Viking has launched "Viking.TV," a digital platform showing pre-recorded and live content relating ... [+]
As with other travel entities turning to web-based content during COVID-19 related cancellations, Viking Cruises has set a new course with the launch of Viking.TV.
This digital library, created by the river and ocean cruise company, will showcase experiential programming that Viking guests have access to onboard their respective cruises, on deck levels or their cabin TV. Its culturally-focused content will feature appearances by the Viking executives and crew and subjects relating to its at-sail and at port ventures, plus live video of happenings from around the world.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and, his daughter, Executive Vice President Karine Hagen announced the debut of Viking.TV in separate videos.
In his pre-recorded message about Viking.TV, Torstein Hagen said that he was introducing “something that would hopefully make your time at home pass more quickly.”
Viking's Executive Vice President Karine Hagen will have a series on Viking.TV called “Conversations ... [+]
Hagen explained its concept resulted from his daughter’s suggestion in response to Viking having to cease their sailings at this time. “She suggested that if we cannot, for the time being, bring our guests to the world, let us bring the world to our guests.”
Also, in his video, Hagen spoke about other related Viking news such as temporarily suspending operations until the end of April and retaining the employment of the crew onboard their ocean ships until planned resumption of service. Their river staff remains at home, as their Europe’s river cruising season had not begun.
“I can assure you; we will only sail again when it’s safe,” said Hagen.
Hagen also announced a new Viking development. The Viking Mississippi, the company’s first custom vessel, will have its inaugural sail during the 2022-2023 season along the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Bookings are available to past Viking guests first and then will open up to the general public on April 15.
Viking.TV features daily programming on specific topics.
Viking.TV will also display live content from a variety of experts, cultural partners and notable individuals. Among them, “Conversations with Karine and Friends,” a livestream series hosted by Karine Hagen, will air daily at 11 a.m. PST. The series will involve a conversation, demonstration or virtual tour where viewers can submit their questions in real time.
The schedule of daily participants will be announced every Sunday. It will incorporate certain program themes each day.
On Viking.TV, Museum Mondays will take the place of Viking's “Munch Moments” event. The onboard ... [+]
Museum Mondays
A longtime sponsor of Oslo’s Munch Museum, Viking hosts “Munch Moments” onboard its ocean ships every afternoon, which showcases a curated collection of Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch. On Viking.TV, “Museum Mondays” will take the place of that onboard event. The Monday segment will consist of streamed sessions with the museum’s director and various curators and virtual access to exhibitions, experts and restoration facilities.
Resident Historian Tuesdays
As part of Viking’s onboard cultural enrichment program and destination-focused learning, Viking’s Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on significant milestones in world history. Each Tuesday, a Resident Historian will host a lecture followed by a livestream Q&A session.
"Viking.TV" features a video on Highclere Castle, the location for the series, "Downtown Abbey."
Wednesdays With Music
On Wednesdays, Viking.TV will bring some of the world’s most interesting musical artists, composers and conductors to the screen. The series will signify the cultural correlation of music to a destination.
Guest Speaker Thursdays
On board its ships, Viking schedules guest lecturers by experts in the fields of science, the arts and exploration. Every Thursday, Viking.TV will showcase conversations with a variety of academics and individuals who have led extraordinary lives. Upcoming hosts include veteran British broadcaster journalist Anne Diamond; Norwegian explorer Liv Arnesen; and Xander Parish, principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg.
Fridays At Home At Highclere Castle
Together with her husband Geordie, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon manages affairs at Highclere Castle, which is the filming location for the PBS hit series, Downton Abbey. Every Friday, Viking.TV presents a glimpse of life here with “At Home at Highclere,” a series with Lady Carnarvon leading tours of and conversations relating to the estate. The next session happens Friday, April 10, at 11 a.m. PST.
Wellness Weekends
On Saturdays and Sundays, Viking.TV will focus on personal wellness and feature staff from the LivNordic spas onboard Viking’s ocean ships, as well as other selected hosts. Each episode will be largely focusing on yoga and meditation.
In addition to video content, Viking.TV will present other entertainment options, including reading lists, a filmography and music playlists. “The Kitchen Table,” a digital cookbook, features recipes browsable by country plus the ability for visitors to submit their own favorites.
Additionally on Viking.TV, an online forum will enable Viking passengers to exchange greetings with crew members.
