Viking Orders Seven New River Ships For 2019

Viking announced it has placed an order for seven new river ships that will debut in 2019. The newbuild order includes six additional award-winning Viking Longships®, which will sail the company's most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, and one additional vessel, inspired by the Longships and specifically designed for Portugal's Douro River. With the addition of the new river ships, Viking will operate a fleet of 69 river vessels around the world in 2019. Also by 2019, Viking will welcome its sixth ocean ship and will become the largest small ship ocean cruise line.

"We knew there was an opportunity to do things differently when we started this company 20 years ago," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "In the last two decades, we have led the industry to define what modern river cruising looks like today. We continue to lead the industry with the largest fleet, the widest selection of itineraries and stateroom categories, and the most awards of any river cruise line. The Viking way of exploration has resonated with our target audience of experienced travelers, and this new ship order is a reflection of strong demand for more destination-focused cruises."

New Viking Longships for 2019
Of the seven vessels on order for 2019, six are Viking Longships, which integrate a patented corridor design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends. These features include a revolutionary all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the onboard lounge experience by bringing the panoramic outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and allows guests to enjoy the views and dine al fresco.

Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships have a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites—the largest river cruise suites in Europe—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. Staterooms include comfortable amenities such as hotel-style beds, heated bathroom floors, mini fridge, and both U.S. and EU outlets. Additionally, all Viking Longships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, and energy-efficient hybrid engines that also reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.

New Ship for the Douro River in 2019
Viking's additional ship on order for 2019 will be designed specifically for the company's Portugal's River of Gold itinerary. As a result of high customer demand, the new sister ship will join Viking's existing fleet of three ships on the Douro. Hosting 106 passengers in 53 staterooms, the Douro ships are smaller than Viking Longships, but feature many of the same popular features—including an Aquavit Terrace, a wide variety of stateroom choices, onboard solar panels and an organic herb garden, as well as Viking's signature Scandinavian design aesthetic.

The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests "the thinking person's cruise" as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking Difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Itineraries are designed for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local culture at night or evening performances. And only The Viking Way of exploration brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

Booking Details
From now through October 31, 2017, Viking is offering U.S. residents special offers, with 2-for-1 cruise fare and up to free international air on select river and ocean itineraries. For details, see VikingCruises.com.