Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises. Viking River Cruises is a major player in the river cruise industry, offering itineraries along the Rhine River, Danube River, Moselle River, and other waterways in Europe, China, Egypt, and Russia. The company was founded by Torstein Hagen, a Norwegian entrepreneur, and Richard Marnell, a British businessman, with the goal of providing high-quality, affordable cruises to destinations such as Amsterdam, Vienna, and St. Petersburg. Viking River Cruises has become known for its modern, sleek ships, such as the Viking Helvetia and Viking Prestige, which offer amenities like fine dining, entertainment, and shore excursions to famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Acropolis of Athens.

History

Viking River Cruises was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen and Richard Marnell, with the launch of its first ship, the Viking River Cruises' Viking Danube, on the Danube River. The company quickly expanded its operations to include other rivers in Europe, such as the Rhine River and Moselle River, and introduced new ships like the Viking Europe and Viking Neptune. In 2000, Viking River Cruises launched its first China itinerary, which included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, and featured visits to famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army. The company has continued to grow and expand its offerings, introducing new ships and itineraries to destinations like Egypt, Russia, and Southeast Asia, and partnering with organizations like the National Geographic Society and the Oxford University to offer educational programs and cultural events.

Fleet

The Viking River Cruises fleet consists of over 60 ships, including the Viking Longship class, which features modern, sleek designs and amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and fine dining. The fleet includes ships like the Viking Emerald, Viking Sapphire, and Viking Century Sky, which offer cruises along the Yangtze River in China, and the Viking Fontane and Viking Schumann, which sail on the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. Viking River Cruises has also introduced new ships like the Viking Mississippi and Viking Mekong, which offer cruises along the Mississippi River in the United States and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and feature stops in cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Destinations

Viking River Cruises offers itineraries to a wide range of destinations, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States. In Europe, the company offers cruises along the Rhine River, Danube River, and Moselle River, with stops in cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, and Budapest, and visits to famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Acropolis of Athens. In Asia, Viking River Cruises offers cruises along the Yangtze River in China, with stops in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, and visits to famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army. The company also offers cruises along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with stops in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, and visits to famous sites like the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Ships

Viking River Cruises operates a fleet of modern, sleek ships, including the Viking Longship class, which features amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and fine dining. The company's ships are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for passengers, with features like spas, fitness centers, and libraries. Viking River Cruises has also introduced new ships like the Viking Mississippi and Viking Mekong, which offer cruises along the Mississippi River in the United States and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and feature stops in cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and Ho Chi Minh City. The company's ships are named after famous landmarks and cultural icons, such as the Viking Fontane, which is named after the Fontane river in Germany, and the Viking Schumann, which is named after the Robert Schumann concert hall in Düsseldorf.

Operations

Viking River Cruises operates its cruises in partnership with a range of organizations, including tour operators like Trafalgar Tours and Globus, and travel agencies like Expedia and Travelocity. The company also partners with hotels and resorts like the Four Seasons Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, to offer pre- and post-cruise stays in cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. Viking River Cruises has received numerous awards and accolades for its operations, including the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award and the Travel + Leisure World's Best Award, and has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Wildlife Fund.