VIKING ADDING 12 NEW RIVER VESSELS

The Rhine River (Credit: Viking)

Those European rivers may soon be as crowded as the Mississippi in the heyday of the riverboat.

Viking River Cruises has announced expansion plans for 2015 which include 12 new river vessels for next year – 10 additional Longships and two unique vessels for the Elbe River. This comes on the heels of their world record-setting christening last month of 18 vessels across four countries in five days and will bring the company’s total fleet size to 64 river vessels in 2015.

The two Elbe River ships will be designed specifically for the "Elegant Elbe" itinerary. "As a result of high customer demand, the two new ships will join the recently refurbished Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane, doubling the company’s capacity on the Elbe River in 2015. Hosting 98 guests in 49 staterooms, sister ships Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla will be the newest and most modern ships sailing the Elbe River."

Viking will also introduce two new itineraries in 2015, both of which showcase the Rhine River during the springtime. Here are details from their press release:


· 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.

· 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.

Viking's first ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Star, is currently under construction and will set sail in early 2015.