Viking Cruises: Elegant, Sophisticated, and the Best Cruise Experience Worldwide!
In 1997, Torstein Hagen from Norway inaugurated Viking Cruises with the maiden voyage of four riverboats on the rivers of Russia. The name "Viking" embodies Torstein's admiration for his Viking ancestors' adventurous spirit and their remarkable shipbuilding craftsmanship, which paved the way for exploration. It also carries his vision of providing curious travelers with a luxurious and intellectually engaging journey focused on immersing in local cultures at every destination.
Today, Viking Cruises boasts a fleet of over 80 riverboats, 9 ocean liners, and 2 expedition ships, offering routes spanning across all seven continents. It stands as a representative brand in the international cruise industry for mid-sized and boutique cruise experiences. The company's operational headquarters are located in Basel, Switzerland, with branch offices and subsidiaries in Los Angeles, London, Sydney, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Available Voyages: Ocean, River, Expedition Features: 1.Cruise Expertise: Meticulously Crafted Masterpieces 2.Balcony Experience: Spacious Spaces with Gentle Breezes 3.Elegant Serenity: Exclusive to 930 VIPs 4.World Recognition: Numerous Awards in Recent Years 5.All-Inclusive: Understated Minimalist Taste at One Price 6.Viking Value: World-Class Cruises Viking All-Inclusive Value: 1.Each Port Includes an Onshore Sightseeing Activity 2.Ship-wide Wi-Fi Access (connection quality may vary based on location) 3.Highest-Rated Paid SPA Services Available 4.Beer, Red and White Wine, and Various Soft Drinks Provided at Every Meal 5.Various Inclusive Beverage Options, including Specialty Coffees, Teas, or Bottled Water 6.Includes Port Taxes and Related Fees 7.24-Hour Room Service and Alternative Restaurants Available for Dining 8.Self-Service Laundry Facilities Provided Onboard
In the 18th century, embarking on the "Grand Tour" of Europe became a rite of passage for many noble youths in Britain. Following this tradition, European elites often cruised along the Rhine River, as well as rivers in France and Italy, making the "Grand Tour" the precursor to European river cruising.
In 1854, at the age of just 16, Princess Sisi was about to be crowned. Before her wedding ceremony, she cruised along the Danube River, passing through several European countries and the beautiful Wachau Valley, where locals greeted her with blessings.
After the Industrial Revolution, river cruising gradually became a symbol of aristocratic status in Europe—imagine sipping champagne on deck, basking in the sun, and leisurely enjoying the scenery on both banks.
River Cruising Worldwide Today, cruising the world's famous rivers offers a comfortable and elegant travel option highly favored by domestic and international travelers alike. Compared to ocean liners, river cruises navigate calm inland waters, providing a smoother experience. Additionally, their lower tonnage and smaller size enable them to dock at more ports, allowing guests to have closer contact with destinations and facilitating deeper exploration.
River cruising is now available in various regions worldwide, including the United States, Egypt, China, Southeast Asia, and more. However, European river cruises, especially along the picturesque Rhine and Danube rivers, are among the most popular, attracting a large number of visitors each year. Cruising between classical European cities and towns has become an ideal way to experience Europe's natural landscapes and historical civilizations.
Expanding into the Global Market In recent years, there has been active expansion into the global market, particularly targeting the United States as a primary gateway. One notable example is bringing the concept of luxury river cruising to the Mississippi River. The Viking Mississippi, a new ship tailored specifically for the characteristics of the Mississippi River, continues the renowned Viking Longships design but with a wider and larger profile. It features five decks, 193 cabins, all of which are exterior cabins, accommodating up to 386 guests.
The largest cabins measure up to 1,024 square feet, while the smallest is 268 square feet. Each cabin features a private balcony, luxurious beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, along with advanced amenities such as large-screen televisions and heated bathroom floors, all designed in a clean and refreshing Nordic style. Additionally, while river cruises may not offer the same amenities as ocean liners, the onboard public entertainment spaces are of the highest quality, including infinity pools, fine dining restaurants, lounges, and libraries, along with performances and lectures on culture and history.
The Viking Mississippi's itinerary starts from New Orleans, Louisiana, heading northward through iconic cities such as Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, before reaching St. Paul, Minnesota. Depending on the route, the journey varies from 8 to 15 days. Daily shore activities and excursions are diverse, including kayaking at river confluences, visiting working farms, private museum tours along the route, exploring unique Cajun culture and cuisine, and more—all included in the cruise fare.
Activities are more inclined toward tranquility, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy peace and refinement. If you're considering a cruise but are uninterested in the hustle and bustle of large ocean liners, river cruising might be the perfect option. With smaller vessel sizes and greater maneuverability, river cruises offer opportunities to explore lesser-known ports worldwide. Renowned for providing exceptional personalized service, most river cruises host fewer than 200 guests per voyage. Most importantly, you have ample time each day to explore different ports of call.
Features of the Viking Longship: ·Small hull size allows for closer proximity to destinations. ·Elegant and understated design with plenty of serene spaces and ample natural light. ·No interior cabins throughout the ship, offering more spacious room types with balconies. ·One of the most spacious suites among European river cruise ships. ·More outdoor dining spaces. ·Energy-efficient engines reduce sailing vibrations and noise. ·Solar panels contribute to further energy savings.
Length of the ship: 135 meters Deck levels: 4 levels (including the sun deck) Width of the ship: 11.5 meters Number of cabins: 90 cabins Gross tonnage: 2062 tons Passenger capacity: 180 people
