Cruise & Ferry Interiors 2021

8 4 V iking Cruises is set to launch its new ship Viking Saigon in 2021. Designed specifically for the Mekong River in South East Asia, the vessel will encapsulate the cruise line’s destination-centred approach. “Our guests choose their itinerary based on the places they want to explore,” says Harald Seebacher, vice president of onboard operations and innovation at Viking Cruises. “We always want them to feel they are returning to a welcoming and warm environment when they come back onboard but the emphasis is very much on the destination itself.” With this in mind, Seebacher says that the décor will offer a comfortable, restful and contemporary environment which complements the ship’s surroundings. “The interiors of the ship will enable guests to unwind after the excitement of being absorbed in the rich local culture and visiting locations between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.” Built to accommodate 80 guests, Viking Saigon features 40 outside staterooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which open onto verandas or French balconies. “The ship is very INTERIOR V IEW The new vessel features Scandinavian interiors with a South East Asian twist. Viking Cruises’ Harald Seebacher tells Elly Yates-Roberts more Viking Saigon