Viking Fjorgyn
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Named after the Mother Earth figure in Norse mythology, the Viking Fjorgyn is a river cruise ship built for the Seine River. The vessel was built in 2020 and debuted in 2022, along with three other river cruise ships built for specific rivers. The Fjorgyn sails between Paris and Avignon, with different trips centered around Normandy, Christmas markets, and more along the Seine. Read More
Sailing from and back to Paris, the docking location is incredibly convenient for those who want to experience the Parisian buzz before embarking on a journey to charming French towns along the Seine. As part of Viking’s commitment to being more eco-friendly, all of the Longships in Europe are 100 percent hybrid, including the Fjorgyn. It also has built-in solar panels and shore power. A small library offers curated books from London bookseller Heywood Hill. In addition, the ship provides a stunning vantage point in the Aquavit Terrace & Lounge and the panoramic Sun Deck.
The Fjorgyn is part of Viking’s fleet. Originally started in 1997 with only four ships, Viking now has nearly 90 ships.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
All 84 staterooms on the Fyjorgn include a river view, with the upper and middle deck staterooms providing either a French balcony or a private veranda. The 150-square-foot Standard Stateroom is the only option with a half-height picture window view of the Seine. On the other end is the largest stateroom, the Explorer Suite, at 445 square feet. The suite has a separate living room and a wraparound balcony to get an additional river view. Every stateroom also includes free WiFi for up to one device per guest and the option for a queen-sized or two twin-sized beds.
Some luxurious touches in the staterooms are the temperature-adjustable heated bathroom floors and Freyja toiletries. However, guests must request robes and slippers. There are no single-occupancy cabins, but, per Viking, special solo fares are sometimes available.
There is only elevator access between the middle and upper decks. The standard staterooms do not have elevator access. Those requiring disability accommodations must reach out to Viking about the specifics with a doctor’s note and a Fit to Travel form TK link when booking. The ship is unable to accommodate wheelchairs exceeding 22 inches in width.
Food & Drink
Food is all-inclusive onboard the Fjorgyn, though options are limited. Two dining venues serve meals and generally offer the same menu: the Restaurant and the Aquavit Terrace. The Aquavit Terrace provides a casual continental breakfast, while the Restaurant has a made-to-order omelet station and self-serve breakfast bar.
There is a menu available throughout the week and a daily rotating menu with regional specialties for dinner. Each evening before dinner, the chef on board comes out to offer his recommendations off of the menu at the Aquavit Terrace and Lounge. There is also a French-themed night that is buffet-style as opposed to set courses. Vegetarian options are available, but other diets, such as gluten-free and low-sodium diets, must be made known 90 days before departure to be accommodated.
Eating meals are restricted to the limited dining hours. Dinner is typically available during a two-hour window, while breakfast has the largest window of four and a half hours of availability. Coffee and pastries are also available at the coffee bar at all hours.
There is one bar on the Fjorgyn, the Lounge. The base fare includes complimentary beers, soft drinks, and wines during meals. You can upgrade to the Silver Spirit package if you want unlimited beverages (including premium wines, cocktails, and more), but if you’re sharing a stateroom, your cabin mate must also purchase the package.
Entertainment
Those interested in lectures will be thoughtfully entertained by the Viking Fjorgyn’s talks on everything from French cheese to iconic painters and historical figures such as Joan the Arc. Besides the enrichment lectures, the entertainment on board is limited: Throughout the week, there is a cooking demonstration, a painting class, and a French language class. In addition, a pianist plays live music throughout the day in the Lounge.
Spa & Fitness
The Viking Fjorgyn doesn’t have a spa or fitness center on board. However, there is a small open-air walking track on the Sun Deck.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
All passengers must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before embarkation, though no Viking-required COVID-19 testing exists. Viking crew are fully vaccinated and tested frequently. Mask usage is not required for guests, but it is encouraged on shore.
Dress Code
Viking does not have a formal night aboard its ships. Instead, casual wear is accepted during the day and on excursions. However, jeans are not permitted in the evening, and there is an “elegant simple” dress code for dining.
Junior Cruisers
Viking Cruises is not a (young) family-friendly line, as all of their ships have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
Service
Although the guest-to-crew ratio is nearly 4:1, the intimate setting of the ship allows for a repertoire to build quickly. Service is consistent across the dining venues, and the staff is attentive.
Tipping
Gratuity is not included on Viking cruises, but guests may purchase it ahead of time. Gratuity is automatically added to guest charges at $15 per day, but guests may change the gratuity amount independently. The gratuity charges don’t include bar tab gratuity. For any excursions you take, it is encouraged to tip drivers and guides in cash.