Viking Nerthus Debuts: Innovating Sustainability on the Seine

Viking has officially taken delivery of its newest river cruise ship, the Viking Nerthus, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion. The vessel—designed for Seine River cruising—was handed over at the Meyer Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. With a passenger capacity of 168 and a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, this state-of-the-art ship joins a growing fleet that is slated for further development in the coming years.

Operational Details for Viking Nerthus

The Viking Nerthus is scheduled to operate two distinct itineraries along the Seine River: the popular 8-day “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” cruise and the newly launched “Christmastime in Paris & Normandy.” Both itineraries feature roundtrip voyages from Port du Grenelle in Paris, conveniently located within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Ports of call include iconic destinations such as Rouen, Giverny, and the historic beaches of Normandy.

On board, guests will find Scandinavian-inspired design and hallmark features familiar to Viking’s Longships, including the distinctive square bow, Aquavit Terrace, and multiple stateroom categories. Shore power capabilities, hybrid propulsion systems, and onboard solar panels help minimize the ship’s environmental footprint while maximizing operational efficiency.

Viking’s Expanding Fleet and Commitment to Sustainability

The Viking Nerthus is one of 25 river vessels scheduled for delivery by 2028, alongside nine additional oceangoing ships planned by 2030. These next-generation ships incorporate hybrid technology, solar panels, and exhaust after-treatment systems, reflecting Viking’s commitment to sustainable travel in response to rising consumer demand for eco-friendly tourism options. According to Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, “France continues to be a destination of great interest for our guests, and with the arrival of our newest ship on the Seine River, we look forward to introducing even more travelers to the region’s rich history and cultural treasures in the Viking way.”

Highlights of Viking Nerthus Itineraries

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days): A roundtrip journey from Paris with visits to the Normandy beaches, Rouen’s Gothic architecture, and Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s house and gardens.
• Christmastime in Paris & Normandy (8 days): A holiday-focused voyage with stops at Rouen and other ports along the Seine River, concluding with Parisian highlights such as the Champs Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.

Both itineraries blend history, art, and fine dining with a mix of urban and rural French charm, delivering an elevated travel experience tailored to Viking’s guests.

Future Growth and Economic Impact

Viking’s expansion plans are poised to reshape the European river cruise market, aiming for a total of 109 river ships by 2028. This growth generates economic benefits from shipbuilding contracts at European shipyards—like Meyer Neptun Werft—and boosts tourism revenue for destinations along each itinerary. Additionally, Viking’s ecological initiatives, such as shore power and hybrid propulsion, underscore the wider cruise industry’s focus on meeting global environmental goals while catering to an evolving traveler mindset.

This latest ship delivery signals Viking’s continuing innovation and commitment to providing high-quality, environmentally responsible travel experiences, while fostering cultural tourism in France and beyond.

What makes the Viking Nerthus unique compared to other Viking Longships?

The Viking Nerthus incorporates the classic Scandinavian-inspired design of Viking Longships—such as the square bow and Aquavit Terrace—while adding advanced sustainability measures like hybrid propulsion systems, shore power connections, and onboard solar panels for enhanced energy efficiency.

What destinations can guests visit on Viking Nerthus itineraries?

Guests can explore renowned French locations along the Seine, including Paris, Rouen, Giverny, and the beaches of Normandy. Highlights include Claude Monet’s former home and gardens in Giverny, Gothic landmarks in Rouen, and famous Parisian sites like the Eiffel Tower.

How does Viking plan to grow its fleet in the coming years?

Viking has placed orders for 25 additional river ships, targeting deliveries by 2028, and nine ocean-going vessels by 2030. Upon completion, the fleet will comprise 109 river ships and 21 ocean and expedition vessels.

What measures is Viking implementing to reduce environmental impact?

The company uses hybrid technology—combining battery propulsion and exhaust after-treatment—alongside shore power connectivity to minimize emissions. Additionally, onboard solar panels help reduce the ships’ overall carbon footprint during operations.