Sting delighted audiences in his hometown with songs from his latest album and Broadway musical ‘The Last Ship’ on 24th and 25th April 2015 to benefit the Sage Gateshead 10th Birthday Appeal. These were the only UK performances of their kind and were supported by Cunard in the company’s 175th anniversary year.
Cunard has historic links to the shipyards of the Tyne and a proud heritage with the North East. This great partnership saw 23 Cunard ships being built on Tyneside, 15 of them at Swan Hunter including ones that became the stuff of legend like the four-funnelled Mauretania and Carpathia, which rescued all the survivors from Titanic.
Sting said:
“‘The Last Ship’ stories are based on the community I was brought up in, the shipbuilding community of Wallsend, and so to bring it back here like this is a wonderful honour and very emotional. I’m thrilled to be here.
Sting and Anthony Sargent, general director Sage
“I was born and raised as close to the river as you can possibly get. I lived in Gerald Street, which is one of the streets that lead down to the shipyard, and I could walk out of my house and see giant ships at the end of my street, which was a massive symbol for me. I watched them launched, which is a kind of apocalyptic event for a child. I watched thousands of men walk down to the yard every day and watched them walk back home every night and wondered with some trepidation whether that wouldn’t be my destiny too. I didn’t want it to be – I had other dreams.
“But like everyone in the town we were immensely proud of the ships that were built there, some of the largest, most important ships ever built, right there at the end of my street – some of them by Cunard. And that was something that the town got a lot of pride from.”
Last October, Sting performed songs from ‘The Last Ship’ on board Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, in New York.
He continues, “I played on the Queen Mary 2 last year – she was berthed in New York City. What a beautiful ship – I had a great time entertaining the crew and some of the passengers. It was something I’d like to do again.”
David Dingle, Chairman of Cunard, said:
“We’re delighted that in Cunard’s 175th anniversary year, we have been able to give back, through Sting’s ‘The Last Ship’ shows at the Sage Theatre, to the Tyneside community whose shipyards built no fewer than 23 Cunard ships, including legendary liners like Mauretania and Carpathia. ‘The Last Ship’ has songs that go to the heart of this country’s shipbuilding industries and reflect Cunard’s own proud heritage with the North East.”
In benefitting the Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday Appeal, proceeds raised from the performances will ensure that its vital work in the region will continue.
Global cruise line Royal Caribbean International has marked the launch of Anthem of the Seas, the world’s newest, most technologically advanced cruise ship. The ship hosted a spectacular naming ceremony led by Godmother Emma Wilby who took center stage during the ceremony together with Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud to deliver the performance of her life. Wilby is a British travel agent who was selected for the honor in a singing competition for travel agents.
The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas is setting sail on the next great adventure. Unprecedented innovations in ship design, thrilling activities, game-changing technology, multidimensional entertainment and robust, flexible dining opportunities come together onboard Anthem to create the ultimate, contemporary cruising experience found only on Royal Caribbean. She spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. Anthem of the Seas will sail out of Southampton, U.K. for her inaugural season before departing for New York Harbor and her new homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. .
The Aft Pool aboard Viking's ocean ship, Viking Star.
Viking Ocean Cruises® recently announced its first ship, Viking Star, has embarked on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice, thus launching the travel industry’s first entirely new cruise line in a decade. From Venice, Viking Star will make her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened in Bergen, Norway during a citywide celebration on May 17 – Norwegian Constitution Day. Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises also has two additional sister ships on order – Viking Sky and Viking Sea – all of which will sail itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.
“We have always believed that cruising should be about connecting you to your destination – not just taking you to places on a map. It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “With our new ocean cruises, we have created a new kind of vessel that is smaller in size and smarter in design, offering an alternative to today’s mega liners. Along with our privileged-access excursions and onboard enrichment, we have made the destination the true focus of our new ocean cruises.”
Classified by Cruise Critic as a “small ship,” Viking Star has a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons and accommodates 930 passengers in 465 staterooms – each with its own veranda. Engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, guests have an easy and efficient embarkation and disembarkation, allowing them more time to spend enjoying each destination.
Light-filled with modern Scandinavian décor, Viking Star was designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including the same interior design team responsible for the award-winning fleet of Viking Longships®. Throughout the ship, details were incorporated to pay homage to Nordic heritage and to help guests immerse themselves in local surroundings. A glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern offers unobstructed views; indoor-outdoor spaces offer more options for al fresco dining than any other vessel in its class; huge windows and skylights blur the lines between inside and out; and a wrap-around promenade deck nods to a bygone era of classic ocean liners.
Onboard Viking Star, clean lines, woven textiles and light wood evoke the Viking spirit of discovery and connection to the natural world. A carefully curated collection of Scandinavian artwork adorns the walls of the restaurants and public spaces. In the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship, the décor was inspired by ancient Viking trade routes and navigation methods – imagery of star constellations and astronomical maps are complemented by antique globes, astrolabes and sofas with cozy pelts. In the Spa, the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia is in mind – from the Nordic ritual of the hydrotherapy pool and the first Snow Room at sea, to materials inspired by Scandinavian nature: Swedish limestone and black slate; juniper and teak wood details; recycled and etched opaque glass; and cast iron. In the Wintergarden, blonde wood “trees” stretch their branches up to the glass ceiling, forming a lattice canopy over a serene space where guests can enjoy afternoon tea service. And in the Viking Living Room, a geometric garden was inspired by the wild lichen of Norway’s Finse Mountain Plateau.
Destination-Focused Enrichment
Leveraging extensive feedback and input from Viking River Cruises passengers, Viking Ocean Cruises was developed with experienced travelers in mind. Itineraries are designed for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local culture at night or evening performances. Ports include both cosmopolitan cities and “collector ports,” appealing to those with an interest in history, art, music, and cuisine.
While onboard, guests will enjoy informative talks from local experts and carefully selected lecturers in The Theater. Dining options onboard Viking Star elevate food as a cultural experience – the World Café features global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; Mamsen’s features Norwegian deli-style fare, according to the recipes of Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild, otherwise known as “Mamsen;” and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant embraces authentic Tuscan and Roman cuisine. In the Kitchen Table, the high-tech space offers cooking classes featuring a wide range of regionally inspired dishes and culinary techniques; at night it transforms into an interactive dinner experience with fellow guests and Viking’s esteemed chefs.
While every cruise fare includes a guided excursion in each port, Viking’s optional excursion program was designed to provide guests with enriching privileged-access experiences that go beyond the iconic and expected. Highlighted examples include:
Private Visit to Hagia Sophia by Night, Istanbul, Turkey – On this special excursion, guests visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia for a private tour free of crowds. After departing the ship with a guide, guests enjoy a drive over the Galata Bridge into the heart of Old Istanbul to walk the hallowed halls of Hagia Sophia and view its priceless treasures. After the visit, guests enjoy refreshments in the courtyard of the nearby Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamami, a charming Turkish bathhouse.
Cooking with a Countess, Venice, Italy – Countessa Lelia Passi welcomes Viking guests to her home, which has been in her family for hundreds of years. In the magnificent surroundings of this lavish palace, the countess and her teaching staff share with guests the secrets of Italian cooking.
A Normandy Countryside Cheese & Brandy Tasting – In the village of Pont L’Évêque, savor a special Norman lunch amidst the Calvados barrels of Les Tonneaux du Père Magloire restaurant. After your meal, you will visit the cellars to learn how apples are transformed into the “eau de vie,” the water of life—Normandy’s favorite brandy.
Kayak a Fjord – Guests have an opportunity to paddle among the tranquility Norway’s mighty fjords, on an active and exciting excursion.
At Home in Haugesund, Haugesund, Norway – Visit a traditional home for tea. Your hosts, a local garden designer and architect, welcome you into their wooden house that dates to 1884. You visit and enjoy tea steeped from herbs in their garden.
Booking Details
From now through April 30, 2015, Viking is offering U.S. residents 2015 Special Savings and 2016 Early Booking Discounts with 2-for-1 pricing on cruise departures and savings of up to $750 per person on international air. Viking Inclusive Pricing provides unparalleled value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Passengers also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; wi-fi; self-service laundry and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).
Book 2016 Sailings at 2015 Pricing for Limited Time
Book by May 29 for Guaranteed Savings up to $1,000US/CAD per Couple
Emerald Waterways, Europe’s newest deluxe river cruise company, announces its exciting 2016 season offerings detailed in a 60-page Preview Brochure, complete with expanded choices for itineraries, enhanced shore excursions and more opportunities to customize experiences with optional extensions and the Discover More program. Early planners enjoy the valuable rewards of locking in 2016 sailings at 2015 prices, for a guaranteed savings of $1,000US/CAD per couple on 12- to 15-day cruises or $500US/CAD on eight- to 11-day sailings when booked by May 29, 2015. Having been awarded “Best New River Ships” by Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2014, Emerald Waterways will launch the Emerald Belle in early 2016 as the newest addition to its fleet of sleek contemporary Star-Ships, praised for their innovative highlights and modern approach to river cruising. The brochure can be ordered on line or downloaded at www.emeraldwaterways.com/brochures.
All of Emerald’s Star-Ships carry 182 guests in 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy. Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable glass roof, which transforms into a movie theater in the evening; two restaurants: Reflections, the main dining room, and
The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French balcony, common to most ships, with an indoor balcony featuring a decked area and an ingenious open-air system. With a push of a button, guests can lower the upper half of their floor-to-ceiling panoramic window to allow an open-air opportunity; top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with glass folding doors. Ships also feature an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.
Emerald Waterways will offer eight itineraries in 2016, including eight-day, Nuremberg-to-Budapest “Danube Delights,” a journey of discovery through the ‘Old Europe’ of ancient abbeys, stately palaces and historic landmarks left in the wake of WWII, priced as low as $2,305US/$2,245CAD, double occupancy with early booking. The 15-day “Splendours of Europe,” from $3,525US/$3,385CAD to $9,290US/$9,165CAD per person with early booking, weaves through vine-covered slopes dotted with charming churches and storybook castles along the Rhine and the Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest. “Enchantment of Eastern Europe” is a 10-day discovery journey via the Danube River through Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania – previously war-torn areas where damaged architecture is preserved in honor and monuments are built in memory; early-booking priced at $2,785US/$2,930CAD to $5,480US/$5,395CAD. “Delights of France,” is an 11-day voyage from Lyon to Arles along the seductive Rhone and Saône Rivers, passing through Chalon-Sur-Saône, Tournon and Avignon – highlighting sophisticated cities, vibrant market towns and cozy villages. Prices are $3,235US/$3,125CAD to $3,975US/$3,930CAD with early booking.
As part of Emerald Waterways’ commitment to help guests customize their itineraries, the Discover More program introduces a variety of ways to more fully explore specific attractions, delve deeper into cultural themes and actively participate in popular activities. In Vienna, for instance, guests may tour Schönbrunn Castle – the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire and a UNESCO heritage site – considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music movie, comes alive as a historically industrial city where salt was hauled through narrow streets like the “Getreidegasse” (Grain Lane). Other Discover More opportunities include full-day tours of Rothenburg, described by Rick Steves as “Germany’s Fairy Tale Dream Town.” Or a private concert with complimentary champagne in one of Vienna’s premier concert halls for a quartet of opera, symphony, ballet and stage performances.
To enhance guests’ experiences even more, the EmeraldPLUS program offers authentic insight into European culture – like a visit to the home of a local Slovakian family for afternoon tea in Bratislava, or a cruise through Amsterdam’s maze of canals. And for those who want to explore on their own – either at their originating or final destination – Emerald will arrange a stay at a centrally-located hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Additionally, hotel accommodations purchased directly from Emerald include transfers to or from the ship/airport to the hotel.
Launched in 2014, Emerald Waterways caters to the four-star-plus market by using five-star ships and service and a nearly all-inclusive pricing plan. The company’s approach is to minimize guests’ concerns about daily budgets or mounting costs. The cruise fare includes all transfers; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; WiFi onboard the ship, most shore excursions; bicycles to use for independent touring, and more – as well as all gratuities, a savings of up to $675 per couple on 15-day cruises.
American Cruise Lines recently announced pre and post cruise extension packages beginning in the summer of 2015, highlighting the rich culture, history and entertainment in U.S. ports such as New Orleans, Memphis, Charleston and Seattle. Cruise extension packages will include:
Centrally located, first-class hotel accommodations
Ship, hotel and airport transfers
Welcome reception and select dining options
Specialty tours highlighting the experiences and attractions unique to each region
The cruise extension package in the port of Memphis, for example, will include a welcome reception and deluxe hotel accommodations in the heart of the “Blues City.” Guests will stroll Beale Street, lined with unique shops and music venues, and enjoy a true taste of the South with a Memphis-style BBQ cooking lesson from a master local chef. Experience a unique “fowl” tradition dating back to 1933 at the famous Memphis-Peabody Hotel, as the Peabody Ducks march to and from the Grand Lobby for a drink in the fountain. Visit the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll at Sun Studios with a tour of the historic studio where music legends B.B King, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash recorded. The journey continues with a trip from slavery to freedom at the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the original Lorraine Hotel where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
“Our ports are so incredibly rich in history and Americana and we want our guests to be able to take in as much of the experience as possible,” added Roman, “These packages are a natural extension to our current cruise itineraries.”
American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise company and operates the newest fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships on more than 35 itineraries around the country including the Mississippi River, Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, the Southeast and Alaska. The line is known for working closely with guests and travel agents before, during, and after a cruise to create a highly personalized experience. Long established and deeply experienced in cruise travel, American Cruise Lines has been honored with multiple awards, including Porthole Reader’s Choice Awards in 2014, World Travel Awards “World’s Leading River Cruise Company” in 2013, “Gold Award Winner” for Travel Weekly’s 2014 Magellan Awards and a 2014 finalist for Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards. To learn more about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americancruiselines or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/american_cruise.
Recently Carnival Cruise Line unveiled the roster of artists for its upcoming Carnival LIVE concert series, adding The Band Perry, BOSTON, Lionel Richie and Heart to the diverse and talented lineup of musical acts set to perform on board the “Fun Ships” this summer and fall.
The shows complement the highly anticipated spring series which kicked off last month and includes performances by Journey, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Smokey Robinson and Styx.
Bringing the best of musical entertainment to the seas, Carnival LIVE is a one-of-a-kind entertainment option that provides guests an opportunity to experience captivating concerts by major musical artists at a tremendous value. Concerts are held in the ships’ intimate main theaters – ranging in guest capacity from 900 to 1,300 – meaning there’s never a bad seat in the house.
Carnival LIVE concerts are performed on Carnival vessels while they are docked in one of three ports of call: Cozumel, Nassau and St. Thomas.
“We’re thrilled to build upon the tremendous success of Carnival LIVE with concerts this summer and fall by The Band Perry, BOSTON, Lionel Richie and Heart – four incredibly talented acts that will provide our guests with an extraordinary entertainment experience,” said Bernie Dillon, director of Carnival LIVE.
The Band Perry will perform July 28-29-30 on Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination and Carnival Magic, respectively, while those ships are docked in Nassau. During these shows, guests can enjoy up-close-and-personal performances by this award-winning trio who recently won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for Gentle on My Mind at the 57th Grammy Awards.
Fans will get “more than a feeling” as they enjoy four shows this summer by rock superstars BOSTON which has sold more than 31 million records worldwide, including 17 million copies of their self-titled debut. BOSTON brings their high-energy performances to four Carnival ships in Nassau – Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Ecstasy – Aug. 19-22.
Multiple Grammy and Oscar award-winning singer Lionel Richie will have audiences “dancing on the ceiling” on Carnival Freedom Oct. 14 and Carnival Pride Oct. 15 while those ships are docked in Nassau. One of the most popular recording artists of all time, Richie has sold 100 million albums worldwide and is only one of two songwriters in history to have a number one record for nine consecutive years.
Rounding out the series is Heart, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and have sold more than 35 million records during their accomplished musical career that spans more than 35 years. Guests can enjoy three shipboard performances in Cozumel by these rock legends: Oct. 20 aboard Carnival Paradise, Oct. 21 aboard Carnival Ecstasy and Oct. 22 aboard Carnival Breeze.
Carnival LIVE tickets for 2015 range from $35 to $75 for general admission, significantly less than land-based venues. VIP tickets are available for $125 to $250 and offer seating in the first four rows, a photo opportunity with the artist and a commemorative concert pass.
A full listing of the 2015 Carnival LIVE concert series is available by visiting www.carnival.com/CarnivalLIVE, contacting any travel agent or calling 1-800-CARNIVAL.
Watch our review of MSC Divina and take a closer look at what makes her and MSC Cruises special. You’ll learn what sets her apart in a world of so many choices. Explore her beautiful public spaces, spacious staterooms and culinary offerings that help make her a true Diva.
Christened by legendary actress and “diva” Sophia Loren, MSC Divina features 1,751 staterooms, 322,900 square feet of public space, a casino, seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools (including an infinity pool), a 4-D Cinema, Formula 1 Simulator, the first Aqua Cycling at Sea, 2 bowling alleys, theater, gym, spa, internet café, conference center, kids and teen areas, Top 18 Solarium and the line’s signature ship within a ship, MSC Yacht Club.
Viking River Cruises christened 12 new riverboats in 2015. Celebrate the Viking Longships in Amsterdam, Netherlands with a review of the christening festivities: champagne bottles breaking, plus musicians and acrobats.
Inspired by the latest trends in entertainment and the hottest global tickets, Celebrity Cruises is redefining the way it will deliver premium, unexpected experiences to its guests. Celebrity is unveiling an impressive array of 18 shows in 18 months – all produced in partnership with masterminds behind some of today’s biggest recording artists and awarding-winning theatrical and television productions.
The 18 leading-edge shows, created exclusively for Celebrity, feature elements of drama, dance, comedy, musical theater and concert-style performances – blended in a way that has never been seen before at sea. Shows will include Elyria, an energetic, late-night production, where guests are transported to a witty, mischievous, dreamlike world. The new production will launch onboard Celebrity Constellation in April. iMagic, available onboard Celebrity Summit, is a modern luxury interpretation of the wonder of illusions, innovative, groundbreaking and uses incredible technology such as holograms, lasers and iPads, to tell the story.
Celebrity has attracted and collaborated with some of the best names in entertainment to produce the 18 shows. These include William Baker, who has created and directed global tours and music videos for some of the biggest names in popular music; and Steve Anderson, a musical director, producer and writer for world-renowned artists.
“Our discerning and well-traveled guests want modern luxury in all aspects of their Celebrity cruise vacation, including their entertainment,” said Becky Thomson-Foley, director of entertainment at Celebrity Cruises. “We continue to raise the bar by unveiling an array of shows that vary from groundbreaking and contemporary to magnificent and beautiful – all with lighthearted and humorous storylines, popular music and unique choreography. It is exciting to partner with incredible talent within the entertainment industry to create these fresh, unique experiences for vacationers.”
On Celebrity, entertainment does not just happen in the main theater, it happens all around guests in the many luxurious venues onboard. In addition to the 18 shows, Celebrity will offer up to 10 engaging entertainment experiences on every ship. Side Show is an interactive and vintage circus theme party. Reigning Rocks will blend the elegance of royalty with the glam of Brit Pop, and Night of the Dragon will feature the delicate beauty of Asian culture mixed with pop music, resulting in a high-energy celebration of culture.
All entertainment is created and perfected at “The Studio,” Celebrity’s production headquarters inside a newly built, 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility – a unique partnership between Florida International University (FIU) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL), Celebrity’s parent company. Located on the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, the production and rehearsal facility, which can accommodate more than 460 cast members at one time, was officially opened Friday, March 20.
For more information about Celebrity Cruises entertainment, visit celebritycruises.com.
Viking River Cruises christening ceremony in Amsterdam. The company christened a total of 12 new river vessels, including 10 of its award-winning Viking Longships(R) and two custom vessels for the Elbe River.
Marking another year of impressive growth, Viking River Cruises recently welcomed the newest additions to its fleet of river cruise vessels at a simultaneous christening ceremony in Amsterdam and Rostock, Germany. The company christened a total of 12 new river vessels, including 10 of its award-winning Viking Longships® and two custom vessels for the Elbe River. This event officially brings Viking’s total river fleet size to 60 and comes just one year after the company set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the most new ships launched in a single day.
All 10 of the new Viking Longships will be deployed on Viking’s itineraries in Europe, including three of the most popular itineraries – Grand European Tour, Romantic Danube and Rhine Getaway. Also, as a result of high consumer demand for the Elegant Elbe itinerary, the two new specially designed ships will double the company’s capacity on the Elbe River for 2015.
“We are immensely proud of the response to our new ships that we continue to receive from guests and industry experts,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “It is always important that we recognize those who have helped us achieve success, and this year I am especially pleased to honor fellow Vikings as godmothers of our newest river vessels.”
Viking Godmothers Staying true to the naval tradition, Viking named 12 of its longest-serving employees as ceremonial godmothers for the new ships. With representation from Viking’s onboard operations team, as well as from the operational headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, the corporate headquarters in Los Angeles and the London office, each godmother represents a department that has contributed to the consistently high guest satisfaction ratings and the growth and success of the company. The full list of godmothers includes:
Donora Anderson, Senior Director of Operations and godmother of Viking Skirnir
Clare Armitage, Senior Operations Executive and godmother of Viking Eir
Sinemie Bakker, Program Director and godmother of Viking Astrild
Henrieta Balisova, Program Director and godmother of Viking Vili
Adriana Filkaszova, Receptionist and godmother of Viking Beyla
Jana Hudakova, Chief Receptionist and godmother of Viking Mimir
Miriam Kajuchova, Housekeeper and godmother of Viking Ve
Karoline Landa, Controller & Hotel Manager and godmother of Viking Lofn
Kornelia Pfeiffenberger, Hotel Manager and godmother of Viking Vidar
Faye Pirie, Specialist Cruise Consultant and godmother of Viking Modi
Verona Thiele, Concierge and godmother of Viking Gefjon
Viking Longships Since debuting in 2012, Viking Longships have amassed a long list of prestigious awards. They topped Condé Nast Traveler’s annual readers’ Cruise Poll for best river cruise ships – with Viking Odin specifically being named the #1 top-ranking river cruise ship – and the entire class of vessels was named “Best New River Ships” in Cruise Critic’s® Editors’ Picks Awards.
Viking Longships integrate a patented corridor design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends. These features include a revolutionary all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the onboard lounge experience by bringing the panoramic outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and allows guests to enjoy the views and dine al fresco. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships have a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites – the largest river cruise suites in Europe – as well as seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, all Longships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, and energy-efficient hybrid engines that also reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.
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. Smaller than Viking Longships, with customized hulls and engines specially designed to navigate this unique river, these ships tout many of the same popular features – including an Aquavit Terrace, a wide variety of stateroom choices, hotel-style beds, energy-efficient hybrid engines, onboard solar panels and an organic herb garden, as well as Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic.
The expansion of Viking’s fleet comes as a response to increased traveler demand for destination-focused cruises, and there is still an opportunity to sail in 2015. Guests interested in current special savings discounts for 2015 departures and early pricing promotions for 2016 departures should visit the promotions page located on www.vikingrivercruises.com.
