Los Angeles, Calif. (January 12, 2010) – Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, has announced the release of dates and prices for 2011 departures on more than a dozen of its Europe, Russia and Egypt itineraries. The unprecedented early release was initiated because of record 2010 sales and high demand for the company’s most popular itineraries, some of which are practically sold out for 2010.
“River cruising is no longer the travel industry’s best-kept secret,” states Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen. “In our ten-year history we have not seen the incredible demand we are experiencing today. Past guests and new Viking cruisers alike are booking earlier than ever before, and this extraordinary interest prompted us to kick off the 2011 season with the turn of the New Year.”
With the launch of 2011 departures, Viking is promoting its earliest and best-ever Early Booking Discount: 2-for-1 cruise fares plus up to 2-for-1 international air plus complimentary wine. As a bonus, guests can take advantage of exceptional limited-time pricing: 2011 cruises at 2010 prices.*
The 2011 itineraries now available for booking include:
• Grand European Tour – 15 Days – Amsterdam to Budapest
• Romantic Danube – 8 Days – Budapest to Nuremberg
• Danube Waltz – 8 Days – Passau to Budapest
• Rhine Getaway – 8 Days – Amsterdam to Basel
• Treasures of the Rhine – 15 Days – Basel to Antwerp
• Tulips & Windmills – 10 Days – Roundtrip Amsterdam
• Paris & the Heart of Normandy – 8 Days – Roundtrip Paris
• Portraits of Southern France – 8 Days – Chalon-sur-Saone to Avignon
• Elegant Elbe – 10 Days – Berlin to Prague
• Passage to Eastern Europe – 11 Days – Budapest to Bucharest (New for 2011)
• Waterways of the Czars – 13 Days – St. Petersburg to Moscow
• Pathways of the Pharaohs – 12 Days – Roundtrip Cairo
• Nile Explorer – 9 Days – Roundtrip Cairo
Itinerary and port information, land extension programs, ship deck plans, dates, prices and Early Booking Discount details can all be found on the company’s website, www.vikingrivercruises.com, or by calling the toll-free number at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).
* The 2-for-1 cruise, up to 2-for-1 air and complimentary wine offer are considered a single offer. Complimentary wine (with dinner on board) is included with the cruise purchase; international air does not have to be purchased to receive the cruise offer. Some itineraries are new or were featured aboard other ships in 2010; in this case, discounted pricing is new for 2011. Must request offer EBD at time of booking. Book and make deposit by March 31, 2010 and pay the balance in full by May 25, 2010. Additional terms and conditions can be viewed at www.vikingrivercruises.com.
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best River Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 18 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.