Los Angeles, Calif. (July 10, 2009) – Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, is proud to announce that Viking Legend’s inaugural cruise has begun. The ship sailed out of Amsterdam Sunday on a Grand European Tour, Viking’s most popular itinerary, on its way to Budapest with nearly a full complement of 189 guests in 97 deluxe staterooms, 74% of which have French balconies.
“We have launched not only a beautiful new ship but a new era of European river cruise travel,” said Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen. “This ‘green’ cruise ship, with its hybrid diesel engines and advanced emission control protocols, represents the future of cruise ships.”
Viking Legend’s new diesel-electric hybrid engines use an estimated 20% less fuel. Her two engine rooms, one fore and one aft, are both completely noise-insulated, ensuring a very quiet ship. Viking Legend has additional features that help reduce its impact on the environment, including its own membrane water treatment plant, and it is among the first to be certified under new EU guidelines regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our new ship is the crowning touch on a strong year,” explained Hagen. “Viking is experiencing triple-digit growth for our 2010 program, and even with the economy, most 2009 Viking sailings are going out full.”
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit vikingrivercruises.com. Travel agents can receive exclusive information and services by visiting the company’s travel agent portal.
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. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best Riverboat Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, 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 21 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 www.vikingrivercruises.com.