Color Viking ferry

MS Color Viking is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned and operated by COLOR LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1,773 passengers, 370 cars, and 33 lorries. Launched in 1985, she currently operates on the Norway-Sweden route Sandefjord-Stromstad, with a crossing time of 2.5 hours.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Color Viking does not offer cabins (passenger staterooms) due to the short crossing duration. Reserved seating is also not available.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (parent or legal guardian). WiFi is available at an additional cost, with access codes for purchase at the Reception Desk.

Foot passengers must arrive at the port 1 hour prior to departure during high season and 30 minutes prior during low season.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Color Viking offers the following facilities:

• The buffet restaurant is an all-you-can-eat venue serving hot and cold homemade dishes (Nordic cuisine, seafood, meat, game, soups, wok, fresh salads), desserts (including gluten- and lactose-free options), and beverages (soft drinks, beer, wine by the glass, tea, coffee). A separate buffet station is available for children. Dining packages are offered for fixed-price Breakfast (bacon, scrambled eggs, toppings, fresh rolls, cereals / includes coffee, tea, milk, juices), Lunch (hot/cold dishes, homemade cakes and ice cream / includes soda, mineral water, coffee, tea), and Dinner (fresh seafood, meat and fish dishes, salad station, homemade desserts—ice cream, chocolate pudding, cakes / includes soda, mineral water, coffee, tea, beer, and wine by the glass). The buffet opens after departure and closes 1 hour before arrival. Table reservations are available only via phone and upon booking. Children dine at half price.
• Color Cafe is a self-service cafeteria and patisserie offering baked goods, sandwiches, baguettes, salads, snacks, warm lunch dishes, pizza, desserts (cakes, pastries, homemade ice cream), coffee drinks, and soft beverages. It opens after departure and closes upon arrival. Table reservations are not available. Adjacent to the cafe is the Kid's Corner (a playroom equipped with toys).
• (Deck 6) 8 Glass Bar is the ship’s show lounge and nightclub, featuring a large dance floor and a stage for live music (grand piano, classical concerts, DJ parties). It also hosts themed lectures and media presentations. The bar opens after departure and closes upon arrival.
• Taxfree Market is a duty-free shop offering a wide selection of alcohol, tobacco, gourmet and fast food, chocolates, and sweets.
• Food Shop sells meats, cheeses, canned, and frozen foods.
• Color Shop is a duty-free store offering gifts and souvenirs, glassware, electronics, media products (music/video), luxury sunglasses, leather goods, handbags, designer watches, jewelry, and accessories.
• Fashion Boutique comprises two duty-free shops selling brand-name clothing for men and women. Ladies’ brands include Vero Moda, Marie Philippe, Betty Barclay, Jean-Paul Femme. Men’s brands include Gant, Jean Paul, Henry Choice, Moods of Norway, Superdry, Bjorn Borg.
• Kids Shop offers duty-free toys, games, children’s clothing, and accessories.
• Perfumes and Cosmetics Shop sells popular luxury brands (including Versace, Prada, Chanel, La Prairie) at duty-free prices, along with skincare and wellness products for men and women.

All shops open 15 minutes after departure and close 15 minutes before arrival. Boarding cards must be shown to purchase duty-free items.

Pets on the ship

Pets (cats, dogs, and ferrets) are allowed to travel with both car and foot passengers but are not permitted on passenger decks.

Car passengers may leave pets in their vehicles or use the ship’s kennels. Foot passengers must transport pets in a cage or carrier, and the animals must remain inside for the entire crossing.

Color Line follows the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme), allowing pet travel between European countries without quarantine.

• Pets are not permitted on Color Line’s 2-day cruises between Kiel and Oslo.
• According to PETS regulations, all animals must have the required documentation to travel.
• Pet check-in is at least 2 hours before departure. Each animal is charged EUR 12 or EUR 18 per voyage. Pets may travel in car deck kennels (EUR 18) or inside private vehicles (EUR 12). As the number of kennels is limited, pre-booking is required. Visiting pets during the voyage is allowed, but they are not permitted in public areas or cabins.
• While dogs may remain in the vehicle during the crossing, this is not recommended in summer due to high temperatures on the car deck.
• Pet visiting hours are 5:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 7:15 am.

Guide dogs travel free of charge and are allowed in all passenger areas, including select cabin types, with proper documentation.

Color Viking has four pet cages, each measuring 0.8 x 0.9 x 1.2 meters.

Car decks

Color Viking has two vehicle decks with a combined capacity of 370 cars and 33 trailers. Passengers are not allowed to remain on the car decks during the voyage. These decks, along with the engine room, technical spaces, and watertight doors, are monitored by CCTV.

All vehicles must have valid documentation and insurance. Presenting the vehicle’s technical data sheet can speed up the boarding process. During booking, the vehicle's model, length, and height must be specified. Car passengers must arrive at the departure port 2 hours before departure.

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers with disabilities or needing assistance should visit the Information Desk.
• Engage the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, turn off ignition, alarms, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage with you.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage/stairway number before leaving the deck.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or passenger lounges.
• Wait for an announcement before returning to your vehicle.
• To prevent air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner, Color Line (fleet, founded in 1990, headquartered in Oslo, Norway), is a Norwegian ferry operator providing passenger and cargo services between Norway and Sweden, Germany, and Denmark.