Viking River Cruises welcomed the newest additions to its fleet of river cruise vessels at a simultaneous christening ceremony in Amsterdam and Rostock, Germany. The company christened a total of 12 new river vessels, including 10 of its Viking Longships and two custom vessels for the Elbe River. This event officially brings Viking’s total river fleet size to 60. Last year the company set a Guinnes World Record for the most new ships launched in a single day.
All 10 of the new Viking Longships will be deployed on Viking’s itineraries in Europe, including three of the most popular itineraries: Grand European Tour, Romantic Danube and Rhine Getaway.
Also, as a result of high consumer demand for the Elegant Elbe itinerary, the two new specially designed ships will double the company’s capacity on the Elbe River for 2015.
Staying true to the naval tradition, Viking named 12 of its longest-serving employees as ceremonial godmothers for the new ships. With representation from Viking’s onboard operations team, as well as from the operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the corporate headquarters in Los Angeles and the London office, each godmother represents a department that has contributed to the consistently high guest satisfaction ratings and the growth and success of the company.
Viking Longships have a patented corridor design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends. These features include an all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors that 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. Additionally, all 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.
In addition to the new Viking Longships and new vessels designed for the Elbe River, the company’s first ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Star, is currently under construction and will set sail with its first passengers on April 11, 2015.
