Viking Star Takes Shape

By Editor Simon Veness

 

Fledgling new ocean-cruise line Viking Cruises took another step towards their big 2015 debut yesterday with the keel-laying ceremony of their first ship, the Viking Star.

 

The ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard outside Venice, where the ship is scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

 

Viking Cruises is already a major name in European river-cruises, but the 48,000-ton ship (the first of four in the next three years) is a major undertaking for them.

 

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Our new ocean itineraries are selling at an unprecedented rate, and the enthusiasm we have seen from guests is truly remarkable.

 

"There is undoubtedly interest in an ocean cruise experience that returns the focus to the destination, and Viking is actively planning to meet that demand.” The first steel was cut for Viking Star

in June and the laying of the keel is a formal recognition of the start of construction. 

The 930-passenger vessel will feature state-of-the-art design from experienced nautical architects and engineers. The latest stepping stone follows the announcement on Monday of two more ships for the brand, following their initial two.

 

Next year will also be a busy one for the river-cruise division as the company will launch a record-breaking FOURTEEN new Viking Longship vessels, all at the same launch ceremony in March.

 

More info: in the UK, call 0800 319 66 60 or visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk; in the US, 1855 884 5464 or www.vikingcruises.com.

 

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Viking Order More Ships

By Editor Simon Veness

The new ocean-going version of Viking Cruises, which is due to make its debut in May 2015, is definitely going full steam ahead, with the announcement today of two more new ships for  2016 and '17, which will take the fledgling line to FOUR vessels in all.

 

As with the first duo, to be delivered in 2015 and early 2016, the latest pair will be built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, and will also be sister vessels at 47,800 tons each.

 

No price was revealed for the two extra newbuilds, but industry source Seatrade Insider estimated that the first two of the quartet are costing around $308million each.

Viking also revealed they are discussing additional high-profile joint projects with Fincantieri in other cruise areas to further enlarge the scope of their partnership.

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: "The interest in and popularity of our current ocean itineraries has been incredible and they are selling at an unprecedented rate. This new order allows us to offer consumers in our other markets the opportunity to explore the world in ways they have never experienced before through our destination-focused itineraries."

 

Shipyard chief executive Giuseppe Bono added: "Fincantieri has got its fill this year of the newbuild orders offered by the market. This again demonstrates our determination and ability to compete. We hope the next few years will provide more and greater satisfaction that we'll need to pursue with the passion and cultural openness demanded by the competitive environment."

Viking's first ship of their ambitious new foursome will be called Viking Star and will sail an inaugural season of Baltic cruises in summer 2015, re-positioning to the Mediterranean through winter 2015/16. None of the other ships have yet been named, nor destinations announced, but it is likely they will feature more of Europe in the summer months and go further afield to the Caribbean and Central America in winter.

The company also promises a highly destination-focused travel experience, with an emphasis on cultural enrichment. On the river side, Viking has already announced plans to introduce 14 more of its award-winning Viking Longships in Europe next year, making it the leading river-cruise operator by the end of 2014.

 

More info: visit www.vikingcruises.com and www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk.

 

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Summer Edition Now Here!

Our feature-packed Summer issue is now back from the printer's and going to distribution, so our subscribers can afford to sit back and await the arrival of the latest edition of Europe's leading cruise publication.

Providing our Cover Story this summer is a look at the majestic Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam as Lauren Price takes a memorable journey with AMA Waterways.

From there, we go cruising in the luxury style of Regent Seven Seas as Gary Buchanan provides a look inside their Seven Seas Mariner. For more deluxe sailing, we also have the Zodiac Approach from Steve Newman, looking at how the upmarket adventure-cruise lines provide their up-close encounters.

Next there are destination features of Iceland - a cruise spot that is capturing a lot of attention - and Mauritius, while we also head for the Panama Canal, with an in-depth look at a typical round-trip voyage to this amazing engineering feat in Central America.

For our usual ship features, we take readers on board the new MSC Preziosa of MSC Cruises and the classic traditional liner Saga Ruby in her farewell season for Saga Cruises.There is also a special feature by Carol Wright on how the different lines look after passengers both Pre- and Post-Cruise, with some great tips for maximising your cruise enjoyment.

Of course, there is our essential World of Spas section, which in this issue takes a look at the fabulous Canyon Ranch Spa Club aboard the Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, as well as the latest news from spas worldwide.

And our regular columnists have plenty of say, with Captain Greybeard offering thoughts on Azamara Club Cruises; Cruise Radio looking at the new Norwegian Breakaway; Stewart Chiron, aka The Cruise Guy, examining issues involved with staying connected at sea; and The Admiral getting wistful about travel in a bygone age.

Then there are our usual contributions from our readers on the Letters page, and our unequalled News pages, with stories on all the latest cruise launches from the likes of Viking River Cruises, CroisiEurope, Princess Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd, as well as forthcoming new lines Viking Ocean Cruises and Pearl Seas Cruises.

As ever, it all adds up to the best read on the high seas, for a bargain price and with the best style. And, if you haven't subscribed yet (what's keeping you!), just follow this link.

Happy cruising now...!

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Welcome, Viking Ocean Cruises

The world's luxury cruise lines will have a new competitor in 2015 after Viking River Cruises revealed full details of its new Ocean Cruises brand, with its first all-new vessel, Viking Star (above), set to debut in two years' time.

The first ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet, carrying 928 passengers, will launch in May 2015 with itineraries to Scandinavia, the Baltic and Mediterranean. It is aimed to compete (in size and style) with the likes of Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal.

Viking already has a firm order for a second ship (for 2016) and options for four more, all to be built by Fincantieri in Italy.

The onboard value will INCLUDE shore excursions, drinks (beer and wine) with lunch and dinner and free Wi-Fi, along with port charges and taxes. The line also plans to maximise guests' time in port, using late evening departures and overnight stays, making for a destination-intensive experience.

Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen explained: “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. With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and on board experiences to make destinations the true focus.”

The all-balcony Viking Star will have five cabin categories, ranging from standard 270sq ft varieties to a sumptuous 1,448sq ft suite. There will be two pools, one with a retractable dome, the other a glass-backed infinity pool at the ship's stern. There will also be a completely novel feature called a "snow grotto" in the Spa, where Vikings says "snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air."

For dining, there will be five main venues, the main dining room simply called The Restaurant, an Italian Grill, a Viking Deli (offering the line's Scandinavian specialities), a World Cafe and an intimate restaurant called The Kitchen Table, plus a cooking school and a special Chef's Table.

However, the 2015 maiden season is initially being offered only in the US, but Viking will begin marketing in the UK, Australia and New Zealand later this year. 

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking River Cruises UK, added: "We are very excited about the introduction of Viking’s new ocean ship, allowing us to offer our customers the chance to experience even more destinations in style and comfort. We look forward to launching to the UK market later in the summer and, until then, we continue to focus on our ever popular river product and the overwhelming demand for the new Longships."

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The Romantic Viking Cruise!

This Valentine's Day, Viking River Cruises is offering the perfect trips for anyone who wants to surprise their partner with a romantic river cruise in 2013. The Danube and the Seine are known for their prestigious beauty and illustrious history and, with Viking, the rivers will also offer the perfect route to a memorable Valentine's gift. The Romantic Danube This 8-day journey on board one of Viking’s stylish Longships travels through the heart of Germany, Austria and Hungry on the international waterway of the Danube. Sail between the divided city of Budapest (above) and under the grand Chain Bridge, take a half-day city tour of Vienna, visiting the quaint village of Passau and cruise between the soaring gorges and take in the stunning scenery through the Wachau Valley. The eight-day itinerary costs from £1,245 per person, based on two people sharing. This price includes return economy flights, all meals on board, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, six guided tours (visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites), a Hungarian evening show, a classical music performance and all port charges, airport taxes and transfers.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy On this 8-day journey, the Viking Pride sails from the ‘city of love’, Paris, and through breathtaking Normandy visiting the likes of Rouen, Les Andelys, Giverny and Conflans before ending back to picturesque Paris. Itinerary highlights include the Gothic architecture of Rouen, exquisite gardens of Giverny and the historic shoreline of the Normandy beaches. It costs from £1,195 per person, based on two people sharing. This price includes return economy flights, all meals on board, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, six guided tours (visiting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites), French lessons, wine-making demonstrations and tastings, plus all port charges, airport taxes and transfers. For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury river-cruise specialists.

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Viking's River Cruise Expansion

Expanding its portfolio of itineraries, Viking River Cruises has announced the launch of its first route along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers in Southern France. Leading the way, the award-winning river cruise company will be one of the only cruise lines in the UK to offer the itinerary, with the first sailing in March 2014.

The eight-day cruise will begin and end in Bordeaux, giving passengers the opportunity to savour the city’s grand architecture, tempting cafes and superb museums. Visiting the stunning historical towns of Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne and Cadillac, the itinerary stops at three UNESCO sites, including Blaye’s 17th Century Citadel and Saint-Emilion, and takes in the scenic landscapes as it sails along the rivers.

Aptly named the ‘Heart of Bordeaux,’ the itinerary will also appeal to foodies, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the region's specialities such as oysters, truffles and cognac. Of course no trip would be complete without sampling the famed wines, with plenty of time built in to tour the wine country.

On board enrichment during the cruise has been designed with the assistance of local experts and will provide passengers with a deeper appreciation of the Aquitaine Valley. Guests can learn to make caneles, a caramalised custard pastry, begin or expand their appreciation of fine wines with the guidance of a master sommelier, and brush up on their conversational French with optional on board lessons.

Guests will be able to enjoy the cruise from the comfort of the Viking Foresti, marking the first time an award-winning Viking Longship will be deployed in France. Stylish and supremely comfortable the patented design has been specifically created to capitalise on scenic routes such as this one, with wraparound verandas providing 270-degree views and spacious all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views from a relaxing and comfortable public space.

With an excursions package, on board meals and wine with lunch and dinner included in the price, this holiday – like all Viking river cruises – offers remarkable value.

For bookings, follow this link to our sponsors The Cruise Line, the UK 's river cruise specialists.

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Joanna Lumley Becomes Godmother Of The Viking Odin

Joanna Lumley has become the Godmother of the Viking Odin, one of the four new Viking River Cruises 'Longships' launched in a record-breaking day in Amsterdam last month.

And a launch video is now available, which you can follow on this link to see all the festivities and an interview with the lovely Joanna.

The "World’s Leading River Cruise line" christened four new state-of-the-art ships at once, all designed by top maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten. The ships all set sail immediately along Viking’s vast range of routes throughout Europe, taking in rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe.

For more details of Viking River Cruises, follow this link to the Cruise Line the UK's luxury river cruise specialist.

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Viking's New Douro River Voyages

Following demand from customers to create a new river cruise holiday along the River Douro, Viking River Cruises has announced a new itinerary for 2013: River Douro, Portugal’s River of Gold.

Named ‘River of Gold’ for its striking quality of light, the Douro winds its way through steeply terraced vineyards, rolling landscapes and pretty towns with colourful castles, baroque mansions and historic monasteries.

Viking guests will visit vibrant Porto, the medieval Spanish city of Salamanca and enjoy a two-night first-class hotel stay in Lisbon, with excursions within the capital, including a tour of the 15th century Jerónimos Monastery. Along the way, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine, including Portuguese specialities and the region’s famous port and tawny wines.

An exciting new itinerary calls for an exciting ship and the Viking Douro was built specifically to sail this scenic river. Spacious and supremely comfortable with panoramic views, large staterooms with French balconies and 360-degree views from the public areas, guests can sit back and relax as they immerse themselves in the glorious scenery.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Viking's Valentine Bonus

To get holidaymakers into the romantic spirit next Valentine’s Day, Viking River Cruises will send a beautiful bouquet of flowers to every customer who books a cruise with them between the 6th and 14th of February 2012. The Company offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia, sailing right into the heart of some of the world’s most beautiful and romantic destinations.

So, if you want to live out your very own fairytale romance in Heidelberg castle; walk hand in hand around Budapest; or stroll through the streets of the capital of love, Paris, Viking has the holiday for you this February.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Now THAT'S How Cruise Awards Should Be Done

Having given the so-called British Travel Awards a major kicking recently for their laughable selection of Cruise Awards, it was refreshing to see the Cruise Critic UK Awards come out this week with a sane, sensible and highly credible approach to pretty much the same thing.

Using their own in-house editorial experts, led by extremely knowledgeable editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer-Brown, they have 25 individual awards - from the obvious things of Best New Ship and Best For Kids to Best Itineraries and Best Buffet - and all have the ring of authenticity and genuine cruise know-how.

In full, the 2011 award winners are:

Best New Ship - Carnival Magic
Best New River Ship - SS Antoinette (Uniworld)
Best For Luxury - Seabourn Cruise Line
Best for First Timers - Ventura (P&O Cruises)
Best Line for Kids - Royal Caribbean
Best Itineraries - Cunard Line
Best for Adventure - Star Clippers
Best River Cruise Line - Viking River Cruises
Best Value for Money - Voyages of Discovery
Best for Fly-Cruises - Thomson Cruises
Best for Dining - Oceania Cruises
Best Buffet - Marina (Oceania Cruises)
Best Alternative Restaurant - The Verandah (Cunard's Queen Elizabeth)
Best for Entertainment - Cunard Line
Best for Healthy Cruising - Celebrity Cruises
Best Suites - Marina (Oceania Cruises)
Best Cabins - Holland America Line
Best Shore Excursions - Noble Caledonia
Best Guest Speakers - Voyages to Antiquity
Best for Honeymooners - Princess Cruises
Best for Wine Lovers - Celebrity's Solstice-Class
Best Cruise Ship Bar - The Glass House (P&O's Azura)
Best UK Port of Call - Newcastle
Best UK Departure Port - Southampton

All the category winners come fully explained with the 'why' of their choice and some useful info on the award-winner, and categories like Best Value and Best Suites are extremely relevant to today's cruisers (are you taking note, BTA?).

The categories like Best Bar and Best for Wine-Lovers are just plain fun, and the choice of Newcastle as best UK port of call is sure to start some earnest debate on the subject (as well as rewarding a go-ahead port authority - for my money, Lerwick in the Shetlands would be hard to beat as they simply work so hard to attract ships and provide a unique port experience, but that's a very minor quibble).

Do I agree with all the selections? No, but then you probably would struggle to get any two major cruise experts to agree anyway as there is so much that's subjective about these types of awards (as well as so much choice these days).

I probably wouldn't have given Cunard Best Itineraries as their ships are all so big there are many ports they CAN'T visit (unlike, say, Crystal, Silversea or even someone like Orion Expedition Cruises, whose itineraries are truly eye-catching), while I also think there are many other better contenders for Best Alternative Restaurant than QE's Verandah.

Ideally, I'd also like to see more categories to highlight the major differentiation these days between the large mega-ships and the smaller, more boutique types (for instance, how do you compare a new ship like Carnival Magic against the tiny-by-comparison Seabourn Quest?).

But that is really just nit-picking as against the big beefs I have with the comparable cruise section of the BTA. All in all, the Cruise Critic UK awards are a laudable and highly worthwhile exercise, and all the winners are to be congratulated.

For the full story, go to this page on Cruise Critic UK and click on the necessary link to see the Winners.

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Viking Unveils the Crown Jewel in Russian Cruising

To meet the growing demand for travel to Russia and exceed the expectations of today’s traveller, Viking River Cruises is setting a new standard with their Russian fleet: fully refurbishing each vessel from bow to stern and creating new and inviting interiors — spacious staterooms, elegant dining rooms and comfortable lounges.

The final ship to be fully refurbished is the Viking Rurik, which will launch in 2012 and offer two-room Suites that are an impressive 405sq ft, as well as spacious Junior Suites and 60 Staterooms with full verandas. The completion of this ship also marks the full transformation of all four vessels in Viking’s Russian fleet.

To commemorate the Viking heritage and Russian history, the four ships will be renamed after Rurik and his family, Helgi, Ingvar and Truvor, who were the original Russian explorers. Rurik, a leader of the Vikings in the 9th century, ventured along the rivers of what is now Russia and founded the Rurikid Dynasty, which ruled over Russia for many centuries. Specially designed to cruise Russia’s great waterways, Viking ships are built for around 200 guests, offering a more intimate holiday.

Comfort and quality, along with stunning river views in every stateroom, ensures there is no more relaxing or rewarding way to discover Russia than on board these beautiful ships.

For more info, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or the river cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Viking Announce Two More 'Longships' For 2012

Viking River Cruises have announced two more new-ship builds in 2012 in response to the high demand for bookings in the next two years.

The new ships are in addition to the four already in service. The new builds will copy the design of Viking’s current 'green' Longship vessels, including the Viking Prestige and Legend. The Longships will be 443ft long, feature 95 staterooms per ship and will boast key innovations such as:

Two Explorer Suites — which will be the largest river-cruise suites each, featuring a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views.

Seven 275sq ft Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda from the living room and a French balcony from the bedroom.

Thirty-nine Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas.

A new all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the lounge by bringing the outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Al Fresco dining areas on the Upper deck, adjacent to the lounge to present more dining choices to guests.

And Sustainability upgrades such as energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels, efficient, hybrid propulsion system and an onboard organic herb garden.

The six ships are scheduled to sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries, including the 15-day Grand European Tour, 8-day Romantic Danube, 8-day Danube Waltz, 10-day Tulips & Windmills and 8-day Rhine Getaway.

For further info, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or consult the river-cruise experts of specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Viking's China River Tours Go To 'The Roof of The World'

Here's an interesting press release this weekend from top river-cruise operator Viking, whose latest programme of cruise-tours through China now has three highly enticing possibilities.

Imperial Jewels of China, Shanghai to Beijing; from £2,245/12 Days

See all of China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai and, in Beijing, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze, and admire the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. You also visit Xian, home of the famous Terra Cotta Army.

Roof of the World, Beijing to Shanghai, plus Tibet; from £2,850/16 Days

Discover the many faces of China on this fascinating 16-day adventure. See the imperial treasures of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and enjoy a 6-day Yangtze River cruise. Then experience the Tibetan plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”. Spend three spiritually enlightening days in Lhasa, visiting Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and more.

China’s Cultural Delights, Beijing to Shanghai; from £2,695/17 Days

This 17-day odyssey explores China’s cradle of culture with an epic 11-day Yangtze cruise between Chongqing and Nanjing. See all the wonders of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and the Three Gorges, plus visit the birthplace of porcelain, the elegant classical gardens of Suzhou, a sacred Buddhist mountain and much more.

For more information, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or contact the river-cruise specialists at The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Viking's Touch Of Prestige

Viking River Cruises have announced the launch of their second state-of-the-art ‘green’ ship, the Viking Prestige.

Building upon the high standard set by Viking Legend, the industry’s first “green” river cruise vessel, the Prestige will have the same efficient, hybrid propulsion system. Producing less vibration and using significantly less fuel, this cutting-edge technology offers a quieter, smoother journey than other ships and represents the environmentally responsible future of Viking’s European vessels.

The new ship also features Viking’s signature décor: sophisticated, understated elegance across the 188-passenger vessel. Boasting all-outside staterooms and French balconies on both the Upper and Middle decks, the ship’s public areas also provide unobstructed panoramic viewing throughout, including in the single-seating restaurant, library, observation lounge and bar, as well as the expansive sun deck.

For more info, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or contact the river-cruise experts of specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Viking Launches 'Magnificent Mekong' For 2012

Ahead of the launch of its main 2012 brochure, Viking River Cruises has released its 'Magnificent Mekong' programme with massive savings for early bookers. Double discounts, giving savings of up to £1000 per person, are offered on any Mekong departure booked by June 30 for travel in 2012.

The early release of the programme follows huge demand for the 16-day itinerary, which combines a land tour of Vietnam and Cambodia with a seven-night cruise on the 66-passenger RV Tonle, a graceful, French colonial-style vessel hand-finished in brass and teak.

Along the journey, highlights include visits to the ancient Khmer monuments at Angkor Wat; the chance to explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the old city of Hanoi in Vietnam; as well as visits to the elegant French colonial capital of Phnom Penh and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

Other escorted tours include a visit to hilltop Wat Hanchey and the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey; a small boat excursion through the Kampong Chhnang wetlands; a Cyclo tour featuring the Royal Palace and National Museum in Phnom Penh with an excursion to the Killing Fields; and a visit to the market of Prek Touch.

Prices start from £2,699 per person (with £1,000 discount) and include return flights from London to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa); a seven-night river cruise with river-view stateroom; two nights' hotel stay in Hanoi, three nights in Siem Reap and two nights in Ho Chi Minh; 14 guided tours with audio headsets; and the internal flight between Hanoi and Siem Reap. A programme of 'Cultural Highlights' featuring a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony and a visit to the Siem Reap arts and craft school, plus a 'Culture Curriculum' programme giving language lessons and talks are also included.

For those with more time to explore the region further, Viking also has two add-on packages, with two nights at Ha Long Bay priced from £299 per person, or three nights in Bangkok from £599 per person, with escorted tours included throughout.

Full details can by found by visiting www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or via the river and adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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The Future of River Cruising? (by SV)

With news of the demise (in 2010) of Peter Deilmann's river cruise operations, American operator AMA Waterways is looking to jump into the gap. Represented in the UK by Fred. Olsen Cruises, a weekend press release insists AMA is "the future of river cruising" in Europe.

While it may be a tad too soon (like, about 12 months too early!), to make any predictions of all-encompassing success in the river cruise ranks, it is probably a smart move by AMA to flag up their options (especially at the luxury end of things) in a bid to grab a greater share of the market, especially since the launch of their new, five-star MS Amalyra (above).

AMA expects to increase river cruise business in 2009 by "up to 200%" (although even a 1% increase would actually fall within range of that quote!), with a similar figure projected for next year.

Now, the question is, will Viking River Cruises (the UK and Europe's other big river operator) throw their hat into the ring for "the future"?

For more details of AMA Waterways cruises, look up http://www.amawaterways.com/ or try Fred. Olsen on 01473 746175. To book, as always, call The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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