Viking has announced the official launch of Viking.TV, a new digital platform designed to provide enriching cultural content and livestreaming video experiences from around the world.
The announcement was made by Executive Vice President Karine Hagen in a video for current and past Viking guests, posted on the homepage of Viking.TV: “Right now, we are all staying at home instead of travelling together, but that does not have to mean that the only thing we can do is watch the news,” said Karine.
“My father, Torstein Hagen, and I felt that if we cannot for the time being bring our guests to the world, let's bring the world to our guests. And as soon as actual travel is less complicated again, we are ready to welcome you onboard.”
Viking.TV was conceived as a way for the Viking community to stay connected and share positive experiences at a time when people are staying home. In addition to housing a library of enriching content that Viking guests would have enjoyed onboard their respective cruise itineraries, Viking.TV will also feature live content from a variety of experts, cultural partners and notable individuals
“A Viking journey is about cultural enrichment and learning. It's why we've become known as 'The Thinking Person's Cruise'. So while we mightn't be able to travel right now, we remain committed to helping you explore and learn. Whether you're interested in the arts, history, culture, cuisine or science, you'll find it at your fingertips with Viking.TV,” said Michelle Black, Viking's Managing Director, ANZ.
Visitors to Viking.TV can access Viking-produced destination insights, which are hosted by Karine and showcase the history, art and culture from around the world.
Viking.TV also features reading lists, filmography and music playlists by popular itinerary, so visitors can read, watch or listen their way around the world from right at home.
Those who are looking to get creative in their home kitchen – and journey around the world through global cuisine – will enjoy “The Kitchen Table,” a digital cookbook on Viking.TV that features recipes browsable by country and the ability for visitors to submit their own favourite recipes
And for guests who were especially looking forward to seeing their Viking family of onboard crew during their voyage, Viking.TV includes a forum where guests and crew can exchange greetings – reinforcing the tight community bonds that form as part of the travel experience
Plus, each morning in the “Conversations with Karine and Friends” section of Viking.TV, there will be a livestream lecture, conversation, demonstration or virtual tour where viewers can participate by submitting questions in real time. These are also available to view on-demand after they are broadcast. The schedule of daily participants will be announced weekly, and viewers can expect the following themes:
Museums – Viking is a long-time sponsor of Oslo's Munch Museum and hosts “Munch Moments” onboard its ocean ships every afternoon, showcasing a curated collection of Norway's most famous artist, Edvard Munch. On Viking.TV, Museum livestream sessions will take the place of the onboard event, and viewers can expect streamed sessions with the museum's director and various curators, providing virtual privileged access to exhibitions, experts and restoration facilities. Additional museums may also participate in the future.
- Resident Historians – As part of Viking's onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking's Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on significant milestones in world history. A Resident Historian will host an iconic lecture followed by a livestreamed Q&A session.
- Music – One of the most important cultural aspects of any destination is its music. Viking.TV will bring some of the world's most interesting artists, composers and conductors of the musical world.
- Guest Speakers Thursdays – Viking is proud to welcome onboard as guest lecturers many experts in the fields of science, the arts and exploration. Every Thursday, Viking.TV viewers can enjoy meaningful conversations with a variety of academics and individuals who have led extraordinary lives. Upcoming hosts include veteran British broadcaster journalist Anne Diamond; world-renowned Norwegian explorer Liv Arnesen; and Xander Parish, principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg.
- At Home at Highclere Castle – Together with her husband Geordie, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon manages affairs at Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Through her friendship with Karine, Viking has enjoyed a long relationship with Highclere Castle, to which many Viking guests each year enjoy Privileged Access. Visitors to Viking.TV can get a glimpse of life “At Home at Highclere,” as Lady Carnarvon broadcasts tours and conversations.
- Wellness Weekends – Dedicated to wellbeing during uncertain times and will feature staff from the LivNordic spas onboard Viking's ocean ships, as well as other selected hosts, largely focusing on yoga and meditation.
On 12 March 2020, Viking became the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension in operations in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Viking.TV stays true to the brand tagline of “Exploring the World in Comfort” – albeit for the time being, that exploration can now happen from the comfort of one's own home, rather than from the comfort of Viking ships.
For additional information about Viking Cruises, visit vikingcruises.com.au or phone 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ).
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