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Viking River Cruises |
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| Chairman Torstein Hagen, a Norwegian of Viking descent, founded Viking River Cruises in 1997. The company started with the purchase of four ships in Russia, with continued growth ever since. A major expansion move was made by Viking River in 2000, when they purchased Europe's KD River Cruises, a company with over 100 years of river cruising history. Today, Viking River Cruises is the world's largest river cruise line and is a consistent winner of numerous travel awards on a yearly basis. For example, Viking River has been named to Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" multiple times. A special feature that Viking River Cruises offers its guests is guided shore excursions that are included in the cost of the cruise. These excursions are led by knowledgeable English-speaking locals, who know both the typical tourist hot spots and the special hidden gems of each destination. Typically there is at least one tour included for free at each port of call. There are other "optional" tours available, at an additional cost. Exciting news in 2009 was the launch of Viking River's beautiful (three-deck) Viking Legend, which accommodates up to 189 guests. During 2010, Viking River debuted another new ship, MS Elegant. |
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| Viking River Cruises divides the destinations in which their ships sail into four main sections: Europe, China, Russia & Ukraine, and Egypt. Since they have small ships they are able to offer excellent itineraries, allowing for as many sightseeing opportunities as possible. In China, Viking River offers cruisetours that combine a river cruise with an escorted land package (including stays at luxurious 5-star hotels). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Being small river cruise ships, the Viking River ships do not have many of the popular mainstream features found on the new "mega" ships. For example, none of the ships have a casino. Most of the ships do not have a spa or fitness center either; however, some of the Viking River ships do have a sauna and/or hair dresser. There is usually only one or two bars and/or lounges onboard each ship, if that. What the Viking River ships lack in onboard amenities they make up for in personal service, food quality, destination-rich itineraries and complimentary shore excursions. The Viking River cruise ships have a very comfortable atmosphere, allowing their passengers to really relax and enjoy their time onboard. All cabins have a telephone (except those in Russia and Ukraine), air conditioning, heat, and a private bathroom. TV's with local and English shows are on all of the ships, except those in Russia and Ukraine. In-cabin hairdryers and safes are available on most ships. Cabins on the Chinese ships all have private balconies. The most premium staterooms onboard the Viking River cruise ships are not very large relative to those throughout the cruising industry, but they are quite cozy and nice. Viking River features a nice onboard enrichment program, like many of their competitors in the small ship cruising world. This program features lectures, demonstrations, and theme dinners with regional specialties. Also onboard will be some type of entertainers. For example, there may be folk singers or local musicians. All of the ships have libraries and internet access (available for a fee). Dining onboard the Viking River fleet is often times influenced by the region that the ship is cruising in. For example, while in the Orient many of the meals will be Asian themed (with most of the others being European in style). On a Viking River cruise in China, you can enjoy family-style Chinese meals designed by celebrity chef Martin Yan. While in Europe and Russia the food is mostly European-style. Breakfast is usually a buffet, featuring fresh juices, eggs, pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, cereal and more. Most of the passengers onboard a Viking River cruise are well-traveled senior citizens (55 and older), that are especially interested in good service and unique itineraries. |
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| There is not a past passenger program currently in place for Viking River Cruises. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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There are 19 river cruise ships in the Viking River Cruises fleet, including the new MS Elegant (which debuted during 2010).
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