Extensive quality development programme for Viking Line

Viking Line is investing nearly EUR 20 M in an extensive quality development programme, which involves the upgrading of public spaces, shops, restaurants and cabins on its vessels. Late in September, the m/s Isabella returned from a lengthy dry-docking period. An exhaustive renovation project focused on the public areas on Decks 7 and 8, where interior fittings were totally replaced in a number of locations. A new, larger duty- and tax-free shop and exciting new restaurant concepts are the outcome of this work. The m/s Mariella underwent a similar dry-docking period last year, and next in line are the m/s Amorella and m/s Gabriella. All vessel cabins will also undergo restoration. Viking Line’s aim is to carry out concrete improvement measures that will raise the quality level and ensure that future passengers will regard the cabins and public spaces on its vessels as better and more pleasant than today.

The Isabella’s new duty- and tax-free shop

Next to the entry hall on Deck 7, where the perfume shop was previously located, the arcade has been moved towards the starboard side and there is now a new, broader passageway with a sea view. The perfume shop has been integrated into the new, expanded duty- and tax-free facilities. The new shop operates according to the “Shop in Shop” concept, which means that its various product categories can be highlighted and exposed better than previously. Since the area of the shop has been enlarged, new products are also being added to the existing range. For example, the selection of foods − which have become an increasingly important and requested product category − is allotted more suitable space than before. Similarly, designer clothing can be highlighted in a completely different way than previously.

The Isabella’s new restaurant concepts

On Deck 8, the previous restaurants have been opened towards the arcade, with a sea view. Here we can now offer two entirely new restaurant concepts: Ella’s (with a Little Italy theme) and the Tapas & Wine Bar. This new overall concept works more smoothly, giving the arcade a more open, lively character. The pub has been moved towards the stern and has been given a traditional décor.

The Tapas & Wine Bar – savoury small dishes paired with wines

The Isabella is the third Viking Line vessel to get a Tapas & Wine Bar. The Viking Cinderella and the Mariella have already tried out the concept, and customer response has been very positive. Tapas & Wine is a new “easy dining” concept, implemented in cooperation with the Torres fine wine house. On the Isabella, it consists of an open arcade restaurant with very good accessibility next to the à la carte restaurant. It serves mainly as a wine bar, with a genuinely popular touch. The bar stocks a number of different wines, all served by the glass. Aside from wine, the restaurant serves Spanish bottled beer, draught beer, dry sherry and the vessel’s piccolo champagne plus an assortment of other appropriate aperitifs.

On the menu are small dishes in the form of cold and warm tapas, as well as salads, sandwiches and night-time snacks. The restaurant offers various combinations of tapas: one, three or five pieces − the customer’s choice − at fixed prices. The cold and warm tapas selections can be mixed in any way the customer wishes. There are also several desserts on the menu. Coffee specialities including espresso, cappuccino and caffè latte are on the menu. Tapas are served from late afternoon to midnight. After midnight, the restaurant serves a more specific Scandinavian night-time snack selection, such as meat, potato and onion hash (pytt i panna); Jansson’s temptation; pizza bread; open “gangway” sandwiches; and open shrimp sandwiches.

The Tapas & Wine Bar concept was designed on the basis of extensive customer surveys, in order to satisfy requests for a calmer bar setting without disruptive entertainment. A take-away wine shop is also included, for those who wish to take home wines at duty- and tax-free prices.

Ella’s – a taste of Little Italy

Background: Little Italy restaurant concepts are found in virtually every major city in the United States, as well as in Britain. The original Little Italy neighbourhood emerged in New York City, centring on Mulberry Street in southern Manhattan. Italian immigrants settled in this area, retaining their own culture and traditions. The Italian lifestyle is strongly rooted in such values as tradition, family, respect and kinship. One element that remains important today is the Italian culinary heritage, although over the years it has become Americanized by hamburgers and steaks. The productivity- and results-driven mentality of the New World soon melded with the Italian way of thinking, and the outcome is a completely new style that has been captured in the “Little Italy” restaurant concept.

American-style family restaurant

The Isabella is the second Viking Line vessel to open an Ella’s restaurant. Ella’s is a relaxed, casual dining drop-in concept, inspired by the Italian-American experience. Here the outcome is a family restaurant with an extensive international menu selection, featuring mainly Italian and American wines.

The first Nintendo Wii game room on the Baltic Sea

Viking Line also thought about its younger passengers while planning the new spaces on the Isabella. The Isabella is now the first vessel on the Baltic Sea to offer a genuine Nintendo Wii game room. Nintendo Wii is an innovative new game console, controlled by a little gadget reminiscent of a TV remote control. Users play different games that resemble reality, for example hitting tennis balls as if they were holding a racquet in their hand and performing golf swings with genuine movements just like on a golf course. In addition to these sports-oriented games, the room also offers newer versions of such popular Nintendo games as Super Mario. Even after the first few days of use, the staff of the Isabella noted that the popularity of the new game room has exceeded Viking Line’s expectations.
For further information, please contact:

Ms Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Head of Information, tel. +358 18 27748, johanna.boijer@vikingline.fi
Ms Christa Blomqvist, Information Officer, tel. +358 9 1235242, christa.blomqvist@vikingline.fi
Mr Jan Weckström, Restaurant Manager, tel. +358 18 27 000