Destinations Overview>Europe>2010 Vineyards & Vistas>Ships & Staterooms

Overview

Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane are small, intimate river cruise vessels with an unusually shallow 80 cm draft, meaning the bottom of the ship is very flat, and pump jets that minimize the impact of potentially low water levels. Viking Schumann is perfect for the Elbe River, which is very shallow; Viking Fontane’s small size makes it ideally suited to some of the smaller rivers it sails, such as the Main and the Moselle. These intimate cruise ships carry just 124 and 110 passengers, respectively.

Reception/Lobby

The reception lobby area is your information center during your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard boutique.

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.

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 24 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 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. The restaurant is located on the main deck, but is accessible only by staircase from the upper deck.

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. Its panoramic windows surround a large sitting area with chairs, small tables and a bar area with barstools; there is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket. 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. The observation lounge also serves as the ship’s library. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.