Viking River Cruises Announces $250 Million Fleet Development Program

Viking River Cruises released details of a $250 million fleet development program, which includes eight newbuilds and two comprehensive refurbishments over the next three years. Adding eight new vessels will bring the number of ships operated by the company to 26, an increase in capacity of more than 40 percent.

The first new ship, Viking Prestige, will debut in Europe in 2011. Also entering service in 2011, Viking Emerald will sail in China as a replacement for Viking Century Sun. Additional European vessels will follow in 2012 and 2013.

The 189-bed Viking Prestige, a sister ship to the flagship Viking Legend, will use significantly less fuel and provide a smoother, quieter ride than other ships. Viking Prestige will operate the eight-day “Romantic Danube” itinerary, sailing from Budapest to Nuremberg. The vessel will have French balconies on the top two decks and the largest suites on the Danube.

In 2011, Viking will also introduce the 264-guest Viking Emerald in China. The vessel will feature 840-square-foot Presidential Suites with separate sitting and sleeping areas, two flat-screen televisions, panoramic windows and a private wrap-around balcony.

It also will offer deluxe 269-square-foot staterooms with hotel-style beds and private balconies. Viking Emerald will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen where Asian and European cuisine will be prepared by a catering staff trained and managed by Viking’s Swiss management team.

In addition to new ships, Viking River Cruises has announced plans for two refurbishments. Scheduled for completion in 2011, Viking Pakhomov will undergo a full bow-to-stern renovation like those of its Russian sister ships, Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov, relaunched in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The ship will be stripped down to its hull, and rebuilt to satisfy today’s standards. It will feature deluxe staterooms with hotel-style beds, flat-panel televisions and the latest amenities. Public areas, such as the restaurant, lounges, library and bar, will also be remodeled with Viking’s signature Scandinavian décor.

In Europe, Viking Schumann, a ship purpose-built for the Elbe River with a shallow draft and pump-jet engines, will receive bow-to-stern refurbishments to match those of sister ship Viking Fontane for 2010. While all public areas of Viking Schumann, including the restaurant, bar and lounge, will be refurbished, the most substantial changes are planned for the accommodations. On the upper deck, eight 180-square-foot deluxe staterooms will be created, while all standard staterooms will be upgraded with standard-size beds.

Viking’s all-inclusive pricing includes accommodations, meals, daily guided shore excursions and more. Viking also includes port charges in the cruise fare. Agents who have registered at Viking’s travel agent portal can create their own co-branded Viking website, allowing them to give clients access to current Viking information but featuring their own agency name, contact information and logo. For additional details, travel agents should contact their district sales manager.