Viking Astrild

Gaze at breathtaking scenery through the Restaurant’s large windows as you dine on regional specialties and contemporary cuisine. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware at every meal.

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.

The observation lounge also serves as the ship’s library. The ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Revolutionary in concept and design, this innovative outdoor seating area at the bow of the ship is perfect for having a casual meal al fresco, meeting friends for drinks or reading a book, all while enjoying breathtaking views and basking in the fresh air.

Complement your onshore experiences with our onboard lecture program, designed to shed light on your destination’s art, architecture, music, geopolitics, natural world and more. Also, gain an overview of your next day’s port of call through informative multimedia presentations covering the history and culture of your destination, as well as highlights of must-see landmarks.

Each Viking itinerary includes one or more Destination Performances representing the most iconic cultural performing art form of the region—whether it be Portuguese fado with its melancholy melodies and poignant lyrics; Viennese opera, a centuries-old storytelling art form; or world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre singers from St. Petersburg.

Local artisans demonstrate time-honoured craft traditions of your destinations, such as glassblowing, lace making and wooden shoemaking. Our culinary demonstrations present recipes of regional treats and drinks—Austrian apple strudel, Rüdesheim Coffee and more.

From local ensembles to acclaimed choirs, we invite on board a wide range of talented musicians to perform well-known and lesser-known melodies. We hope you will find yourself transported by their performances and enjoy some of the benefits of classical music—lifting your spirit, soothing your soul and adding to your onboard enrichment.

Join us for a special series of short films, screening on your stateroom television, intended to inform you about the iconic destinations and little-known gems you will be visiting. This series provides insights and information intended to deepen your understanding—and enjoyment—of the time ahead, and perhaps encourage you to engage with your destinations in a way you otherwise would not have.

The onboard Library was curated by Heywood Hill, an independent London bookseller and Royal Warrant holder, who dedicated hundreds of hours to understanding the unique, inquisitive nature of our guests. From art to history to destination-focused reading, each book was hand-selected to enhance your experience, both on board and at your destination.

An included excursion in every port, plus The Viking Way® of exploration.

Local Life

Viking provides fascinating insights into Local Life during excursions that reveal the rhythms of daily living in your destination. Visit a Russian home in the quaint town of Uglich. Taste your way through a culinary tour of Budapest. Meet some winsome children at a Viking-sponsored elementary school in China. This is the ideal way to experience a place like a local.

Working World

Witness the inner workings of a historic Kinderdijk windmill. Tour the impressive wine cellars of a Wachau Valley winery. Learn the intricate art of truffle hunting from a local Périgord farmer and his hound. Glimpsing the world at work helps you tap into its passions and see its people anew.

Privileged Access

We have arranged exclusive entry for Viking guests to cultural treasures all around the world. Visit seldom-seen collections with before- and after-hours access to world-class museums; be a special guest at private homes and palaces not open to just anyone; or attend cultural performances of folklore, ballet and opera to get an insider’s view during these private tours.