Viking will welcome a fifth Viking Longship purpose-built for France’s Seine River to its fleet in 2025.

Sailing Viking’s popular eight-day Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary, the new ship will be identical to the four Viking Longships for the Seine which were welcomed to the company’s fleet in 2022 -- the Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Ragrid and Viking Skaga.

TravelPulse Canada had the pleasure of cruising on the Viking Fjorgyn on the Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary late last year. From the fabulous docking location at Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, to the fine food and service aboard the Fjorgyn, it was a trip to remember.

The eight-day voyage along the Seine River celebrates history, art, food and traditional customs in the country’s most dazzling urban and pastoral settings. From the big-city vibe of Paris to quaint, quiet towns dating to medieval times, the trip revealed France’s beauty and sophistication in many ways.

“The Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary continues to be popular with our guests,” said Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen. “We are excited to expand our offerings in this region and welcome even more guests on board to explore this incredible part of the world rich in history and culture.”

Hosting 168 guests in 84 staterooms, Viking’s Seine Longships feature an Aquavit Terrace at the bow of the ship, a wide variety of stateroom choices and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The Viking Longships on the Seine are equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port, and leverage hybrid technology with large-scale battery packs.

Sailing roundtrip from Paris, guests on Viking’s Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked; trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen; walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s World War II beaches and military cemeteries; and savour Normandy cuisine.