Viking River Cruises Introduces New 2009 River Cruise Atlas

Viking River Cruises has released its 2009 River Cruise Atlas, featuring one new vessel, several ship renovations, a new itinerary and a number of exciting new programs. 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 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).

Viking Spirit Photo (c) Linda Garrison

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 also has two comprehensive journeys along the Volga, Neva and Svir Rivers in Russia between Moscow and St. Petersburg, and one trip through Ukraine between Kiev and Odessa. In China, Viking has ships that feature 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 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 percent 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 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.

In addition to the new itinerary, Viking has renewed its commitment to offer 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.

Information Source: Viking River Cruises
Dateline: May 2008