If sailing on a brand-new, fresh-from-the-shipyard sailing vessel is your favorite way to explore the rivers of the world, there's a lot to look forward to in 2019.
According to Travel Planners International, Viking is among those who have placed an order for new ships. In fact, the company best known for its river cruise itineraries will debut seven new river ships during 2019, including six new Viking Longships®, which will sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe.
The seventh vessel on order is being designed to sail along Portugal's Douro River.
Viking Longships have collected myriad, prestigious awards since their debut. Among the accolades, the editors of Cruise Critic designated the river cruise company as the "Best River Cruise Line" and also awarded the company for "Best River Itineraries." The fleet of Viking Longships was also named "Best New River Ships" on the website's "Editors' Picks Awards."
Viking has also topped USA Today's annual Readers' Choice Cruise Poll for "Best River Cruise Line" and was also named "Best Danube River Cruise Operator" in AFAR magazine's 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards. The river cruise line was recently designated the #1 River Cruise Line by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the 2017 Readers' Choice Awards.
Sail on a Viking Longship, and you'll see why they are so popular with global travelers.
Sure, there's is a patented corridor design, comfortable amenities and cutting-edge technology, but a guest favorite is the indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace. With retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors, you can always dine al fresco, while enjoying the amazing panoramic views.
Viking Longships accommodate 190 passengers in 95 staterooms. They have a layout that includes 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.
The staterooms feature comfortable amenities such as hotel-style beds, heated bathroom floors, mini-fridge and both U.S. and EU outlets. All Viking Longships also have sustainability features, such as onboard solar panels, organic herb gardens and energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a smooth ride.
Due to high customer demand, Viking's seventh vessel for 2019 will sail on the company's Portugal's River of Gold itinerary. The ship will join Viking's existing fleet of three vessels that sail the Douro.
Although the Douro ships are smaller than Viking Longships-accommodating 106 passengers in 53 staterooms-they have many of the same popular features, Including an Aquavit Terrace, a wide variety of stateroom choices, onboard solar panels and an organic herb garden.
A benefit of sailing Viking? All of Viking's itineraries are designed to give passengers the maximum time in port, and vessels often depart late in the evenings or even overnight in some ports, so guests can experience local culture at their own pace.
The addition of the new vessels will bring Viking's overall fleet to 69 river vessels by 2019.
If you're ready to see why Viking continues to win award after award, contact a Travel Planners International agent or agency to book your 2019 Viking River Cruise today.
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