Rhine Getaway

Overview

Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia, built in 2005/2006, are specially designed for sailing on the Rhine in comfort and elegance. Higher ceilings give all 198 guests a spacious feeling, and the entire ship is set up for optimal viewing of scenery. In addition to hotel-style beds, French balconies and large picture windows in staterooms, guests can enjoy the sundeck and other open air decks while sailing. The observation deck and restaurant have huge panoramic windows, and the ship’s soaring lobby atrium has a seating area with observation windows as well.

Life Aboard Viking Helvetia

• 99 comfortable outside staterooms (89 deluxe, 10 standard)
• Sun deck with 360-degree views
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Onboard boutique
• Card room and library
• Free shipwide wireless internet service
• Laundry service
• Nonsmoking environment
• Enriching onboard lectures and demonstrations
• Elevator and chair lift
• Observation lounge with bar
• Birthday and anniversary policy - cake served in the restaurant or a bottle of champagne placed in stateroom

Stateroom Features

• Staterooms: 99 (89 deluxe, 10 standard)
• Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A, B, C, D) 155 sq. ft.
• Standard Stateroom (Cat E) 120 sq. ft. (not pictured)
• All staterooms are outside with river view
• Category A has French windows that open
• Category B & C have large windows that open
• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• Standard staterooms have a Pullman bed and a sofa bed
• All beds are equipped with a hypoallergenic duvet
• Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two postcards.
• Every evening, the program for the following day, Viking News, is delivered to your room.

Features

• Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
• French balconies (can be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Hotel-style beds 6.56ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.48 ft. (can be separated)
• Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
• Closet space: 6.30 ft. x 2.69 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Features

• Stateroom size: 120 sq. ft.
• Standard staterooms with 1 Pullman bed and 1 sofa bed
• Half-high picture window 2.13 ft. x 4.76 ft. (cannot be opened)
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
• Individual climate control
• Bed sizes: Sofa bed 6.23 ft. x 2.62 ft. / Pullman bed 5.56 ft. x 2.62 ft.
• Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
• Converter in the bathroom outlet
• TV: several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

Atrium/Reception Lobby

The atrium is a large, airy space with a grand staircase to the upper lobby and direct access to the restaurant. The middle deck lobby is where you enter the ship, and serves as your information center throughout your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are restrooms and an onboard boutique.

Atrium/Seating Area

This is the upper part of the grand atrium. It features a large, comfortable seating area with panoramic windows, so you can relax, read or watch the scenery go by. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, and some showcases displaying items available at the onboard boutique just downstairs. The middle deck lobby (reception lobby) is accessible via the grand staircase.

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, as well as to the library via staircase at the ship’s stern.

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 all guests at tables which vary in size, accommodating 6, 8 or 10 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.

Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections of pastries, cereals, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. Or you may prefer a hot dish, such as an omelet prepared to order. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—it is all part of experiencing the local culture.

Observation Lounge/Bar

Located at the fore of the upper deck, the observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It offers a large sitting area with chairs, small tables 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

The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards. The library does have a bar facility and can be used for private functions by prior arrangement.