One of the original "Longships"—so named for Norse Gods—the Viking Longship Aegir represents a new take on river hospitality, one in which a sleek, Scandinavian ambience is the antithesis of river's traditionally fusty vessels. Streaming in through the glass-enclosed, two-story atrium is enough light to allow real flowers to grow. With backlit marble panels rising above a terrazzo floor and wood-and-glass staircase, and pale, earth-toned decor, the space has energy and natural appeal.
There is a sense of minimalism on Aegir, yet it has the largest true suites on a riverboat in Europe, and also has seven slightly smaller true suites with separate living and sleeping rooms, and an increased number of cabins with full and French balconies. The traditional pointy-nosed bow of the ship was blunted to provide more space. A lovely open-air cafe on the ship's bow provides something of a river rarity: an alternative casual eatery with indoor/outdoor seating. The ship's "green" advances, including hybrid diesel-electric engines which burn less fuel and produce 20 percent fewer emissions, making the Viking Longships cleaner and quieter. There are even solar panels on the sun deck that help to fuel the engines. And the ship's chef maintains an organic garden on the upper deck during growing season.
