Viking River Cruises Announces State-of-the-Art Ship the Viking Legend, for 2009 River Cruise Season

Viking River Cruising guests will experience superior service and amenities plus the Largest Suites in Europe onboard the new Viking Legend in 2009.
 
River cruising provides up-close-and-personal access to great cities and quaint villages along the world's great rivers -- and there is nothing better than enjoying European landscapes aboard a beautiful new cruise ship. In 2009, Viking River Cruises will enhance its appeal to cruise travellers with an extraordinary ship, Viking Legend, featuring cutting-edge technology and Europe’s largest suites.

Viking's new ship will debut on the popular 15-day Viking River Cruises ‘Grand European Tour’ itinerary, which takes guests along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest; its official launch is expected to be in May of 2009.

Viking Legend takes river cruising to a new level with two suites measuring 310 square feet each -- the largest river cruise suites in Europe.

"While all our staterooms are deluxe, with hotel-style beds, European linens and high-quality amenities, these suites are truly magnificent," said Hagen. "Their size and configuration are comparable to high-end American hotel rooms, so guests can relax in unprecedented comfort." Service levels, always a priority for Viking, will be the finest anywhere for suite guests. Suites will have complimentary room service (in-room dining) available during all mealtimes -- although most suite guests will continue to visit the restaurant for breakfast, so they can enjoy the delicious made-to-order omelettes and other delicacies at the new cooking stations.

The highly anticipated ship will be powered by an innovative propulsion system, allowing it to achieve an estimated 20% boost in fuel efficiency over any other river cruising vessel in the region. The Viking Legend will also provide a quieter ride for guests by using four smaller propellers instead of two large propellers. Moreover, both engine rooms will be insulated to further reduce noise and vibration.

In addition to reducing emissions and engine noise, Viking Legend will provide the latest security features such as double hulls, multiple exits in all public areas and backup generators. At 443 feet, the three-level Viking Legend will be the longest in the Viking fleet, and will accommodate 189 guests in 98 staterooms. Additional amenities include 26-inch flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, hair dryers and in-room safes. Aboard Viking Legend, guests will enjoy fine dining at the ship's restaurant featuring seasonal menus and local specialities to complement every destination, a cosy library, sun deck with 360-degree panoramic views, souvenir shop and an observation lounge -- just a few of the ship's features designed with the comfort and convenience of every Viking guest in mind.
 
Find out more about Viking River Cruises and their full itinerary for 2009 online at www.rivercruising.co.uk

Phil's comment: It is great to see investment in the River Cruise ships as well as the Ocean Cruise ships. River Cruising is truly a fantastic holiday experience and I believe that over the next 5 years we will see a larger public awareness of what amazing value a River Cruise holiday is.

This is a cruise blog entry by Phil.