Category: Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises

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Authentic River Cruises in Africa

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Africa is home to a variety of rainforests and rivers that provide habitats for endless species of exotic plants and animals. Explore Africa onboard one of these three river cruises.

Viking River Cruises – Cairo to Cairo

Viking cruise MS Antares
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Viking’s MS Antares is a sixty-two passenger river vessel built specifically to sail the Nile river. The Antares features staterooms with French balconies, fifty-five-inch flat screen TVs, private bathrooms with jetted tubs and showers, a stateroom steward and twice daily housekeeping service. All rooms have toiletries, robes, and slippers available and the ship offers a laundry service. The sundeck offers a pool as well as shaded lounge areas and there is an onboard health club, spa, sauna, library, and bar. The Cairo to Cairo cruise offers twelve days exploring ancient Egyptian cities, temples, tombs, and monuments. Egyptologist guided tours are offered for passengers to explore areas and learn about the pyramids and hieroglyphics. Felucca (wooden sailboat) rides down the Nile are offered throughout the trip as well as time to explore local spice markets, bazaars, and museums.

CroisiEurope – Southern Africa River Cruise

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CroisiEurope’s MS African Dream features balcony cabins with exterior lounge chairs and sofas, a sundeck with a jacuzzi. The glass-walled restaurant, bar, and lounge offer unique viewing in an elegant setting. Traditional African foods are served throughout the cruise and passengers will have lunch at a floating restaurant. Africa’s Matusadona National Park with its many islands and inlets will be explored via water safari. Passengers have up-close encounters with  elephants, hippos, buffalo, and crocodiles. Big cats, sea eagles, storks, and herons can be seen as well. A helicopter tour of the world-famous Victoria Falls is also an option for cruise-goers.

AmaWaterways – Wildlife and the Falls Cruise

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The Zambezi Queen ship takes passengers through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This twenty-eight passenger ship with  staterooms and balcony suites with a pool and a bar is beyond comfortable!  The cruise offers  morning and evening safaris in the Greater Kruger National Park, a 4×4 safari tour through Chobe National Park, and a Chobe River safari. Can’t miss activities include a guided tour of Victoria Falls, with sunset dinner and cocktails onboard a vintage steam train. 

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The Safest Cruise Destinations

We love that cruises are heading to exotic locales. But, we also understand some travelers may harbor hesitation when it comes to traveling certain destinations. If you want to cruise, but are erring on the side of caution, these are the safest cruise destinations around the globe. Remember always be aware of your surroundings, regardless of where you are traveling, and check government websites for the latest travel updates.

Pacific Northwest

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From Washington’s dramatic coastline to the lively metropolis of Vancouver, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the world’s most magnificent scenery and adventurous excursions. Whether you’re marveling at the natural beauty of the Puget Sound or getting a bird’s eye view of Vancouver via seaplane, the Pacific Northwest is all about nature’s beauty.

St. Bart’s

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The crème de la crème of the Caribbean when it comes to an upscale, island getaways, St. Bart’s draws an A-list crowd looking for a quiet reprieve. Celebs have been flocking to the destination for years. And, with for some of the world’s most pristine beaches and Rodeo Drive style shopping, it’s easy to see why.  The small, quaint feel makes St. Bart’s a hidden gem in the French West Indies.

New Zealand

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Ahhhh Auckland, New Zealand. Where the local greeting is ‘Kia Ora,’ meaning “Stay Well”. With its distinct beauty, spectacular wildlife, and gourmet goodness, New Zealand has so much to offer in addition to safety.

Turks & Caicos

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With little rain, perfect 80-degree year-round weather, and idyllic waters, the Turks & Caicos are one of our top picks for safe and fabulous cruise destinations. The British Overseas Territory of the Bahamas consists of an archipelago of more than 40 islands, including the famed Grace Bay Beach.

Anguilla

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Another tropical paradise and British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is a hot spot for celebs and luxury travel enthusiasts. Anguilla’s low crime rates consistently make it one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Whether you are looking for adventure, family fun, a romantic escape or relaxing spa retreat, Anguilla has it all.

Australia

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From snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef to cuddling Koalas; from sampling botanical infused gin to tasting gastronomical delights, Australia offers a host of exciting options.

Iceland

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Unlock the mysteries of the far north and uncover some of the earth’s most remote and peaceful locations. Beautiful fjords and acres upon acres of nature reserve, make Iceland a truly unique destination. To truly experience the magic of the north, consider a luxury expedition cruise on PONANT.

Japan

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Japan may not be the first destination to come to mind when planning a cruise. However, a cruise to the Far East offers a bounty of culture, ancient empires, and cosmopolitan cities. Visit volcanoes, Edo Period gardens and a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A world of amazing destinations await. Cruises offer a hands-off approach for those looking to travel to safe locations in a secure environment.

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Our Favorite Adult-Only Cruises

Does sipping cocktails at sunset and relaxing poolside sans kids sound like a dream vacation? Let’s face it; there are times when you want a holiday without being surrounded by crying babies and noisy kids. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a fun vacation with friends, these adult only-cruises are the perfect escape.

Virgin Voyages

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What happens when Ricard Branson teams up with an impressive list of industry leaders to break barriers at sea? The adult only Scarlet Lady. Set to sail in 2020, the ship is the result of collaborations between Branson and industry leaders such as Italian shipbuilding powerhouse Fincantieri; stylish hospitality leaders Mondrian and The Ace Hotel; and technology-driven cabins powered by in-room apps. Dance til dawn, realign your chakras and dine on three-martini lunches, we promise you this is a cruise like no other.

Viking Ocean Cruises

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No kids. No nickel and diming. Viking Ocean Cruises has been leading the way on adult-only cruises since its inception. What you’ll get are inclusive features like beer and wine with lunch and dinner, one shore excursion in every port, and alternative dining options. What you won’t find are casinos, kids, photographers, and massive waterslides. Exuding sophistication and class, even dining options are refined. Be sure to experience The Chef’s Table. Sommeliers and culinary masters create perfect pairings of food and wine during a multi-course tasting menu.

U By Uniworld

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U by Uniworld lets you experience the rivers of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, The Netherlands, and Hungary amid adult excitement. Unlike most river cruises which appeal to a more mature crowd, U by Uniworld caters to a younger audience. The incorporate innovative experiences like mixology classes, rooftop camping, painting and wine classes along with silent discos. We love the innovative approach to river cruising on this adult-only adventure.

P & O Cruises

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While the three adult-only ships Oriana, Aurora, Arcadia each possess a unique vibe, they have many features in common.  Those features include exquisite accommodations, dazzling entertainment, and gastronomical gems. The Arcadia’s three-tier Palladium theatre, Oasis Spa and Art gallery make it an excellent choice for Iceland, Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean. Take a break from the busy holiday season with a romantic Christmas Cruise or toast life’s blessings on a New Year Cruise.

Don’t feel guilty for taking that much-needed break to recharge; everyone is better for it. And, these adult-only cruises are all about you.

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Viking Expands Egyptian River Cruise Program

Whether it’s the cultural mélange of a civilization that dates back to the time of Pharaohs or exploring an epicurean bounty of Mediterranean fares such as shawarma or grape leaves, Egypt is exploding as a hot spot for travelers looking to abandon the ordinary. And, Viking River Cruises has taken note. “Egypt has inspired explorers for generations, and it remains a top destination for many of our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. Looking to meet the demands of the growing market, Viking recently announced an expansion of its Egypt program for the 2020 season, which will include the launch of a new ship and more Pre-Cruise Extensions.

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Viking Osiris

Inspired by the design of the award-winning Viking Longships and built specifically for the Nile River, Viking Osiris is currently under construction and set to debut in September 2020.  “We remain committed to Egypt, and we look forward to introducing the historical treasures of the region to even more Viking guests,” adds Hagen.

The new Viking Osiris will host 82 guests in 41 staterooms. The state-of-the-art ship bestows the clean, elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known – and will join the company’s other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Viking is the first and only Western company to build, own and operate vessels on the Nile.

New Pre-Cruise Extensions

In addition to the new ship, Viking is also launching two new Pre-Cruise Extensions next year. With guests continuing to express a keen interest in Egypt, these five-day extensions to Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary will allow guests privileged access to archives and exhibits in London and Oxford that are generally not accessible to the public.

These Pre -Cruise Extensions grant guests the opportunity to retrace the steps of the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Guests on the five day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will meet their Viking Tour Director in London to experience access to two museums and then a visit to the home of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane. Here the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his collection of Egyptian antiques, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus. A few more highlights of the Extension include: a visit to London’s Petrie Museum, a behind the scenes look at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute. Guests will enjoy privileged access to Carter’s archives which detail the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and a visit to Highclere Castle.

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Guests traveling through April 2020 may also opt for the new five days King Tut & the UK’s Egyptian Collections extension, where they will have the opportunity to visit Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, a special exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery that is presented by Viking.

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Pharaohs & Pyramids

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During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests experience Egypt’s cultural treasures in seven destinations. The cruise tour begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, followed by a flight to Luxor, where they will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.

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Viking Expands European River Fleet with Launch of Seven New Ships

Whether wandering through charming storybook villages or savoring destination focused dining, there is perhaps no better way to discover Europe than on a riverboat cruise. If you’re considering riverboat cruising, let us give you seven more reasons to jump on board this growing trend.

Viking recently announced its European River fleet expansion with seven new ships. The launch of the new Viking river ships is the company’s largest milestone, and a great reason to set sail for enchanting rivers and what lies beyond.

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The Rhine River, in Basel, Switzerland set the stage for the recent naming of the seven new river ships with a festive celebration. The Viking Einar, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur and Viking Vail will be deployed from Viking’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Inspired by the longship’s design, the seventh new ship, Viking Helgrim was built specifically for the Douro River in Portugal.

Six of the seven ships added to the fleet are Viking Longships. If you aren’t familiar with longships, expect to be impressed. With a streamlined Scandinavian design, longships are not only built to bring you up close to your destination but provide the largest suites of any riverboat ship, including oversized staterooms with full-size verandas, perfect for al fresco dining.

Integrating culture, local cuisine and unrivaled port excursions Viking offers guests an immersive experience through the rivers of Europe. Understated, yet elegant suites offer a relaxing reprieve from the day; a day filled with art, music, and history. Imagine having tea in the home of local residents or visiting the “The Real Downtown Abbey;” a private tour of Gottweig Abbey, where you will have the unique opportunity to dine with Abbey monks and receive a special traveler’s blessing. It’s these types of itineraries that let guests truly dive deep into the local culture and one of the reasons Viking swept the Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruises Choice Award with 11 First Place Wins.

Creating memories comes through sharing means and sampling local cuisine. Unlike mass-produced food buffets on large ships, Viking’s chefs prepare exquisite dinners prepared with locally sourced ingredients, for a true taste of the port’s culture. Epicurean’s will even have the opportunity to accompany Viking Chefs on hosted trips to local farmers markets. Onboard, sample regional cuisine and dessert specialties along with wine pairings based on your destination port.

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It’s the bespoke details of ‘The Viking Difference’ that makes the company an industry leader. And, keeping with maritime traditions dating back thousands of years ago, Viking invited seven long-serving employees and important members of the company’s family to serve as honorary godmothers of these new ships. If you’re ready to be among the first to set sail on one of the newest beauties, you’re in luck! Viking is currently accepting bookings for upcoming cruises.

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Viking River Cruises Single Traveler Special

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Viking River Cruises has announced that for a limited time it will offer a special reduced Single Traveler supplement starting at 25 percent on top-selling river cruises, along with reduced airfare starting at $195. The new promotion is the first of its kind for Viking, and allows solo travelers to experience three of the company’s most popular itineraries: Danube Waltz, Tulips & Windmills, and Rhine Getaway.

“We have always been proud to offer our guests the widest variety of stateroom categories and sailing options of any river cruise line,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “This new promotion offers even more choices for our guests to explore in comfort onboard our award-winning Viking Longships,  sailing with other travel companions or just by themselves.”

Offer Details

Viking’s new offer for single travelers applies to new bookings from U.S. residents made before February 29, 2016. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date, and include transfers. Guests may select from three European river itineraries on Viking Longships. Viking has expanded its fleet rapidly in recent years in response to increased traveler demand for destination-focused cruises. This year, in addition to launching new
Viking Longships and a new vessel in Portugal in March, the company’s second ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sea, is set to debut in April.

Viking River Cruises, www.vikingrivercruises.com

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