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I received this press release from Viking River Cruises and thought it
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they are available on my web site.
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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
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Viking River Cruises Releases 2009 River Cruise Atlas(TM)
New Ship, New Itinerary, New Land Extensions
Early Booking Discount - Save $1,200 Per Stateroom by May 30, 2008
LOS ANGELES, May 9
Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, has
released its 2009 River Cruise Atlas, featuring one new vessel,
several ship renovations, a new itinerary and a number of exciting new
programs.
"We have called our brochure 'The River Cruise Atlas' to reflect the
many rivers of the world on which we travel," explained Torstein
Hagen, founding chairman of Viking River Cruises. The Atlas announces
Viking Legend, a new ship launching in Europe for the 2009 season, and
several extensive ship renovations, as well as a 22-day Ultimate
European Journey itinerary and some fascinating new land extensions
and enrichment programs.
The company has also announced its best-ever Early Booking Incentive;
those who book and pay in full for any 2009 Viking voyage by May 30,
2008 save $1,200 per stateroom ($600 per guest), and those who book
and pay in full for a 2009 Viking voyage by July 31, 2008 save $1,000
per stateroom ($500 per guest).
"During times when the dollar is weak against the euro, river cruising
is an excellent value," Hagen continued. "American and Canadian guests
pay for their vacations in dollars, and once they have paid in full
their price is locked in with no worries about currency fluctuations,
fuel costs or tax increases. Everything is included-daily shore
excursions, workshops and other activities, all onboard meals,
beautiful river-view staterooms with windows that open-and in Europe
we will be providing free shipwide wireless access in 2009."
Viking River Cruises offers 19 itineraries in Europe, Russia, Ukraine
and China, ranging from 8 to 22 days in length. While the majority of
its river cruises are in Europe, the company is also a Russia
specialist with two comprehensive journeys along the Volga, Neva and
Svir between Moscow and St. Petersburg and one trip through Ukraine
between Kiev and Odessa. In China, Viking has the very best ships,
featuring all balcony staterooms and fully equipped Western-style
kitchens. The company's three China "cruisetours" take visitors to
China's highlights, including Beijing, Shanghai and the Terra Cotta
Army in Xian, plus a Yangtze River cruise.
The new Viking Legend will launch in 2009 on the very popular Grand
European Tour itinerary, and on select sailings of Tulips & Windmills,
the company's springtime tour of the Netherlands and Belgium; Viking
Legend will bring the total number of vessels in Viking's fleet to 22.
Viking Legend will feature two decks of French balconies and hybrid
engines that are 20% more efficient than the typical river cruising
vessel. Two other Europe ships, Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane,
will be upgraded, and in Russia Viking Kirov will receive a full
renovation for 2009 similar to that of Viking Surkov for 2008. "Viking
had the first Western-owned and operated ships in Russia, and now with
the renovations of Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov they are the two
most outstanding vessels in Russia," stated Hagen.
Viking has one comprehensive new itinerary for 2009, Ultimate European
Journey. This 22-day river cruise sails along the Rhine, Main and
Danube Rivers through eight European countries: the Netherlands,
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.
"Such a journey has been dreamt of for centuries," said Hagen. "Now,
the opportunity exists to travel all the way from the North Sea to the
Black Sea. What a great way to experience Central and Eastern Europe!"
In addition to the new itinerary, Viking has renewed its commitment to
offer exciting pre- and post-cruise packages. These add-ons provide
opportunity to begin or end journeys with a few days in an interesting
new place. Depending on itinerary, guests may spend a week exploring
four Baltic capitals, exotic Istanbul, the Alpine vistas of
Switzerland, Nice and the French Riviera, Munich's fairy-tale castles
or the lovely, unspoiled beauty of France's Channel Islands. Viking
continues to offer its most popular land extensions in Amsterdam,
Prague, Paris, Hong Kong & Guilin, Helsinki, Bucharest/Transylvania
and more. On select extensions-London, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague,
Budapest and Helsinki-participants are provided prepaid city passes
which give them full access to public transportation and most of the
city's museums and other attractions. The rest of the extensions
include guided tours and free time with the services of a Viking
concierge to help with activity planning.
Last but not least, Viking announces several new programs and
amenities. Free shipwide wireless Internet access will be enabled due
to satellite downlinks installed on all ships in Europe. (In Russia
and China, where satellite connectivity is not yet available, Internet
access is still available for a nominal fee.) And Viking has
established the Viking Explorer Society, where past guests receive a
number of benefits including travel credits on upcoming journeys.
Details are available from your travel professional.
"We are proud that our guests provide us with a 99.8% satisfaction
rating and that through their word-of-mouth endorsements we have grown
to be the world's leading river cruise line," said Hagen.
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, offers
quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along
Europe, Russia and China's majestic rivers. In addition to being
honored multiple times on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List, the company
has also appeared on Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" lists several
times. Travel agents have recognized Viking River Cruises as "Best
Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" (TravelAge West); "Best Cruise
Line - River Cruise" (Recommend), and "Best River Cruise Line" by
Travel Weekly. Additionally, the company was named "Best River Cruise"
twice by CruiseReport.com. Since its 1997 inception, the company has
grown to a fleet of 21 vessels (22 for 2009), and provides unique,
affordable vacations geared toward experienced travelers with an
interest in geography, culture and history. For more information,
contact your travel professional. |
762152. Viking River Releases 2009 Atlas!
762152. Viking River Releases 2009 Atlas!
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