Switzerland-based Viking Cruises has commissioned NEPTUN WERFT to build eight additional innovative river cruise ships. The river cruise ships are part of the well-known Longship series.
NEPTUN WERFT has been constructing Longships for Viking River Cruises since 2011 – the Rostock-based shipyard has so far delivered over 60 of these structurally identical river cruise ships.
Every single Longship constructed by NEPTUN WERFT is 135 metres long, almost 11.5 metres wide and 3 decks high. Up to 190 passengers can be accommodated in 95 cabins, featuring a wide range of different staterooms: Passengers can choose from standard cabins, staterooms with a French balcony, and two Explorer Suites with balconies offering a magnificent 270-degree view.
In addition to the wide variety of cabins, the Viking sister ships also feature a special route for walkers, a bookshop and an on-board herb garden. The river cruise ships also boast two bars, a restaurant and an on-board boutique.
‘With this order, we are once again continuing our extraordinarily successful partnership with Viking. For NEPTUN WERFT, the eight new ships mean employment in our core business of river cruise ships until 2028,’ Stephan Schmees, CEO of NEPTUN WERFT.
The newly ordered ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. The ten river cruise ships already under construction for Viking will be completed in 2025 and 2026.
The new ships will be equipped with a hybrid system consisting of a diesel-electric drive and a battery system. This will absorb peak loads and save considerable amounts of fuel. The ships will also be equipped with a number of technical innovations, such as a compact system for wastewater treatment.
The Viking Longship fleet operates along the Rhine, Elbe, Main, Danube and other rivers in twelve countries.
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