Five Things to Know About Viking River Cruises' Rinda Cruise Ship
World's Best 2016 Awards Rank: #9 River Ship
Best for: Adults who loves food, wine, culture, and Scandinavian design
Sails: The Rhône River, the Seine River
At a Glance: A Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2016 winner, placing ninth in the River Ship category. One of Viking’s much-lauded Longships, the Rinda debuted in 2013 and continues the line’s tradition of destination-centric river cruises with an emphasis on cuisine and culture.
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The Design Is Nordic
As befits Viking’s Scandinavian roots, the ship is all blonde woods, light fabrics, and clean lines. Floor-to-ceiling windows are everywhere, from the dining room to the sleek two-deck atrium, flooding the public spaces with light and giving everyone in the room a view of the castles and villages rolling by.
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Most Cabins Have Balconies
Reflecting the airy design of the rest of the ship, staterooms are filled with earth tones and accents of light gray, and all of the bathrooms have heated floors. Sizes range from 135 square feet for French Balcony rooms to 445 square feet for the two Explorer Suites, each of which has a private wraparound verandah and a French balcony off the bedroom. Seven Veranda Suites (275 square feet) and 39 Veranda Staterooms (205 square feet) also have full balconies, while the 25 Standard staterooms (150 square feet) have a window.
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The Food Reflects the Destination
The first sign that this ship takes food seriously: the organic herb garden on the open-air top deck. You’ll find the greens—along with ingredients purchased fresh in each port—in the regionally inspired meals at The Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner at night. For something more casual, head to the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, for a light breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the bow of the ship. Some tables sit outside on the bow, while others are located under a glass roof and walls, with glass doors that open up to the outside on warm days.
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There’s an Emphasis on Culture
To help immerse passengers in the local culture, experts and performers often come onboard at port. Other possibilities: learning how to make a tarte au citron, taking a French lesson, or checking out a lecture on Joan of Arc.
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Almost Everything Is Included
In keeping with Viking’s no-nickel-and-diming philosophy, everything from unlimited WiFi to beer, house wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are wrapped into your cruise fare. And so are many shore excursions, such as guided stroll through Rouen, France, and a visit to Château Gaillard in Les Andelys. More involved outings—such as a trip to the Palace of Versailles—generally cost extra.