Viking Line’s new flagship Viking Glory became one of the most climate-smart passenger vessels in the world when she debuted on the Turku-Mariehamn-Stockholm route between Finland, the Åland Islands and Sweden on 1 March 2022.
The vessel, which was built at China’s XSI Shipyard, features dual-fuel Wärtsilä engines that primarily operate on LNG, an energy recycling system from Climeon, a new Azipod propeller system from ABB, an energy-saving air conditioning and lighting system, and many other technological innovations.
In addition, the flagship has introduced a new international cruise experience for passengers, says Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Viking Line’s senior vice president of corporate communications, HR and sustainability. “Viking Glory is specially designed to offer extraordinary cruises. Its interiors, leisure facilities and entertainment programmes provide a world-class experience.”
Interiors were designed by Swedish architecture and design firm Koncept, which worked alongside Viking Line’s in-house architect Johan Nordberg and partners such as Almaco Group, Kone, TSI and many others to design and outfit the vessel. Many of the spaces reflect the region the vessel sails in.
“We’ve borrowed various elements from the archipelago – such as waves, skerries, beacons, flags and lighthouses – and placed them here and there on the ship,” says Boijer-Svahnström. “They are seen as abstract figures in components such as the carpets and lighting fixtures, as well as in moving images projected onto the two-storey-high LED wall in Torget Cafe & Bar. The space, which was built by Scenso [a joint venture between Sance and North Sea Offshore Technology] and functions as a central meeting point for guests, has an inviting atmosphere that is guaranteed to make an impression.”
Echoes of the Baltic archipelago have also been incorporated into the spa, which was built by Scenso and comprises pools, a snow cave, a sauna with panoramic windows, and treatment spaces. It is also connected to a gym and fitness area.
“The spa is an opulent onboard oasis, designed in harmony with the archipelago’s rocky cliffs, inlets and islets,” says Boijer-Svahnström. “There are small skerries and coves in the pool area, and we’ve used high-quality natural materials and large windows to offer fantastic views of the sea and enhance that easy-going feeling for guests.”
Another noteworthy design innovation can be found in the Vista Room, an entertainment space that features floor-to-ceiling windows, a stage, seating and a bar. The venue was built by ICF Group, which also worked on the sun deck and the buffet restaurant. “The lighting in the ceiling over the bar in the Vista Room is fantastic and is reminiscent of beams from a lighthouse,” says Boijer-Svahnström.
Viking Glory also offers multiple new dining venues, including Kobba, a relaxed bistro-style restaurant with picturesque views, and Viking Terrace, an all-weather restaurant and rooftop bar.
“Viking Terrace will be open to sun worshippers on warmer days but it also has glazing and an infrared heating system so it can function as a protected oasis on cooler days as well,” says Boijer-Svahnström. “This type of solution is new for this kind of vessel on the Baltic Sea. It enables passengers to enjoy hot and cold dishes, or drinks from the bar, from early in the morning to late at night, whatever the weather.”
Boijer-Svahnström’s favourite space is Fyren, a rotating dining venue located on the top deck at the bow of the vessel. “The glazed space is designed for groups of people who want to enjoy good food and unbeatable 220-degree views of the archipelago and Baltic Sea,” she says. “The view is particularly spectacular early in the morning or in the evening.”
Another of Boijer-Svahnström’s highlights is the trio of unique sculptures created by Finnish industrial designer, interior designer, film-maker and sculptor Stefan Lindfors and displayed in three separate spaces across the vessel.
“Passengers’ eyes will be drawn by ‘Under ytan’ (Under the Surface) in the two-storey Aula Hall, meanwhile the Kobba restaurant features ‘Kungen på djupet’ (The King of the Deep), and ‘Vatten och vind’ (Water and Wind) can be found on the Viking Terrace sun deck,” says Boijer-Svahnström. “The sculpture trilogy was inspired by the Baltic archipelago, which is an important landscape for the artist who has roots in Åland.”
Other notable onboard spaces include a duty-free shop with furniture supplied by Finnish interior design firm Piantek; the Vista Deck viewing terrace; the first market hall in the Baltic Sea, which has eight food stalls and counters; and themed suites designed by Koncept, which feature private hot tubs with amazing views to the sea. Viking Glory has a wide variety of different cabins, many of which are decorated with paintings by Åland-born artist Jonas Wilén. Despite the vast array of innovatively designed spaces and venues, it is the sweeping panoramic views of the Baltic archipelago that continually elicit the biggest “wows” from Viking Glory’s passengers.
“Viking Glory is designed to connect passengers with the sea, so there are large panoramic windows everywhere,” says Boijer-Svahnström. “Our passengers will always feel like they have a ringside seat to views of one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, no matter where they are.”
This article was first published in the 2022 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
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