VIKING RIVER CRUISES INTRODUCES NEW YANGTZE EXPLORER ITINERARY

02-13-2009

Comprehensive 11-day Yangtze River Cruise – Three Gorges And Beyond – Debuts With 2-For-1 Pricing

Los Angeles, Calif. (February 12, 2009) – Due to popular demand, Viking River Cruises has added a relaxing yet comprehensive Yangtze River experience to its roster of journeys through China: the 13-day Yangtze Explorer. Participants fly into Shanghai, stay one night, then embark on an 11-day Yangtze cruise the following day; after disembarking, they enjoy one final night in Shanghai before flying home.

 

The Yangtze Explorer itinerary is being introduced at 2-for-1 prices. This means that Viking is charging half as much for both cruise and hotel days as it normally would. “We want everyone to enjoy a Yangtze River cruise with Viking, and this is a very affordable way for people to do that,” explained Viking River Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen. “Guests may enjoy an 11-day Yangtze River cruise with two nights in Shanghai for as little as $1,695 per person.”

 

Yangtze Explorer passengers embark on the Viking Century Sun—awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism office—at Chongqing and cruise all the way to Nanjing (or the other way around) before they disembark and head to Shanghai for their flight home. As they cruise, guests visit Chongqing, China’s third largest city; the Three Gorges and the Lesser Gorges; the Three Gorges Dam; the capital of Hubei Province, Wuhan; Jingdezhen, where porcelain was first developed centuries ago; Mt. Jiu Hua, one of four mountains sacred to the Buddhist faith; the lovely architectural gardens at Suzhou; and much more, including a charming visit to a Viking-sponsored elementary school along the river.

 

“Viking Century Sun is the best river cruise vessel sailing on the Yangtze River,” pointed out Mr. Hagen. “It is also the largest ship in Viking’s fleet, with a capacity of more than 300 guests, and the most luxurious. Every stateroom is deluxe, with hotel-style beds, and every stateroom has a full balcony. The food is topnotch, complete with made-to-order cooking stations at the breakfast buffet and special Chinese dishes designed by celebrity chef Martin Yan. Onboard staff are exemplary, and guests are accompanied by a Tour Escort throughout their journey.

 

“Some of our guests have already visited China’s big cities and would now like to experience the country’s heartland along the Yangtze River. Others are curious to see how the monumental Three Gorges Dam, now completed, has affected the nearby area,” said Mr. Hagen.

“Passengers enjoy the service, amenities and cuisine on Viking Century Sun while visiting some of China’s most interesting destinations,” continued Mr. Hagen. “And we hope the 2-for-1 pricing will make this China trip a very easy decision.”

For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.

 

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. 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 in 2006 and 2007 as “Best Riverboat Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” 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 http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.

 

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