Viking River Cruises On Track for Four New Builds for 2012

The Würzburg Residenz, Germany, taken by Viking River CruisesViking River Cruises has announced the next phase of its $250 million fleet program alongside details of its four vessels set to debut at the start of its 2012 season. Designed by architects Yran & Storbraaten, the ships, Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord and Viking Odin, are the line's first Longships, a new class of vessel within the fleet, available for booking now.

Named after key members of the Norse pantheon, the ships feature the long and graceful design of ancient Scandinavian vessels. Measuring 443 feet long, with 95 staterooms per ship, the new Viking Longships will feature separate sleeping and living rooms in each of its two, 445-square-foot Explorer Suites and seven, 270-square-foot Veranda Suites. We hear three-quarters of staterooms will have a veranda, French balcony or both. Upon their debut, the ships will sail four, all-inclusive European itineraries, including the 10-day Tulips & Windmills, eight-day Romantic Danube, 15-day Grand European Tour and eight-day Danube Waltz.

On board, your clients can enjoy the ship's sustainability upgrades, including energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an onboard organic herb garden. The Aquavit Terrace features retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors to enjoy the outdoors from indoors, and the al fresco dining areas on the Upper deck offer options throughout the ship. Agents who register at Viking’s travel agent portal can create their own co-branded Viking website, to feature Viking's current information alongside the agency name, contact information and logo.

For more information, including a Travel Protection Plan, land extensions and various air programs, call 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) or visit www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents for itinerary details, dates and pricing as well as travel agent benefits.