Los Angeles, Calif. (November 17, 2008) - River cruising provides up-close-and-personal access to great cities and quaint villages along the world’s great rivers—and there is nothing better than enjoying European landscapes aboard a beautiful new cruise ship. In 2009, Viking River Cruises will enhance its appeal to cruise travelers with an extraordinary ship, Viking Legend, featuring cutting-edge technology and the region’s largest suites. The new ship will debut on the popular 15-day Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour itinerary, which takes guests along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest; its official launch is expected to occur in May of 2009.
Powerful New Incentive for Ocean Cruisers
To further entice travelers to experience the plush amenities and ingenuity of Viking Legend and all of the ships in its fleet, Viking has rolled out an innovative incentive offer to encourage people who have taken at least one ocean cruise to try river cruising. “If you like ocean cruising, you will love river cruising,” states Torstein Hagen, Viking Chairman and CEO. “That is why we are offering anyone who has taken an ocean cruise a special Ocean Cruisers discount of $500 per person/$1,000 per couple on any 2009 Viking itinerary.”
Viking Legend's Suites, Amenities and Fuel-Efficient Propulsion Systems
Viking Legend takes river cruising to a new level with two suites measuring 310—the largest river cruise suites in Europe. “While all our staterooms are deluxe, with hotel-style beds, European linens and high-quality amenities, these suites are truly magnificent,” said Hagen. “Their size and configuration are comparable to high-end American hotel rooms, so guests can relax in unprecedented comfort.” Service levels, always a priority for Viking, will be the finest anywhere for suite guests. Suites will have complimentary room service (in-room dining) available during all mealtimes—although most suite guests will continue to visit the restaurant for breakfast, so they can enjoy the delicious made-to-order omelets and other delicacies at the new cooking stations.
The highly anticipated ship will be powered by an innovative propulsion system, allowing it to achieve an estimated 20% boost in fuel efficiency over any other river cruising vessel in the region. The new ship will also provide a quieter ride for guests by using four smaller propellers instead of two large propellers. Moreover, both engine rooms will be insulated to further reduce noise and vibration.
In addition to reducing emissions and engine noise, Viking Legend will provide the latest security features such as double hulls, multiple exits in all public areas and backup generators. At 443 feet, the three-level Viking Legend will be the longest in the Viking fleet, and will accommodate 189 guests in 98 staterooms. Additional amenities include 26 inch flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, hair dryers and in room safes. Aboard Viking Legend, guests will enjoy fine dining at the ship's restaurant featuring seasonal menus and local specialties to complement every destination, a cozy library, sun deck with 360-degree panoramic views, souvenir shop and an observation lounge—just a few of the ship’s features designed with the comfort and convenience of every Viking guest in mind.
Ocean Cruisers Offer Designed to Introduce River Cruising
The river cruising category has been experiencing a high growth rate since 2001. “For the past several years, river cruising has grown more than three times faster than ocean cruising—at a rate of 23.4% versus 7.7%, respectively,” Hagen explained. “River cruising is a very pleasant surprise to those who have enjoyed ocean cruising—people who try it love it, and frequently come back to us for additional cruises and cruisetours.”
To take advantage of the Ocean Cruisers offer, prospective guests or their travel agents need only call Viking at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) and say when they took their ocean cruise and with which cruise line. The ocean cruisers offer may be combined with up to two other applicable discounts, including any advertised early booking discounts, Past Guest discounts and Refer-A-Friend travel credits. It is good on any 2009 itinerary and runs from November 1, 2008 through December 19, 2008.
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit 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.