New Viking Tonle ship launches on the Mekong River
Viking currently has the largest river cruise ship fleet in the world, with more than 80 ships. A few years ago, the Switzerland-based river and ocean cruise line announced plans to add 23 new ships to its fleet by 2030. And, judging by recent activity, it is well on its way to fulfilling that promise.
Following the launch of Viking Saigon in 2022, travelers looking to sail the Mekong became the latest beneficiaries of this campaign, with the launch of Viking Tonle, Viking’s second ship on the Mekong River.
Built specifically for the Mekong, the ship carries 80 guests in 40 river-facing cabins in three categories. The Verandah Suite selected among them consists of 12 cabins with balconies (all the others have French balconies).
The Mekong itself is going through a busy period as the search for the road less traveled drives cruisers away from traditionally traveled European waterways and towards alternatives.
The Mekong River originates from the Tibetan Plateau and is estimated to extend for 4909 kilometers through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Like many mighty rivers in the world, it is the lifeblood of many communities. A journey along this route reveals Southeast Asian culture and gives guests access to villages, temples, culture and heritage, including Siam Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Most recreational river cruises begin and end in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Vietnam, and take in the lower Mekong, Cambodia and Vietnam. But the Upper Mekong, with its wild natural landscapes, is becoming increasingly popular. Some sections of the river require smaller ships due to limited navigability, and that’s what Viking ships were built for.
Tonle’s maiden voyage will launch on October 27 and follow the Magnificent Mekong route from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
The cruise line’s innovation also applies to other parts of the world. Viking Vela, the first of a series of eco-friendly cruise ships, has joined the fleet and is preparing to embark on itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Viking Vela could be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, which is currently under development. The system will allow it to operate with zero emissions in Norwegian fjords and other areas with sensitive ecosystems, and will be installed on new ships when ready.
Viking is expanding its European river fleet with five new ships this year and another five in 2026.
Meanwhile, Viking Amun is about to leave for the Nile River in Egypt. It was also built specifically for the waterway and is a sister ship to the Osiris, Aton, Sobek and Hathor. The cruise line says these are the most modern ships on the Nile.
To see www.vikingcruises.com.au
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Julietta Jameson is a freelance travel writer who’d rather be in Rome, but her hometown of Melbourne is a happy compromise.Connect via email.
