Viking Releases 2009 Cruise Atlas

Viking River Cruises has released its 2009 river cruise atlas detailing the line's Europe, Russia and China voyages, which amount to 19 itineraries from eight to 22 days in length.

In 2009, Viking will also launch its newest ship, Viking Legend, which is being touted as a "green" riverboat with hybrid engines that are 20 percent more efficient than typical vessels. The addition of Legend brings Viking's fleet total to 22, the largest of any river cruise company. Three other ships, Viking Schumann, Viking Fontane and Viking Kirov, will all receive upgrades.

Viking's newest itinerary for 2009 is the Ultimate European Journey, a 22-day cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers that passes through eight countries including Germany, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

Coinciding with the 2009 itinerary announcement, Viking is offering an early booking incentive: those who book and pay in full for any 2009 Viking voyage by May 30, 2008, will receive savings of $1,200 per stateroom; while those who book and pay in full by July 31, 2008, will save $1,000 per stateroom. Visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.