Los Angeles, Calif. (September 14, 2009) – Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, will officially launch its newest ship, Viking Legend, with a christening event to be held in Amsterdam on November 23, 2009.
Viking has selected Stevi M. Tracas as Viking Legend’s godmother, whose responsibility will be to break the traditional bottle of champagne across the ship’s hull in a ceremony that is thought to bring good luck to the ship, its guests and crew. Stevi, a travel industry veteran, is married to Steve Tracas, President and CEO of Vacation.com, one of Viking’s marketing partners.
“Stevi is the perfect choice as Viking Legend’s godmother,” said Michele Saegesser, Viking’s Vice President of Sales for North America and the South Pacific. “For three consecutive years, Vacation.com has recognized Viking River Cruises as Specialty Cruise Line of the Year during their annual Power of Partnership (POP) Awards. It seemed only fitting for us to honor the Vacation.com team for their ongoing support and for being our top-producing travel marketing organization. And what better way to do so than to partner in the ceremonious launch of our legendary ship.”
“The entire Vacation.com team is sincerely appreciative and honored by the selection of my wife, Stevi, as the godmother of this fabulous ship. We accept this selection and recognition on behalf of Vacation.com and all of our member agencies,” said Steve Tracas. “Viking has a long history of excellence with our members, which will only be enhanced with the addition of Viking Legend. Stevi acknowledges the importance of this designation and is proud to represent Vacation.com, Viking River Cruises and their newest ship during this celebration.”
The newest ship in the Viking River Cruises fleet, Viking Legend carries 189 guests in 97 staterooms, including two suites, 90 deluxe doubles and five singles, most with a French balcony. The ship’s propulsion system is a “green” diesel-electric hybrid engine, and has innovative noise- and vibration-reduction features. For the 2010 season, Viking Legend will play host to Viking’s guests on four different itineraries. Beginning the season sailing the 10-day Tulips & Windmills program through Holland and Belgium, she will then spend the majority of the season cruising Viking’s popular Grand European Tour itinerary, traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
Viking River Cruises consumer website is here, but travel agents can receive exclusive information and services at our travel agent portal. Vacation.com can be accessed here.
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. 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 as “Best Riverboat Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” 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.
About Vacation.com
Vacation.com is the largest travel services marketing organization in North America, serving independent retail travel agencies across the U.S. and Canada. Vacation.com facilitates “The Power of the Partnership” between a network of quality preferred suppliers and member agencies that increase profits through disciplined marketing, comprehensive training and robust booking tools, including the proprietary EZguider sales platform. Vacation.com is a subsidiary of Amadeus IT Group, SA, and maintains its headquarters in Alexandria, VA. For further information, contact Vacation.com at 1-800-843-0733 or visit the company online at www.vacation.com. Note: Photos of Viking Legend and Stevi Tracas are available upon request.