by Brian Major
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Wed June 7, 2023
Ann Ziff, chairperson of New York’s Metropolitan Opera and a veteran of several Viking Cruises voyages, christened Viking Cruises’ 930-passenger Viking Saturn at New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 6.
Using a steel sword from the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Ziff cut a ribbon triggering a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break across the ship’s hull. The sword was presented by Lady Fiona Carnarvon, godmother sister vessel Viking Mars.
“It is an honor to be godmother of the new Viking Saturn and celebrate this momentous occasion in New York,” Ziff said. “Viking and the Metropolitan Opera share a common goal in creating enriching experiences throughout the world and there is no doubt the Viking Saturn will do just that for her guests.”
The adults-only ship, the upscale line’s ninth oceangoing vessel, is identical to its sister ships, with a modernist, Nordic-inspired interior design and inclusive amenities.
Onboard, the ships eschew casinos, pulsating nightclubs and wild deck parties in favor of a serene, cultured environment with spacious staterooms and public spaces enlivened with Nordic-themed art and artifacts that reflect the line’s Scandinavian heritage.
Sybaritic Staterooms
Viking Saturn’s 465 staterooms all offer balconies and feature five individual categories, with 270-square-foot Veranda Staterooms as the opening accommodation.
All staterooms are similarly decorated in a distinguished, understated fashion. The three suite options include Penthouse Junior Suites measuring 405 square feet, Explorer Suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 square feet, and Owner's Suites encompassing 1,448 square feet.
Suite guests receive multiple perks, including priority embarkation and spa bookings, plus opportunities to book shore excursions up to 107 days prior to departure.
Suites are equipped with mini-bars stocked with alcoholic beverages, sodas, water and snacks. Separate bedrooms and living areas and complimentary laundry service are also included in suite accommodations.
Owner’s Suite amenities include a welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, a large living room with a separate dining area, plus a sauna and private library. Guests in these top-level suites also receive a complimentary shore excursion with a private car and driver in a port city of their choice.
All accommodations come with 24-hour room service, a range of complimentary shore excursions, gratuities, dining at specialty restaurants, wine, beer, and sodas with lunch and dinner and access to the spa's thermal suite.
Viking Saturn’s inaugural maiden season will be spent sailing in Scandinavian and northern Europe on three new itineraries.
Two 14-night “Iceland & Norway's Arctic Explorer” sailings will be joined by an “Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada” voyage and a 28-night “Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond” voyage that journeys from Bergen to New York.
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