Los Angeles, Calif. (May 2, 2008) -
Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, has released its 2009 River Cruise Atlas, featuring one new vessel, several ship renovations, a new itinerary and a number of exciting new programs.
"We have called our brochure ‘The River Cruise Atlas’ to reflect the many rivers of the world on which we travel,” explained Torstein Hagen, founding chairman of Viking River Cruises. The Atlas announces Viking Legend, a new ship launching in Europe for the 2009 season, and several extensive ship renovations, as well as a 22-day Ultimate European Journey itinerary and some fascinating new land extensions and enrichment programs.
The company has also announced its best-ever Early Booking Incentive; those who book and pay in full for any 2009 Viking voyage by May 30, 2008 save $1,200 per stateroom ($600
per guest), and those who book and pay in full for a 2009 Viking voyage by July 31, 2008 save $1,000 per stateroom ($500 per guest).
“During times when the dollar is weak against the euro, river cruising is an excellent value,” Hagen continued. “American and Canadian guests pay for their vacations in dollars, and once they have paid in full their price is locked in with no worries about currency fluctuations, fuel costs or tax increases. Everything is included—daily shore excursions, workshops and other activities, all onboard meals, beautiful river-view staterooms with windows that open—and in Europe we will be providing free shipwide wireless access in 2009.”
Viking River Cruises offers 19 itineraries in Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China, ranging from 8 to 22 days in length. While the majority of its river cruises are in Europe, the company is also a Russia specialist with two comprehensive journeys along the Volga, Neva and Svir between Moscow and St. Petersburg and one trip through Ukraine between Kiev and Odessa. In China, Viking has the very best ships, featuring all balcony staterooms and fully equipped Western-style kitchens. The company’s three China “cruisetours” take visitors to China’s highlights, including Beijing, Shanghai and the Terra Cotta Army in Xian, plus a Yangtze River cruise.
The new Viking Legend will launch in 2009 on the very popular Grand European Tour itinerary, and on select sailings of Tulips & Windmills, the company’s springtime tour of the Netherlands and Belgium; Viking Legend will bring the total number of vessels in Viking’s fleet
to 22. Viking Legend will feature two decks of French balconies and hybrid engines that are 20% more efficient than the typical river cruising vessel. Two other Europe ships, Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane, will be upgraded, and in Russia Viking Kirov will receive a full renovation for 2009 similar to that of Viking Surkov for 2008. “Viking had the first Western-owned and operated ships in Russia, and now with the renovations of Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov they are the two most outstanding vessels in Russia,” stated Hagen.
Viking has one comprehensive new itinerary for 2009, Ultimate European Journey.
This 22-day river cruise sails along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers through eight European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria. “Such a journey has been dreamt of for centuries,” said Hagen. “Now, the opportunity exists to travel all the way from the North Sea to the Black Sea. What a great way to experience Central and Eastern Europe!”
In addition to the new itinerary, Viking has renewed its commitment to offer exciting
pre- and post-cruise packages. These add-ons provide opportunity to begin or end journeys with a few days in an interesting new place. Depending on itinerary, guests may spend a week exploring four Baltic capitals, exotic Istanbul, the Alpine vistas of Switzerland, Nice and the French Riviera, Munich’s fairy-tale castles or the lovely, unspoiled beauty of France’s Channel Islands. Viking continues to offer its most popular land extensions in Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, Hong Kong & Guilin, Helsinki, Bucharest/Transylvania and more. On select extensions—London, Paris,
Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest and Helsinki—participants are provided prepaid city passes which give them full access to public transportation and most of the city’s museums and other attractions. The rest of the extensions include guided tours and free time with the services of a Viking concierge to help with activity planning.
Last but not least, Viking announces several new programs and amenities. Free shipwide wireless Internet access will be enabled due to satellite downlinks installed on all ships in Europe. (In Russia and China, where satellite connectivity is not yet available, Internet access is still available for a nominal fee.). And Viking has established the Viking Explorer Society, where past guests receive a number of benefits including travel credits on upcoming journeys. Details are available in the 2009 River Cruise Atlas and on the company’s website at vikingrivercruises.com.
“We are proud that our guests provide us with a 99.8% satisfaction rating and that through their word-of-mouth endorsements we have grown to be the world’s leading river cruise line,” said Hagen.
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 and 2007 as "Best Riverboat Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, "Best River Cruise Line" by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at www.vikingrivercruises.com.