Viking Cruises.......captivating a captive audience

This is something you don't see every day as we don't usually cover cruise holidays or cruise companies on this site -  well,  you wouldn't really expect us to, seeing as we're called Air101 after all.  However,  I'm making an exception to that rule right now, for the case for Viking Cruises, a destination-focused operator that was founded in 1997 specialising in journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world.  

Whilst much of Europe and indeed the world has been in lockdown because of the continuing pandemic, with few people travelling and few cruises operating, Viking has stepped up to the mark in entertaining a captive audience.

Viking TV has kept both spirits up and the wanderlust alive with presenting an amazing array of programmes, videos and livestreams that have been both entertaining and informative - a really wonderful collection on an amazing array of subjects.  Viking.TV went live in mid-March 2020, right at the early stages of the pandemic and was conceived as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences while people are staying home, rather than travelling, captivating the captive if you will. 

The livestreams are at a set time each day and cover different topics, interviews, experiences and destinations.  One of my favourites has been the series of mainly half-hour programmes from the real 'Downton Abby'  Highclere Castle with the marvellous Countess of Carnarvon. A rather enchanting journey behind the scenes at a house that dates back to 749AD that featured so heavily in the TV series and film. 

There are talks, demonstrations, explorations and interviews conducted by legendary British TV presenter Anne Diamond - famous for getting up early for the birth of breakfast TV in the UK. She used to get up and something silly like 2 or 3am to host Good Morning Britain a weekday programme that was live for over three hours.  Some of those being interviewed by Anne on Viking.TV have included writers Claire Cook, Jeffrey Archer and Robert Harris, astronauts, winemakers, shipbuilders,  designers, photographers and so many others that you'll be spoilt for choice. 

So I truly say a massive thanks to Viking Cruises for spending money and making Viking.TV which has helped make lockdown not only bearable but dare I say, an enjoyable experience.  You should check it out - Viking.TV.

Viking Aton will be another new ship for Viking, a new state-of-the-art river vessel, inspired by the design of the award-winning Viking Longships and built specifically to navigate the Nile River, Viking Aton is currently under construction and is scheduled to debut in September 2022.

“Egypt remains a top destination for many of our guests who are inspired to discover the rich history and beauty of the region,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We will always maintain our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that are focused on the destination. The addition of Viking Aton is a reflection of our continued investment in Egypt; we look forward to introducing the country’s cultural treasures to even more Viking guests in the future.”

Viking Aton,  hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, will be designed to be a state-of-the-art ship with the clean, elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. Viking Aton’s features include all outside staterooms with river views; spacious suites with two full-size rooms and verandas; a pool and sun deck with 360-degree views; Viking Lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors; and Viking’s revolutionary Aquavit Terrace ideal for al fresco dining and indoor/outdoor viewing along the Nile River. Viking Aton will join the company’s other ships on the Nile, Viking Osiris, which is set to launch in 2021, and Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile.

Recommended for you...