Viking River Cruises confirmed official plans for the company's expansion in 2015. Viking has ordered 12 new river vessels for next year – 10 additional Viking Longships and two vessels for the Elbe River. Next year will also see the launch of two new itineraries highlighting the Rhine River. The announcement comes directly on the heels of Viking's christening last month of 18 vessels across four countries in five days and will bring the company's total fleet size to 64 river vessels in 2015.
Of the 12 vessels on order for 2015, 10 are Viking Longships, which have an all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that has retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships have a layout that allows for two Explorer Suites as well as seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, all Longships have green upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, and energy-efficient hybrid engines that also reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.
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Viking's two additional ships on order for 2015 will be designed specifically for the company's Elegant Elbe itinerary. The two new ships will join the recently refurbished Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane, doubling the company's capacity on the Elbe River in 2015. Hosting 98 guests in 49 staterooms, sister ships Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla will be the newest and most modern ships sailing the Elbe River. Smaller than Viking Longships, with customized hulls and engines specially designed to navigate this unique river, these ships will tout many of the same features – including an Aquavit Terrace, a variety of stateroom choices, hotel-style beds, energy-efficient hybrid engines, onboard solar panels and an organic herb garden.
A 10-day cruisetour with hotel stays in Berlin and Prague, Elegant Elbe is Viking's only itinerary offering the unique opportunity to sail through eastern Germany. Including stops in Magdeburg, Wittenberg and Dresden, this itinerary offers a blend of urban culture, history and cruising – including sailing past the cliffs of Germany's "Saxon Switzerland." It also includes visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Viking will also introduce two new itineraries in 2015, both of which include scenic treasures along the Rhine River during the springtime. Details of the itineraries include:
Legends of the Rhine – This eight-day journey between Amsterdam and Frankfurt provides a window into some of the historic eras and events that have shaped northern Europe. Cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, lined with dozens of medieval castles and take walking tours of castles and cobbled streets. Marvel at the soaring carved interiors and stained-glass windows of Cologne's iconic Gothic cathedral, and sample the local beers. Stop in Remagen, the site of World War II's Operation Market Garden, and Nijmegen for a guided visit to the Overloon War and Resistance Museum. Spend a full day enjoying the delightful Golden Age city of Amsterdam, including a canal boat tour. Prices start at $2,356 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May.
Rhine Rhapsody – On this new cruisetour, spend 10 days amidst the elegance of Paris and the breathtaking scenery along the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers. Take a guided tour of the French capital to see some of its historic locations; then spend some time exploring its neighborhoods, museums and cafes. Scenic cruising voyages to smaller European towns such as Trier, Rudesheim and Cochem, through the Rhine Valley. Prices start at $2,906 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May.
The expansion of Viking's business comes as a response to increased traveler demand for destination-focused cruises. In addition to the new Viking Longships and new vessels for the Elbe, the company's first ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Star, is currently under construction and will set sail in early 2015
For more information, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.