Viking Radgrid
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Ver...y Beaches
Four Viking Longships—the Radgrid, Kari, Skaga, and Fjorgyn—were built specifically built to navigate the historic Seine River. They feature customized hulls and engines, state-of-the-art engineering, and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. As such, these purpose-built vessels are able to dock at an exclusive location in the center of Paris, just a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.Read More
Radgrid is named after one of the legendary horse-riding Valkyries, the handmaidens of Odin, the father of the (Norse) Gods. According to legend, these long-haired beautiful women descended from the skies into battles to decide which soldiers lived or died. Radgrid’s name translates to “truce of counsel,” suggesting her great power in determining the fate of mortals.
Built in 2020, Radgrid is only 410 feet long and carries just 168 guests. She sails the Seine, focusing on the outskirts of Paris and the heart of Normandy. The journey itself is a selling point for Seine River cruises—along the way to each port, passengers on Radgrid will be treated to views of beautiful hilltop chateaus and medieval castles, peaceful countryside vistas, and calm waters meandering through unspoiled nature.
One unique feature on Viking Longships, like Radgrid, is the Square Bow Design. It was planned as usable space, whereas on competitor river ships, the bow must be used for mooring equipment. This allowed Viking to introduce the Aquavit Terrace viewing and dining platform at the bow.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Almost everyone on board will have a room with a view: of the 84 outside staterooms, 18 are French balcony staterooms, 35 are veranda staterooms, seven are veranda suites, and two are explorer suites. That means only 22 are designated as standard staterooms, which have a half-height picture window and no balcony.
Each stateroom has a small closet with wooden hangers, a flat-screen TV, 110/220-volt outlets and USB ports, a private bathroom, and under-the-bed suitcase storage. Aside from the wardrobe, rooms also have ample storage options with drawers, nightstands, and a desk. The veranda stateroom has a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens up to a full-size balcony and one chair (aside from the stool that tucks under the desk).
Those booked in the veranda suite have the same amenities as the veranda stateroom, plus a separate sitting room, a French balcony in the sleeping quarters, a larger wardrobe, welcome champagne and a stocked mini bar, a daily fruit plate, binoculars, complimentary laundry and shoe shine services, and complimentary Viking Air Plus. And passengers booked in the explorer suites expand upon the veranda stateroom with a wraparound balcony that offers 270-degree views, a separate sitting room with an extra TV, a personal coffee machine with premium selections, complimentary in-room breakfast, an upgraded beverage package (Silver Spirits), and a private arrival/departure transfer.
All staterooms and suites are appointed with a queen-size bed (that can be configured into two twins); a flat-screen TV with a selection of live TV channels, complimentary movies on demand, and in-house programming; a telephone, safe and refrigerator; individual climate control, bottled water that’s replenished daily; and twice-daily housekeeping.
Bathroom extras include premium Freyja toiletries, a spacious glass-enclosed shower, a heated floor, anti-fog mirror and hair dryer, plus a plush robe and slippers upon request.
Guests who have a disability, physical or otherwise, must travel with an able-bodied companion who can assist them as the staff is not permitted to lift guests or push wheelchairs. Guests need to provide their own wheelchairs, except in an emergency. Wheelchairs must not exceed 22″ in width. For details regarding bringing a wheelchair on board, guests must complete and return the accessibility form to Viking no later than 30 days prior to departure.
The Viking Radgrid features one elevator between the second and third floors. Please note that the elevator does not reach the first floor or the Sun Deck. Also, in some docking locations, it may be necessary to double berth, which means crossing other ships to disembark.
Food & Drink
There is only one dining room onboard Radgrid, and it’s called the Restaurant—this is where you’ll eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily (though they sometimes open earlier if there are early excursions that day). Lunch is served in the Restaurant or on the Aquavit Terrace (an indoor/outdoor café at the front of the boat that serves the same menu as the Restaurant and is included in the price of your cruise fare) at noon daily. And dinner is served at the Restaurant or on the Aquavit Terrace at 7:30 each evening.
Breakfast typically consists of a buffet with an egg station, various hot accompaniments (meats, beans, vegetables), smoked salmon, fresh fruit, and pastries. Guests can also order hot dishes off the menu (such as an omelet, pancakes, or French toast). Lunch is a choice of meat and vegetarian dishes (such as penne all’ arrabbiata, a tuna tataki poke bowl, or a niçoise salad), sandwiches, and soups. Dinner can include some regional specialties (such as escargots for appetizers or apple tarte tatin for dessert) alongside more traditional fare. One evening during the Paris & Heart of Normandy sailing, for example, a hearty French dinner buffet is served, featuring elaborate cheese plates and charcuterie items, various pates and salads, local cider, and meat and vegetarian dishes.
Just like the Restaurant, there’s one bar on board: Lounge & Bar. It’s the perfect (and only) space to enjoy beautiful views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors while sipping your favorite cocktail, beer, or wine. There’s ample and comfortable seating both at the bar and on various chairs and couches throughout the space. Beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks are served during lunch and dinner in the Restaurant and Aquavit Terrace as well.
Entertainment
Before dinner, starting around 5 p.m., passengers will find live music in the Lounge—usually the onboard pianist playing casually while everyone grabs a drink and chit chats. After dinner, evening entertainment also takes place in the Lounge; there may be a local trio serenading the crowd with French songs, a jazz duo playing some classics, or a local pianist playing upbeat dance melodies.
Viking also offers various regionally focused educational or enrichment opportunities, such as French language lessons or a presentation on French cheeses.
Spa & Fitness
There is no spa or fitness center on board, but there is a walking track on the Sun Deck (it’s small, so it would take many laps to reach a mile).
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
Viking recommends that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines ahead of your departure and as recommended by your healthcare provider. However, it is not required.
Dress Code
Onboard, guests can relax in casual attire during the day (shorts, slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours).
There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues (a dress, skirt, or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women; trousers and a collared shirt for men). Jeans are not permitted, although this is not enforced.
Junior Cruisers
No children under 18 years of age are permitted to sail on the ship.
Service
The Radgrid features a 3:1 passenger-to-crew ratio, which means someone is always nearby to help or provide service. Service aboard the Radgrid is consistently prompt and courteous, with plenty of smiling faces and friendly greetings—even from the captain, who you’ll run into regularly on such a small ship. Your cabin stewards and restaurant staff will get to know your preferences, doing their best to anticipate your needs.
Tipping
How much you choose to tip is completely at your discretion. However, Viking generally offers two ways to manage your gratuities: 1) you can pre-purchase gratuities on My Viking Journey at the standard recommended rate per guest per day or, 2) Viking will automatically add a discretionary service charge per guest per day to your shipboard account, which appears on your final invoice at the end of your cruise. This amount can be adjusted prior to disembarking.
For Europe, the standard recommended rate is $20 USD per guest per day; or, Viking will automatically add a discretionary service charge of €20 per guest per day to your shipboard account. For itineraries with land portions, this charge will also be shared with the Program Director on land. Any additional tipping is at your discretion. Should you choose to tip your local Viking Host, Viking Representative, local guides and/or drivers, Viking recommends doing so in cash (€3 per person per day for local guides and €2 per person per day for drivers).