Just weeks ago, Viking River Cruises introduced another 14 of its newest Viking Longship designs and placed two new Longship-variants in Portugal. Following this year’s record-breaking ship launch, the line plans to continue expanding into 2015 with even more new riverboats and itineraries.
New Ships
Currently, there are 30 Viking Longships – revolutionary new riverboat designs that feature space-maximized accommodations and innovations in guest comforts. With 10 more scheduled for next year, that total count will rise to 40. The new vessels will include all the previous favorites like the al fresco Aquavit Terrace, which conveniently converts from indoors to outdoors depending on the weather.
Rendering of the Aquavit Terrace on the Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla (Copyright © Viking River Cruises)
Speaking of the Aquavit Terrace, two other new riverboats to include the feature will be the smaller Longship-like Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla (rendered in the header image above). Like Viking’s customized riverboats in Portugal, these 98-passenger ships will be specially-designed for the clearances of and itineraries on the Elbe River with only two interior decks, a sun deck and 49 cabins.
The Viking Astrild and Viking Breyla Deck Plan (Copyright © Viking River Cruises)
To accommodate, the restaurant will be positioned lower than usual and the reception, observation and terrace areas will be reduced in size. Still, with a lower passenger count, public rooms will remain spacious, and the line’s patented offset cabin corridor will ensure efficient use of stateroom and suite layouts. On the Elbe, cabins will be only marginally smaller that their counterparts on the larger Longships.
Rendering of Viking Astrild‘s and Viking Beyla‘s Veranda Staterooms (Copyright © Viking River Cruises)
New Itineraries
As for the new itineraries being introduced in 2015, Viking River Cruises describes them below:
Legends of the Rhine – This 8-day journey between Amsterdam and Frankfurt provides a window into some of the historic eras and events that have shaped northern Europe. Cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, lined with dozens of medieval castles, and take walking tours of castles and cobbled streets. Marvel at the soaring carved interiors and stained-glass windows of Cologne’s iconic Gothic cathedral, and sample the local beers. Stop in Remagen, the site of World War II’s Operation Market Garden, and Nijmegen for a guided visit to the Overloon War and Resistance Museum. Spend a full day enjoying the delightful Golden Age city of Amsterdam, including a canal boat tour. Prices start at $2,356 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May.
Rendering of the Veranda Suites on Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla (Copyright © Viking River Cruises)
Rhine Rhapsody – On this unique new cruisetour, spend 10 days amidst the timeless elegance of Paris and the breathtaking scenery along the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers. Take a guided tour of the French capital to see some of its historic locations; then spend some time exploring its neighborhoods, museums and cafés. Scenic cruising takes you to the heart of smaller European towns like Trier, Rüdesheim and Cochem, where there is so much to discover, right through the Rhine Valley, famous for its many riverside castles. Stop in Strasbourg, the perfect marriage of French and German cultures (and cuisines), and explore the market squares of Basel’s charming Old Town area. Prices start at $2,906 per person, with 2015 departure dates in April and May.
One Last Look at the Viking Beyla Exterior Rendering (Copyright © Viking River Cruises)
For more information on these new ships and itineraries from Viking River Cruises, visit the line’s website here.
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HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: VIKING RIVER CRUISES