VIKING PETERHOF Ship Review

Originally built in 1975 and completely refurbished in 2007, the 423-foot Viking Peterhof sails the popular “Waterways of the Czars” itinerary for Viking River Cruises. Traveling between St. Petersburg and Moscow, these voyages visit some of the most historic destinations along the famed Volga River.

In early 2012, Viking Peterhof will become Viking Rurik, completely refurbished with private verandas in every stateroom located on the ship’s upper and middle decks!

VIKING PETERHOF Staterooms

There are ten stateroom categories aboard Viking Peterhof:

• Category AS and CS staterooms were designed specifically for the solo traveler. At 102 and 75 square feet respectively, these rooms feature a single Pullman-style bed along with a picture window that opens. These staterooms are located on Middle Deck and have a yacht-style bathroom with shower, air conditioning, a small wardrobe, and a television featuring English-language programming.
• Category C, D, E and F staterooms are located on Upper, Middle and Main decks and include hotel-style beds that can be separated if needed, along with a large picture window. These rooms also feature a yacht-style bathroom with shower, a desk and vanity area, a small sitting area, a television with English-language programming, and full air conditioning. At 90 square feet, these staterooms can be a tight squeeze for two people.
• Category A, B and C Deluxe staterooms measure between 204 and 140 square feet, and have two hotel-style beds that can be separated (except for Category C Deluxe, which can not) along with large picture windows that open to let in fresh air. These rooms also feature a bathroom with shower, a desk and vanity area, a small sitting area, a television with English-language programming, and full air conditioning.
• Suite staterooms aboard Viking Peterhof represent the highest level of accommodation. At 237 square feet, there is only one stateroom in this category, located on Upper Deck. It features a hotel-style double bed that cannot be separated, large picture windows that open, a private bathroom with an enclosed shower, air conditioning, an in-room coffee maker and mini-fridge, a sitting area and ample wardrobe space.

VIKING PETERHOF Public Areas

In addition to her three expansive open promenade decks, Viking Peterhof features a reception area, two restaurants, and an observation lounge. The Reception area also hosts a 24-hour coffee and tea station and serves as the main information centre while onboard.

Viking Peterhof’s two restaurants are located on Upper and Middle decks. With seating for 70 guests, the Odessa Restaurant is the ship’s most intimate dining venue and features tables designed to accommodate parties of two, four or six guests. The Kiev Restaurant can seat 154 guests. Both offer panoramic views of the passing scenery, and both are open-seating, allowing you to dine with whomever you choose.

Located on Upper Deck, the forward-facing Observation Lounge makes the perfect venue to enjoy a cold drink and conversation with newfound friends without ever having to take your eyes off the beautiful countryside.

A small library is also located all the way forward on Middle Deck.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• Some staterooms aboard Viking Peterhof can be a tight squeeze for two people. Those who suffer from claustrophobia would be wise to splurge for more spacious accommodation.
• An on-board internet cafe allows guests to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
• Viking Peterhof will be extensively refurbished for the 2012 Season, emerging as Viking Ruric.  Watch this space for more details!