Portraits of Southern France 2010

Built in 2001, the Viking Neptune is one of four deluxe sister river ships in the Viking fleet. The Viking Pride, Viking Europe and Viking Spirit being the other three. With its all-inclusive cruise program that includes both airfare and shore excursions, a river cruise on the Viking Neptune not only provides a comprehensive cultural and historical experience but is also an exceptionally good value. Most members of the ship's crew are from central and eastern Europe. English is the official onboard language, and all crew speak fluent English as do tour guides escorting shore excursions, and all public address announcements are made only in English. The cruise manager is the main contact person onboard the ship and is on hand to respond to individual passenger questions and requests throughout the cruise, and also organizes shore excursions and introduces guest speakers.

The 75 cabins on the Viking Neptune are 154 sq. ft. There is plenty of drawer and closet space. With the exception of 12 small category D cabins (120 square feet) on the lowest deck, all of the Viking Neptune cabins (categories A-C) are the same size at 154 sq. ft. The only difference is that the windows in cabins #200-#215 do not open since they are right above the water.

Features

• Stateroom size: 120 sq. ft.
• Standard staterooms have 1 Pullman bed and 1 sofa bed
• Half-high picture window 1.44 ft. x 4.72 ft. (cannot be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• Bed sizes: Sofa bed 6.23 ft. x 2.62 ft./ Pullman bed 5.56 ft. x 2.62 ft.
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Closet space: 6.14 ft. x 2.23 ft. x 1.90 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Adjacent to the reception area is an attractive, airy split-level lounge. This section has comfortable seating areas, a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, and restrooms. This is a great place to meet up with friends before leaving the ship for a shore excursion. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There are trees and plants, pleasant ambient lighting and a few showcases displaying merchandise available at the onboard boutique. The ship’s library is nearby so you can easily find reading material or games.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge.

Restaurant

The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 150 guests at 28 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. Located on the upper deck behind the reception desk, it boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

Library

Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards.

Ship Features

• Elevator
• Intimate small-ship ambiance
• All English-speaking staff
• Attentive, personal service
• Sumptuous cuisine with open seating with one sitting at mealtimes
• Nonsmoking environment
• Enriching onboard lectures and demonstrations
• Local evening entertainment
• Card room and library
• Free shipwide wireless internet service
• Laundry service