Viking River Cruises Welcomes Ocean Cruisers

If you have ever taken an ocean cruise, Viking River Cruises wants you to give river cruising a try--because, they say, if you like ocean cruising, you will love river cruising. To encourage more ocean cruisers to discover the joys of river cruising, Viking River Cruises, which offers river cruises and cruisetours through Europe, Russia, and China, is giving anyone who has taken an ocean cruise a special promotional discount of $500 ($1,000 per couple) on any 2009 itinerary. This savings is in addition to early booking discount of up to $2,000 per couple currently available.

Many guests have found that river cruising is an even better way of experiencing the world than ocean cruising. River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry, expanding at a compound rate of 23.4% per annum since 2001--more than three times the 7.7% growth rate of ocean cruising during the same period. But some travelers are still not familiar with it. "While river cruising has some similarities with ocean cruising, there are certain benefits travelers can only enjoy on a river cruise," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking River Cruises. "This offer is obviously designed to introduce river cruising to people who have taken an ocean cruise but are new to river cruising. However, we are always delighted to welcome back our past guests, so the offer is extended to them as well."

Why river cruising? Ocean cruisers are familiar with the convenience of unpacking just once in a comfortable stateroom. But river cruise ships are far smaller and more intimate than ocean cruising vessels, carrying only 150 to 300 passengers, and every stateroom is a comfortable "outside" stateroom with a view and/or balcony. With river cruising, meals are open seating, casual but elegant, and the ride is smooth and quiet with no worries about motion sickness or "sea legs." River cruise ships sail right into the heart of each destination and guests walk right off the ship--no hassles with embarkation or debarkation. And river cruise vacation packages are all-inclusive, covering not only accommodations and all onboard meals but the vast majority of shore excursions and supplemental cultural activities with no hidden charges. On a river cruise, there is ever-changing scenery and new destinations every day-guests spend their time being there, not getting there.

To take advantage of this offer, prospective guests need only tell Viking (or have their travel agent tell Viking) when they took their ocean cruise and with which cruise line. The ocean cruisers offer may be combined with up to two other current discounts being offered, including any advertised early booking discounts, Past Guest discounts and Refer-A-Friend travel credits. It is good on any 2009 itinerary and runs from Nov 1, 2008 through Dec 19, 2008. "River cruising is such a wonderful way to see the world's great cities and quaint towns," continued Mr. Hagen. "We take guests to places they would be unlikely to reach any other way, and they travel in comfort and style. In 2009, we hope to introduce river cruising in Europe, Russia or China to everyone who has taken an ocean cruise-they will love it!"

Since its 1997 inception, Viking River Cruises has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-668-4546, or visit the company' web site online.