Viking Saigon

VIKING

ON DECK Route: Mekong River Maiden Voyage: August 2021 Owner / Operator: Viking Shipyard: Vard Vung Tau www.viking.com

Aiming to set a new standard for river cruising in Southeast Asia, Viking has announced plans to launch a new ship on the Mekong.

Currently under construction at Vard Vung Tau, the 80-guest Viking Saigon is scheduled to debut in August 2021 for routes between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

“For many of our guests, Vietnam and Cambodia remain top destinations because of their significance in world history,” explains Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travellers closer to the cultures of the world for more than two decades. This will be the most modern vessel on the Mekong and will feel like home to our loyal Viking guests who are familiar with the comfortable design of our ships.”

Purpose-built for the Mekong, Viking Saigon will comprise 40 outside staterooms across three decks, all with hotel-style beds and floorto-ceiling sliding glass doors with a private veranda or French balcony. The two Explorer Suites, each measuring 735ft2, also have a separate living room and spacious bathroom with bathtub and glass-enclosed shower. In line with the rest of the fleet, interiors will follow a Scandinavian aesthetic, characterised by contemporary clean lines, blonde wood accents and an elegant, neutral colour palette.

Facilities on board include a spa, fitness centre and infinity swimming pool, as well as a restaurant with natural daylight on deck 1, a bar, library and lounge on deck 2, and an open-air sky bar on the upper deck.

Viking Saigon is just one of a number of new projects for the Basel-based operator; 2021 will also bring new vessels to the Nile, the Seine and the Mississippi, while 2022 will see a move into the expeditions market with Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris.