Viking River Cruises

Viking Radgrid

Overview

5,000
Gross Tonnage
168
Guest Capacity
2022
Year Built
N/A
Last Refit
3.36
Crew Ratio

Launched in 2022, Viking Radgrid has quickly become a remarkable addition to the Viking River Cruises lineup, boasting an exclusive design for navigating France's picturesque Seine River, including privileged access to Paris's city center. This vessel's limited passenger capacity of 168 ensures a more personal cruising experience, setting it apart from Viking’s larger 190-passenger Longships. Viking Radgrid has made a deliberate decision to forego certain amenities like spas and fitness centers, choosing instead to prioritize spacious accommodations and rich cultural engagements.

Distinctively featuring Viking’s celebrated Scandinavian design, the ship is renowned for its signature amenities including the glass-enclosed Aquavit Terrace and true suites born from clever cabin configurations. Viking Radgrid embodies an ideal mix of cozy comfort and cultural engagement, offering competitive pricing for travelers looking for both value and quality.

Viking Radgrid shines with its unique offerings and gastronomic delights. Guests can choose between two dining options: the Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace, known for their menu-centric, multi-course dinners and relaxed meals set against the backdrop of 180-degree glass walls, respectively. The dining experience is elevated by complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, plus a welcoming policy on bringing onboard personal wine selections without a corkage fee. Accommodation options span from cost-effective river-view cabins to opulent 447-square-foot Explorer Suites featuring wraparound balconies and separate living spaces, along with perks like a complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package. The ship’s layout emphasizes spaciousness, with features like a two-story atrium and extensive outdoor deck space, complemented by eco-friendly additions such as herb gardens and solar panels.

The Viking Radgrid primarily attracts culturally inclined travelers, such as couples and solo adventurers, typically over the age of 50. This vessel offers a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and enriching experiences, rather than a vibrant, party-centric environment. Its compact size and focused itineraries appeal to those particularly fascinated with French history and the Normandy region, with a distinct emphasis on adult guests due to the absence of child-specific facilities.

Standing out among Viking’s fleet and the wider river cruise market, Viking Radgrid excels in delivering an intimately cultured sailing experience, especially highlighted by its unparalleled access to central Paris. The emphasis on exceptional dining, incorporating both local and international flavors, alongside thoughtful amenities like underfloor heating and anti-fog bathroom mirrors, distinguishes it from others. Although the absence of conventional cruise amenities and the smaller size of some cabins may not appeal to everyone, the efficient space utilization and the availability of more spacious suites provide ample comfort and luxury.

To sum up, Viking Radgrid offers a uniquely intimate and enriching cruise experience designed for adults with a penchant for cultural immersion and luxurious comfort. Its standout culinary offerings, thoughtful design, and exclusive Paris access make it an attractive option for those keen to explore the Seine River and its surroundings in style. While it may not cater to those in search of extensive entertainment and fitness facilities, its focus on creating a tranquil and culturally rich environment renders it an enticing choice for travelers drawn to cultural discovery and relaxation.

Pros

  • Unique hull design allows docking in the heart of Paris.
  • Offers true suites with separate living and sleeping areas.
  • Complimentary beverages with meals enhance dining experience.
  • Outdoor Aquavit Terrace for alfresco dining and panoramic views.

Cons

  • Lacks onboard spa, fitness center, and bicycles for active guests.
  • French Balcony staterooms are relatively small at 135 sq. ft.
  • Limited entertainment options with primarily a lone piano player.
  • No room service, affecting convenience for some guests.

Tips

  • Dine at the Aquavit Terrace at least once for a unique meal setting.
  • Bring your own wine onboard to enjoy with no corkage fees.
  • Take advantage of the open seating in the dining room to meet new people.
  • Utilize the QuietVox listening devices for enhanced shore excursion experiences.
  • Inform Viking of any dietary restrictions a month before departure for personalized meal preparation.
  • Book a Veranda Suite for additional living space and dual balcony options.
  • Enjoy the complimentary Silver Spirits package and other perks by booking an Explorer Suite.
  • Make use of the onboard herb gardens and solar panels for a sustainable cruising experience.
  • Attend the destination-relevant lectures and classes for enriching insights.
  • Maximize the use of onboard USB outlets in cabins for charging devices.