Viking outlines $250m river cruise expansion
Tuesday, 27 May, 2010
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Eight new ships and the refurbishment of two existing vessels has been unveiled in a $250 million investment over three years by Viking River Cruises.
The fleet size will rise to 26 ships providing a 40% increase in capacity, reinforcing the company’s position as the world’s largest river cruise line.
The first new vessel, 189-passenger Viking Prestige, will make it debut in Europe next year as a sister ship to Viking Legend which was launched in 2009.
Using the same efficient, hybrid propulsion system, Viking Prestige will use “significantly less” fuel and provide a smoother, quieter ride than other ships, according to Viking.
Viking Prestige will be deployed on an eight-day River Danube itinerary, sailing from Budapest to Nuremberg.
Viking Emerald will also be introduced in 2011 sailing in China as a replacement for Viking Century Sun. Additional European vessels will follow in 2012 and 2013.
The 264-passenger vessel will feature the largest suites in river cruising – the 840-square-foot Presidential Suites will have separate sitting and sleeping areas, two flat-screen televisions, panoramic windows and a private wrap-around balcony, as well as deluxe 269-square-foot cabins with hotel-style beds and private balconies.
Company chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Over the past decade, Viking has established river cruising as a mainstream means of travel.
“At the same time, we believe that river cruising is still in its infancy, and has tremendous growth potential. Our fleet plans will benefit the industry as a whole, by increasing supply in a marketplace in which demand is exceeding available inventory.
“This multi-year fleet development programme reinforces Viking’s commitment to our guests, to our travel agent partners and to an industry that will continue its double-digit growth for years to come.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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