Organizing containers were added to the rooms to keep clutter down and prevent tour tickets, etc. from being buried under a mound of information.
Artwork and decor is distinctive on the Sky, with very light woods and a mix of elegant paintings, spectacular photography and charming work by young children in Viking-sponsored schools.
The guests also wanted more entertainment in their rooms, and a variety of music and movies is being added, including BBC Shakespeare and Charlie Chaplin films, which are dear to Hagen’s heart.
Sourse: travelweekly.com
