Invasion of the Viking River Longships!

Excerpts from an article written by James Shillinglaw editor in chief of TravelPulse on March 22, 2012

Torstein "Tor" Hagen, the brash, confident, highly entrepreneurial chairman and CEO of Viking River Cruises, has always had a streak of the gambler in him. While he was educated as a nuclear physicist, he ended up at Harvard Business School and eventually at Royal Viking Line, the fabled but long defunct cruise company. Hagen then transferred his attentions to the rivers of Russia and Europe to build what arguably is the largest river cruise line in the world at 19 ships, if you’re counting before this past week. Now Hagen is doubling down big time with the launch the first four of 12 planned "Longships," the newly designed Viking River standard for river cruising. Four ships – Viking Odin, Viking Idun, Viking Freya and Viking Njord – were christened on March 21, 2012. Viking River will then introduce two more ships – Viking Embla and Viking Aegir – in July and August. And Hagen isn’t done yet. He’s building another six Longship class ships set for delivery in 2013. Each ship carries 190 passengers, so the entire new fleet of Longships will add another 2,280 berths to the Viking fleetWith that kind of wager on the river cruise market, Hagen must be convinced he’s betting on a sure thing. Indeed, he probably is. The river cruise market has expanded dramatically in the last 20 years and is on pace to grow even more extensively now with Viking’s newbuilds, as well as new ships this year from AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon, Great American Steamboat and Scenic, among others. Meantime, the pace of new oceangoing ships has slowed dramatically, with only five newbuilds set for delivery this year. That said, the passenger capacity of the entire river cruise fleet could probably fit into a couple of oceangoing mega-ships, though I believe that’s going to be tested in the next few years. For their part, Americans have discovered what European travelers have known for years: a cruise on the rivers of Europe is a great way to see the cities, culture, culinary attractions and history of the Continent. River cruise companies also are applying their formula to other destinations, including the Nile (where river cruises have been offered for years), Southeast Asia, South America and the United States.

So what makes a Viking Longship different from its competition in Europe? Well, first off there are going to be a lot more of them in the next two years – more than any other river ship afloat. More importantly, Viking River has fundamentally altered the design of the vessel to accommodate more cabins with verandas. The new design, which Viking River says is patent-pending, also includes two 445-square-foot Explorer Suites with private wraparound verandas and 270° views. All cabins also have rather large (32-inch minimum) flat-screen TVs and some very good Wi-Fi Internet service due to the introduction of new technology. One of the most innovative features is the new Aquavit Terrace, an indoor/outdoor area at the bow of the ship where passengers can relax, engage in casual dining and do what they came to do – namely view the scenic river views. No other river ship has such an area in the bow of the ship with or an area that combines a more classic lounge with a large outdoor space. Each Longship has 95 outside staterooms (including two Explorer Suites, two Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms). All suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. The ships also feature a sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area, an organic herb garden and solar panels.

With the introduction of the Longships, Viking River has developed a revolutionary design that represents yet another leap forward for river cruising. But that also seems to be the norm over the past few years, with most of the major river cruising companies unveiling new products, new designs and revolutionary features designed to appear to a new generation of river cruise passenger. Indeed, river cruising today just happens to be one of the most innovative and exciting categories in all of travel today – and one that is attracting increasing numbers of customers. For more information on river cruising and Viking River call 203-288-1884.

Avalon Waterways Orders Two More "Suite Ships" for 2013

Avalon Waterways will introduce two more Suite Ships" next year — the Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II. The addition brings the Suite Ship fleet to five. The Expression is a sister ship to the 166-passenger Avalon Panorama, which was introduced last year, and Avalon Vista, due out in May. The Artistry II will be a sister ship to the 128-passenger Visionary, also scheduled to enter service in May; these vessels are slightly smaller to sail on the Rhine River.

The Suite Ships have two full decks of suites with 200-square-foot Panorama Suites and 300-square foot Royal Suites. Each suite features a large seating area adjacent to a wall-to-wall panoramic window. When opened, the 10-foot-by-7-foot floor-to-ceiling window transforms the suite into what is virtually an open-air balcony. The Suite Ships also have a bistro for alternative dining as well as lounges. In 2013, the Suite Ships will cruise on the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers for four to 15 days. Avalon also is introducing new ships on the Yangtze River — the Century Paragon in 2012 and Century Legend in 2013. For more information, contact TheCruiseOutlet at 203-288-1884

Avalon Waterways Orders Two More "Suite Ships" for 2013

Avalon Waterways will introduce two more Suite Ships" next year — the Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II. The addition brings the Suite Ship fleet to five. The Expression is a sister ship to the 166-passenger Avalon Panorama, which was introduced last year, and Avalon Vista, due out in May. The Artistry II will be a sister ship to the 128-passenger Visionary, also scheduled to enter service in May; these vessels are slightly smaller to sail on the Rhine River. The Suite Ships have two full decks of suites with 200-square-foot Panorama Suites and 300-square foot Royal Suites. Each suite features a large seating area adjacent to a wall-to-wall panoramic window. When opened, the 10-foot-by-7-foot floor-to-ceiling window transforms the suite into what is virtually an open-air balcony. The Suite Ships also have a bistro for alternative dining as well as lounges. In 2013, the Suite Ships will cruise on the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers for four to 15 days. Avalon also is introducing new ships on the Yangtze River — the Century Paragon in 2012 and Century Legend in 2013. For more information, contact TheCruiseOutlet at 203-288-1884

Crystal Cruises Goes All-Inclusive with Beverages, Tips

After a year of planning, Crystal Cruises has now officially begun its transition to an all-inclusive vacation. Launched with the departure of Crystal Symphony’s trans-Atlantic cruise March 19, guests now get complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, butler, bar and dining staff. Crystal Serenity follows suit with its trans-Atlantic sailing departing on May 8.  Crystal’s gratis well liquors include Grey Goose, Maker’s Mark, Macallan Select, Hennessy V.S.O.P., and Herradura Silver. Wines and champagnes include higher-end vintages from both boutique makers and big-name wineries, including Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay, St. Michael-Eppan Sauvignon Blanc Lahn, Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva, Castello di Bolgheri Varvára, Chateau Macquin St. Emilion, and Jacquart Brut Mosaique, Reims, France.  Restaurants offer recommended pairings at dinner nightly, and sommeliers certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers can assist with wine selections. There is no corkage fee if a guest wishes to drink wine purchased ashore.  An optional Connoisseur menu features renowned and/or rare vintages, select single-malt whiskeys and other aged spirits at what the line calls "reasonable in-store prices, as opposed to traditional upscale restaurant and hotel rates." Silver and Gold Connoisseur Packages of four and six fine wines, respectively, are also available for onboard gifts. For more information on Crystal Cruises, call 203-288-1884

Princess Cancels Next Two Caribbean Princess Departures

Princess Cruises cancelled the next two departures of the Caribbean Princess due to a problem with the port propulsion motor. When the problem was discovered, the ship returned to San Juan to evaluate the situation. After further review by technical experts, the company cancelled the March 18 and March 25 voyages. Passengers booked on these sailings will receive a full refund as well as a 25 percent credit towards a future cruise. Those who booked their flights through Princess will receive a full refund or a future air credit based on the type of air purchased. Passengers who booked their air independently can submit their air change fees to Princess for a refund. The company said it will also refund any transfers, pre- and post-hotel packages and government fees and taxes. The next Caribbean Princess cruise is scheduled to depart from San Juan on April 1.

New Ships - New Ideas

MSC to Get New Ship

"I just bought another ship," MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago announced on a panel of top cruise executives. For those keeping track, the addition of the 139,400-ton, 3,500-passenger MSC Preziosa means more than 800% growth for the line since 2004. The new ship is under construction at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, and is already about 45% finished. That's because it's the same vessel originally commissioned by the Libyan government. As part of the MSC fleet, the Preziosa will be a sister ship to MSC Divina, which debuts this May as the fourth ship in the line's Fantasia class and 13th in the fleet. Preziosa will follow in March 2013. Vago hinted at a press gathering that more new ship announcements are soon to follow, and that the line plans to expand its presence in the U.S. market. "We don't want to be the best kept secret in the U.S.," he said.

Norwegian Goes Outside on Breakaway
Norwegian Cruise Line said its 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway, set to debut in April 2013, will feature an innovative quarter-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops and bars and room to stroll. Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian, said the design goal was more ocean views. "This will bring the sea back to our guests," he said. The ship will have 17 restaurants, several located in and around the atrium on decks 6, 7 and 8, what the line is calling 678 Ocean Place, which will tie into The Waterfront. With the new design, guests at for-fee venues including the Moderno churrascaria and Cagney's steakhouse will be able to choose indoor or outdoor dining. The Italian La Cucina adds a choice of dining with atrium views. Drinks will be served indoors and out at the Shaker's Martini Bar and Malting's Beer & Whiskey Bar, among the ship's 12 imbibing venues. A new restaurant, Ocean Blu, will feature what officials are calling an industry first all-seafood menu including raw and sushi bars. Also new is an outdoor Gelato bar. Norwegian Breakaway will spend its first year home ported in New York.

Princess Re-imagines Buffet Concept on Royal Princess
With cruise passengers showing an increased interest in casual dining, Princess Cruises said its new 3,600-passenger Royal Princess would boast a restyled, supersized buffet area. The ship's Horizon Court Buffet will have double the amount of seating found on the line's Grand-class ships, with 900 seats indoors and 350 outdoors on the open deck. The buffet will have a variety of new action stations serving Asian, pasta and tossed salads. But the key addition is an industry first pastry shop with its own seating area, where passengers can indulge in such treats as croissants, desserts, flambés and freshly baked waffles. Pastry chefs will be on hand to demonstrate their skills. As on the line's other ships, the Royal Princess will have three main dining rooms, two configured for Anytime Dining, and featuring a new Wine Cellar space with for-a-fee private dining for 12. The ship is scheduled to debut in June 2013 on Mediterranean itineraries.

Regent Goes Italian with New Eatery
Regent Seven Seas announced the debut of a new eatery, Sette Mari at La Veranda. Sette Mari translates to "Seven Seas." The casual dining option is actually a nighttime repurposing of the all-inclusive line's La Veranda buffet, also open for breakfast and lunch. The idea is Italian dining at night, with an extensive antipasti bar and specialty items prepared to order and paired with Italian wines. "This new restaurant concept is a substantial enhancement to current menu items featured for dinner in La Veranda," said Bernhard Klotz, culinary director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The venue, set to debut on Seven Seas Navigator in May and Voyager and Mariner in July, will not require reservations.

Great American Steamboat Names Priscilla Presley Godmother

The Great American Steamboat Company announced that Priscilla Presley will be the godmother of the steamboat American Queen. Presley, who was once married to Elvis Presley, is synonymous with Graceland in the steamboat’s homeport of Memphis. Priscilla Presley will name the vessel in a christening ceremony at the revitalized Beale Street Landing on April 27. Highlights will include performances by local musicians, a bottle of champagne crashing against the stern and the sounds of the calliope as the American Queen steams off up the Mississippi River. The Great American Steamboat Company has also entered into an exclusive partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises. This collaboration will present the first Elvis Cruise on the American Queen from Memphis to New Orleans this December, as well as Graceland experiences for guests.
A daughter of an Air Force officer, Priscilla Presley attended high school in Germany, where she met Elvis Presley. In 1979 she became co-executor of the Presley Estate, growing it from a burgeoning entity into a phenomenally successful organization consisting of the famous Graceland Mansion, a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, television and video projects. In addition to being a businesswoman, producer and actress, Presley is an ambassador of the Dream Foundation, helping to fulfill the dreams of adults battling terminal illnesses. She became aware of the organization after helping to grant recipients’ wishes to visit Graceland. She has also joined Hollywood celebrities in the fight against the overmedication of children. She is an advocate for Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights and a percentage of all purchases on PriscillaPresley.com are donated to support these two charities.
After a sunset christening, the American Queen will depart on its inaugural voyage up the Mississippi River to the Ohio River with stops in Henderson and Louisville, Ky., and Madison, Ind., before arriving in her disembarkation city of Cincinnati. In Louisville, the ship will take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Great Steamboat Race with the Belle of Louisville and Belle of Cincinnati. The American Queen will offer Southern cuisine of famed Chef Regina Charboneau, the line’s culinary director. The company offers a variety of voyage lengths, ranging from three to 10 nights, and fares beginning at $995 per guest. A pre- or post-cruise luxury hotel stay, all bottled water and soft drinks, wine and beer at dinner and complimentary shore adventures are included in each port of call. Exclusive rates are available by The CruiseOutlet.com. Email info@thecruiseoutlet.com or call 203-288-1884

American Queen to Host Paul Revere, Gary Lewis on Mother’s Day Cruise

The Great American Steamboat Company is highlighting its first Mother’s Day voyage with featured entertainment by Paul Revere & the Raiders and Gary Lewis & the Playboys. The seven-night "Springtime on the River" voyage is May 8 to 15 from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Memphis, Tenn. It will visit Madison, Ind.; Louisville, Henderson and Paducah, Ky.; and New Madrid, Mo.
Onboard, Culinary Director Regina Charboneau’s team will present a special Mother’s Day menu. Fares for the 10-day holiday begin at $1,995 per person, based on double occupancy, and include both a pre- and post-voyage hotel stay, a farewell dinner at Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous in Memphis and complimentary shore tours in each port of call. Single occupancy fares begin at $2,394 per stateroom. More information and exclusive bookings being done by The Cruise Outlet, Hamden - 1-800-775-1884