If you like ocean cruising, you will love river cruising…
River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry, expanding at more than three times the rate of ocean cruising. Many guests have found that river cruising is an even better way of experiencing the world than ocean cruising, but some people have still not discovered this comfortable, all-inclusive way to travel. To encourage more people to discover the joys of river cruising, Viking is offering a special $1,000 discount per couple on any 2009 Viking itinerary for travelers who have taken an ocean cruise—in addition to early booking discounts of up to $2,000 per couple. Offer expires December 19, 2008.
The best river fleet gets even better
Our biggest news is the launch of Viking Legend, sailing the popular Grand European Tour itinerary. Debuting in 2009, this state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly vessel transports 189 guests in deluxe staterooms with either French balconies or large picture windows, both that open. Staterooms will have hotel-style beds, a 26-inch flat-panel Sony television, refrigerator and 115v outlets.
We have also upgraded our Russian fleet. After a full renovation, Viking Surkov offers deluxe staterooms throughout, plus suites and singles. In 2009 Viking Kirov joins her, sailing the Waterways of the Czars with staterooms featuring hotel-style beds, a flat-screen Sony television and a refrigerator.
Our China ship, Viking Century Sun, remains the best on the Yangtze. All staterooms have a balcony—so you never miss the view—and our Swiss hotel management brings the Viking standards of service, cleanliness and excellence to the Far East.
Recognition by Travel Trade
We are thrilled to announce that Viking River Cruises has once again been honored by the readers of two prestigious travel trade publications, Agent @ Home and Recommend! In the annual Agent @ Home Readers’ Choice Awards, Viking was named Best River Cruise Line, and in Recommend’s annual reader survey Viking was named Best Cruise Line – River Cruise for the third year running. “We are dedicated to supporting our valued travel agent partners, whether they are working in a large office or their home office,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman. “And we are grateful that they feel the same way about working with us.”
World’s Best Dedicated River Cruise Line
Viking River Cruises has once again been recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure as one of the “Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines” in its 13th annual “World’s Best” awards, as reported in the August 2008 issue. In this poll, readers rank their favorite travel providers based on their own recent travel experiences. Viking is ranked #7, ahead of any other dedicated river cruise line in the small-ships category.