MS Carissima

MS Carissima cruise ship (formerly MS Viking Sky and "MS Schwentine" Hotelschiff) was launched in 1999. It was one of all 8 new riverboats in Viking Cruises fleet, introduced between 1999-2001, and also company's oldest ship on Danube River. With its all-inclusive program (including both airfare and shore excursions), MS Carissima cruises not only offer comprehensive historical and cultural experience but also exceptionally good value for money. Most cruise ship's crew members come from central and eastern Europe. The official onboard language is English, and all crew speak it fluently as do tour guides who escort shore excursions.

Cabins

The ship has 71 staterooms, divided into 3 categories (A-B-C). A-cabins are located on Upper Deck, B-cabins on Middle Deck and C-cabins on Main Deck. All passenger cabins are outside and equally sized (150 ft2 / 14m2). A-B-cabins are with wall-to-wall picture windows. C-cabins are with half-height opening windows.

Standard cabin amenities include hotel-style beds (twins convertible to double), HDTV (satellite reception, real-time bow camera views), phone, wardrobe, en-suite bathroom (WC, glass-door shower, hairdryer, premium bath products), electronic safe box (in the closet), individually controlled air-conditioning.

Shipboard facilities

Ship's 150-seat restaurant is located on the middle deck and hosts a buffet-style breakfast, single open seating lunch and dinner. A light lunch buffet is served daily in the ship's lounge. The open seating policy of Viking encourages travellers to get to know each other by sitting at diverse tables throughout their cruise. Meals are cooked by Western European chefs and provide a mix of local specialities and international dishes. Occasionally, there are also theme dinners.

Boat's Sky Lounge & Bar is an indoor observation lounge featuring 180-degree scenery river views. Its best features are its own bar and dance floor. The furniture includes comfortable sofas and chairs with small three-seats tables. Entertainment options consist of watching movies (on a drop-down screen), professionally presented lectures and themed dance nights, as well as culinary tastings of local wines, cheeses, delicacies, liquors, etc.

Cruise passengers are predominately retired couples age 65+. You may also find a few 40 and 50-something couples, but have in mind this is not a cruise attracting honeymooners, young couples, or families. The primarily "early to bed", low-key crowd seeks to combine relaxation with a cultural experience.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.