Experiencing The Oberammergau Passion Play: A Once-In-A-Decade Journey In 2030

Every ten years, the small Bavarian village of Oberammergau in Southern Germany transforms to host a world-renowned tradition: the Oberammergau Passion Play. The upcoming 43rd season is scheduled to run from May 18 through October 6, 2030, featuring approximately 102 performances.

A History Rooted in Survival

The origins of this extraordinary event date back to 1634. As the bubonic plague devastated Europe, the villagers of Oberammergau made a solemn vow: if they were spared from the disease, they would perform the story of Christ’s Passion every decade. The tradition has endured for nearly 400 years.

The Performance and the Local Cast Rule

The play is a five-hour musical drama detailing the final days of Jesus Christ, beginning with His entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection. The production takes place in the covered Passionstheater, an impressive open-air venue that seats over 4,000 spectators.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Passion Play is its strict local cast rule. Every actor, musician, and participant on the stage must be a true local—meaning they were either born in Oberammergau or have lived in the village for at least 20 years.

How to Experience the 2030 Season

While 2030 may seem distant, the travel industry is already preparing for the massive influx of international visitors. Viking Cruises has just opened bookings for their specialized 2030 itineraries. Their featured 12-day voyage, Oberammergau, the Passion Play, sails along the Danube from Budapest and concludes with a two-night hotel stay in Munich, offering preferred seating for the performance. They also offer alternative routes, including Oberammergau, Innsbruck & the Rhine and Oberammergau with Salzburg.

Because this event only occurs once a decade, securing your preferred departure and performance dates early is highly recommended.

Viking Celebrates Start Of 2024 River Season In Europe

Viking® (www.viking.com) is celebrating the start of its 2024 river season in Europe, as the award-winning Viking Longship® fleet begins sailing itineraries throughout the region. Designed specifically for European waterways, the company's river fleet of sister ships, which host 190 or fewer guests, sail a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle and Elbe rivers.

"With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe's iconic waterways."

Viking has also announced a new opportunity to call on ports along the Danube River during the winter months with the 10-day itinerary, Treasures of the Danube. The new voyage will sail between Budapest and Passau, from December 2024 until early March 2025. Viking guests also have the choice to explore the Rhine River during the winter season, with the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary, which debuted in December 2023 and sails between Amsterdam and Basel. An ideal time to visit, winter offers guests smaller crowds, easier access to landmarks and opportunities to savor local traditions.

Viking's River Voyages in Europe:

Sailing March through December, some of Viking's other popular river itineraries in Europe include:

Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam—Basel) – Explore one of Europe's best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region's renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.

Danube Waltz (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley's beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest—Regensburg) – Visit Budapest's Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria's most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city's musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the "Blue Danube" is one you are sure to love.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Dock in the heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches and delight in Rouen's Gothic architecture. Explore Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage celebrates history, art, food and customs in France's most alluring urban and pastoral settings.

Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon—Avignon) – Tap into your inner van Gogh at an Arles painting class. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes d'Arles and the Pont du Gard. Explore the world's largest Gothic palace at Avignon's grand Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy. Savor local wines, hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this eight-day voyage along the Rhône.

Christmas on the Rhine (8 days; Basel—Amsterdam) – Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

Danube Christmas Delights (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Pass through Europe's most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley's beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region's renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans—perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.

Christmas on the Seine (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Embrace the holiday season with a taste of Joyeux Noel. Explore Paris, France's twinkling "City of Light." Sail through the snow-covered landscapes of Normandy's countryside and admire the scenes of fairy-tale villages along the way. Enjoy the scented aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts amid a festive backdrop of Christmas markets. Onboard festivities include regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more to celebrate the holidays.

Portugal's River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon—Porto) – Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia's oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

Grand European Tour (15 days; Budapest – Amsterdam) – Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria's Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest's Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

Viking Announces July 2021 Restart Of European River Sailings

“Welcome Back” Collection Now Includes Select River Itineraries in Portugal, France and Along the Rhine

Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it will restart its European river operations in July 2021 with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine. Offered exclusively for vaccinated guests as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, the first five European river itineraries now available in July are among the company’s most popular: Rhine Getaway (8 days; Amsterdam to Basel), Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon to Porto), Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip), Lyon & Provence (8 days; Avignon to Lyon) and France’s Finest, a 15-day journey that combines the northern and southern France itineraries in one seamless experience. This announcement comes immediately after the European Union agreed today to reopen its borders to vaccinated Americans and other travelers.

“The response to our initial Welcome Back ocean voyages has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that many people are eager to get back out into the world, and I would like to thank all of our destination partners for their support as we plan our return to service,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We have been delighted to greet our first guests back on board in England this week—and we are looking forward to welcoming travelers back on board some of our European river vessels in July.”

The announcement of Viking’s restart of European river cruise operations follows the launch of Welcome Back voyages exclusively for vaccinated guests in England, Iceland, Bermuda and the Mediterranean. Earlier this week Viking also named its newest ocean ship, Viking Venus®, in England—and the ship is currently sailing her maiden voyage along the coast of England with Chairman Torstein Hagen on board. The company is actively working on developing additional Welcome Back itineraries in a variety of other destinations, with the goal of announcing further 2021 sailings as soon as possible.

Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship—and a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europe—all guests and crew will receive frequent quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: Luxurious Viking Ocean Cruises, Best All-Inclusive Value, And Its West Indies Explorer Itinerary

We recently had the opportunity to expereince the luxurious Viking Ocean Cruise Line's West Indies Explorer, 11 days aboard the beautiful Viking Sea. Our journey started in Puerto Rico, to Tortola, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and back to Puerto Rico. Each destination has an included tour with picturesque highlights. A few of our favorites are Stony Hill in St. Lucia with its tropical gardens and the Botanical Gardens in Dominica. We opted for 2 optional excursions, horse riding on the foothills of the rain forest in Puerto Rico and the Barbados Beach Break. We highly recommend the riding excursion, the horses exceptionally well mannered and the scenery is beautiful.  While I am generally not a beach person; the Barbados beach is beautiful, water is crystal clear, you are provided a beach chair with umbrella and a beverage upon arrival.

The most important trend in travel and gifting is experiential. What Viking does best is its focus on destination based enrichment with lectures, outstanding authentic foods, and providing the most inclusive cruising value in the luxury category.

The Ocean Cruise division of Viking debuted in 2015 and has become top rated, its success largely built off their sterling reputation for river cruises in Europe. Many of our fellow cruisers made the trip from England and some even booked the next journey on the ship. Their ships are a fraction of the size of most of the ships being built at 48,000 tons, versus Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas at over 228,000 tons. The ships also feature all cabins with verandas, included specialty restaurants, unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, included internet and 24 hour room service. Their Silver Spirits package at $19.95 a person per night is also a bargain providing upgraded wine selections for meals and other beverages. Individual cocktails can also be purchased at $7 and you also have the option of bringing on your own bottles.

Pictured are a pristine shrimp appetizer, creative and delicious napoleon presentation,
breakfast on our veranda, Peeking duck at the Chefs Table, perfectly prepared tuna steak
and a wonderful scallop entree at the Restaurant.

Outstanding Culinary Options..   Many of us place the quality of food options, along with service, as a main reason we select a cruise line. You will not be disappointed with the consistantly outstanding food served on a Viking Cruise, as well as the service. While the 2 premium venues on the ship, Manfredi's and the Chefs table are outstanding, we also found the main dining room the Restaurant to be wonderful. We most appreciated the personalized detail of the staff taking care of our needs accommodating food allergies by pre-ordering the day before and fine tuning selections before preparation. The World Cafe, buffet style, provides a more casual option for lunch and dinner without requiring long pants or closed toe shoes. Before heading to dinner the World Cafe also has an exceptional selection of sushi that makes a very nice light appetizer. The excellent selection of gelato was also a big draw to the World Cafe.  Traditional afternoon tea is served in the Winter Garden and Manson's serves traditional  Norwegian specialties including delicious waffles with fruit or cheese and open faced shrimp sandwiches.

Our cabin was very comfortable with a veranda that was ideal for eating breakfast while sailing into the lush Caribbean ports.  Included amenities that you will appreciate include a daily replenished refrigerator with soft drinks or alcoholic drinks depending on your category, ample plugs and charging stations for your electronics, plush robes and slippers, binoculars, larger shower and heated floor in the bathroom. My travel companion most appreciated the desk converting into a makeup mirror.

Access to the beautiful Nordic Spa is available to all on the ship, not just to those booking treatments. In the Nordic tradition you go from cold to hot, starting with a cold plunge pool in the locker rooms, and finishing in Viking's exclusive Snow Room. Strangely enough after sitting in the steam room, sitting in the Snow Room was actually refreshing.  

For more details about this and other Viking itineraries please visit:

https://www.vikingcruises.com/ 

To view more of our photos and others sharing their

Viking Stories please also visit:

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/why-viking/community/my-viking-story.html

River Cruise Myths Dispelled

With more than 40 new river cruise ships launching in 2015, travelers have even more choice of onboard offerings, destinations and ships. To help holidaymakers learn more about this rapidly expanding sector, Cruise Critic® the world's largest cruise reviews site and cruise community, breaks down some of the myths and misconceptions of river cruising.

"With so many new ships offering better facilities, exciting itineraries and excursions, river cruise lines are really improving the overall experience to appeal to a broader audience. This is a great time for anyone interested in this type of travel, and we want to help dispel some of the long-standing assumptions people have that may deter them from trying a river cruise," explains Cruise Critic editor, Jamey Bergman.

1. Bring the kids - river cruising is great for the whole family
A river cruise may not provide the wealth of kids' activities that many ocean cruises or family resorts do, but provides a more traditional holiday experience. Children can become immersed in new cultures and share memorable experiences with the whole family.

For example, Tauck River Cruising offers all-inclusive river cruise packages tailored to families, which include cultural activities, such as dinner served in a castle and a visit to a French ranch. This week, Adventures by Disney, announced the launch of its first river cruising itineraries in a partnership with AmaWaterways. In 2016, Adventures by Disney will take families through Europe to experience cultural, immersive experiences, such as visiting scenes from the "The Sound of Music" in Salzburg and exploring Devin Castle in Bratislava. There are onboard activities catering for everyone, with wine tasting, music, dancing, and fine cuisine for adults. For children, offerings include movies and karaoke, while teens will also find events tailored to them. CroisiEurope is another family-friendly line, and has cruises during school holidays to Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia, with children aged 16 and under invited to travel free-of-charge on these sailings.

2. River cruising isn't limited to Europe
Brand-new itineraries in more far-flung and adventurous destinations, such as Burma and the Amazon, have expanded river cruising beyond Europe, and even within Europe the options continue to grow.

Many of the river cruise lines now have ships in Asia, such as AmaWaterways, Viking and Avalon. South America is an emerging river destination, and Lindblad Expeditions, for example, offers sailings aboard Delfin II enabling passengers to participate in kayaking, hikes and view the wildlife of the Amazon.

3. You can explore the rivers in luxury
Luxury is increasingly being incorporated within the river cruise experience – making it easier to pamper yourself. Luxury river cruise operators include Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Belmond. For the ultimate lavish experience, Sanctuary Retreats has some of the largest suites on the rivers, and top-tier cabins all offer butler service. Meals include local produce hand selected by the ship's chefs, and guests can even opt for a private dining experience in the ship's library.

4. A river cruise can offer excellent value
River cruises are highly inclusive, making it easy to stay within a budget. River cruises include transport between destinations (via ship), daily onboard meals or packed lunches, some drinks (most include alcohol with lunch and dinner), and many incorporate tours and excursions. Do bear in mind, however, that while river cruise lines serve a good (and usually plentiful) three meals a day, many don't include free snacks outside of meal times. When booking your cruise, if something initially seems pricey, do clarify exactly what is included within that price – you may be pleasantly surprised.

5. River cruising is making changes to suit all ages
Traditionally, a river cruise was all about the destination and scenery, with the entertainment simple, and activities fairly limited. However, this is changing as operators and agents target promotions to attract a wider market. While the itinerary remains important, cruise lines are adapting ships to provide an enhanced onboard experience, and appeal to younger cruisers.

AmaWaterways is improving the onboard experience to encourage a wider range of guests. New additions, on select ships, include heated pools with swim-up bars on the top deck, new spa areas and cabins with interconnecting doors, popular with groups and families. Following the recent launch of Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, Emerald Waterways' portfolio now comprises four ships which all include a dual-purpose area that transforms from an indoor, heated pool with retractable roof during the day, to a cinema at night.

Queen Of The Mississippi The Most Requested Ship For River Cruises

Queen of the Mississippi the most requested ship for river cruises

The CruiseTrends report for the month of April 2015 has been released. This report provides the travelers with information on most popular trends among consumers, including the top ships, lines and travel dates for premium, luxury and river cruising.

The CruiseTrends report for April 2015 is detailed below.

Most Popular Cruise Lines
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each cruise line in the given month)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Carnival Cruise Lines
2. Luxury: Oceania Cruises
3. River: Viking River Cruises

In second place is Royal Caribbean International for premium/contemporary, Silversea Cruises for luxury and American Cruise Lines for river.

Most Popular Cruise Ships
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each ship)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Oasis of the Seas (changed from Norwegian Breakaway last month)
2. Luxury: Oceania Riviera
3. River: Queen of the Mississippi

Next in popularity are Norwegian Getaway for premium/contemporary, Queen Mary 2 for luxury and American Star for river.

Most Popular Cruise Regions
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each region)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Caribbean
2. Luxury: Europe
3. River: Europe

Next in popularity are North America for premium/contemporary, Mediterranean for luxury and North America for river.

Most Popular Cruise Departure Ports
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each departure port)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Miami, Fla. (changed from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. last month)
2. Luxury: Miami, Fla.
3. River: Budapest, Hungary (changed from Amsterdam, the Netherlands last month)

Next in popularity are Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for premium/contemporary, Istanbul, Turkey for luxury and Amsterdam, the Netherlands for river.

Most Popular Cruise Ports Visited

(Based on the total number of quote requests for each port visited during cruise itineraries, excluding departure ports)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Nassau, Bahamas (changed from Cozumel, Mexico last month)
2. Luxury: Santorini, Greece (changed from Mykonos, Greece last month)
3. River: Vienna, Austria

Next in popularity are Cozumel, Mexico for premium/contemporary, Kusadasi, Turkey for luxury and Regensburg, Germany for river.

Most Popular Countries Visited
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each country visited during cruise itineraries, excluding countries of departure)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Bahamas (changed from Mexico last month)
2. Luxury: Greece
3. River: Germany

Second are Mexico for premium/contemporary, Italy for luxury and Austria for river.

Most Popular Cabin Types
(Based on the total number of quote requests for each cabin type)

1. Premium/Contemporary: Inside
2. Luxury: Balcony
3. River: Balcony

Number of Cabins Requested
(Based on most popular number of cabins per request)

1. Premium/Contemporary: 1
2. Luxury: 1
3. River: 1

Second are 2 cabins for premium/contemporary, 2 cabins for luxury and 2 cabins for river.

Most Popular Cruise Itinerary Lengths
(Based on most requested itinerary lengths)

1. Premium/Contemporary: 7 nights
2. Luxury: 7 nights
3. River: 8 nights

Second are 5 nights for premium/contemporary, 10 nights for luxury and 7 nights for river.

Most Popular Sailing Months Requested
(Based on the most requested months)

1. Premium/Contemporary: April 2015 (changed from March 2015 last month)
2. Luxury: July 2015 (changed from May 2015 last month)
3. River: October 2015 (changed from May 2015 last month)

European Cruise Giant Viking Plans Mississippi River Tours

Contributed by Kevin McGill

(AP) - European river cruise giant Viking, already gaining a high profile in the United States with its sponsorship of popular PBS television shows, announced Tuesday that it will make New Orleans its first North American home port for Mississippi River cruises expected to begin by late 2017.

"They are in an expansion mode and this is the logical place for them to expand," said Mike Driscoll, editor of the industry newsletter Cruise Week.

Viking's move will produce 416 new jobs in New Orleans, according to Gov. Bobby Jindal, who made the announcement at the Port of New Orleans accompanied by Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen.

Viking, which has operational headquarters in Switzerland, plans construction of six boats at U.S. shipyards over the next three years. Each will be capable of hosting up to 300 passengers for the new American cruises.

New Orleans' tourism also will benefit, Jindal predicted. "It's about thousands of tourists coming to spend money at our hotels, our restaurants, in our city and our shops."

In New Orleans, the boats will dock near the French Quarter. Cruises will head north to Memphis, St. Louis and St. Paul, Minnesota, depending on the season.

"New Orleans is on a roll, and this investment is yet another example of the continued growth across industries in our city," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a news release.

Louisiana's economic development office said the state offered Viking an incentive package that includes a $4.5 million performance-based grant for site preparation at the company's docking locations in Louisiana. Jindal's office said recruiting the company was part of the governor's recent European trip.

River cruising in general has exploded in popularity in recent years, offering a more traditional way to experience cruising than the mass-market megaships that carry thousands of people and are loaded with attractions such as rides and Broadway shows. Some travelers say river ships are a welcome throwback to an earlier era of cruising.

River cruising is also more destination-oriented, with boats navigating narrow waterways to port cities that massive ships could never reach.

On the Mississippi, American Queen Steamboat Company revived the market for overnight cruises beginning in 2012. The company's launch of service was the first time the overnight trips had been offered on the river since 2008. American Cruise Lines also offers trips on the Mississippi.

Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, called Viking's move "terrific news."

"As we've seen in Europe, especially, when Viking enters a market, it truly helps to broaden awareness," she said. "The Mississippi River is one of the most magical and charming rivers to explore, so we're looking forward to seeing more and more travelers experiencing one of America's most intriguing cruise regions."

Driscoll, also, expects Viking's entry to spark new interest in Mississippi cruises.

"They market intelligently," said Driscoll, who said he expects Viking to appeal to a younger demographic group than those who have long been part of the Mississippi cruise line market.

The cruise line plans announcements on its Mississippi itineraries and ship design later this year. When Viking first began publicly discussing possible plans for Mississippi cruises in 2013, Hagen told an industry publication that a Viking Mississippi vessel would be similar to the contemporary ships Viking uses on European rivers.

"Those ships do not look like the classic steam vessels that used to ply the Mississippi River," Driscoll said Tuesday. "My guess is they're not going to go back to that."

___

Associated Press Writer Beth Harpaz in New York contributed to this report.

Viking Ocean Cruises Celebrates Float Out Of First Ship With 2-for-1 Pricing On Cruises And Savings Up to $2,000 Per Couple On International Air

Set to Debut in Spring 2015, Viking Star Meets Water for First Time

 Viking Ocean Cruises® (www.vikingoceancruises.com) today

 announced its first ship – the 930-passenger Viking Star – was "floated out," marking the latest major

 construction milestone, and the first time that the new ship touches water. The traditional ceremony took 

place on Monday, June 23, at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard outside Venice, Italy. With a total of three

 sister ships now under construction, Viking Star will be the first to debut in early 2015 with maiden voyages

 in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

•  wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a "snow 
• grotto" where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air.
• 
  
• Explorers' Lounge and Wintergarden: Spaces designed to facilitate mingling and storytelling, the
•  two-deck Explorers' Lounge at the bow is the perfect spot for taking in scenery through double-height
•  windows over a glass of aquavit or pint of local craft beer; and the Wintergarden is a serene environment 
• in which to relax and enjoy afternoon tea service complete with a hand-selected teas.
• 
  
• Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and food choices—from The Restaurant 
• and the World Cafe, serving a variety of global cuisines and regional specialties—to intimate dining
•  experiences at The Chef's Table, Italian Grill and The Kitchen Table, all serving meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking's ocean ships offer more al
•  fresco dining than any other ships.
• 
  
• Enriching Entertainment: Connecting passengers to their destinations through authentic experiences
•  is central to Viking Cruises, and onboard venues include a dramatic three-deck atrium where passengers
•  can enjoy musicians playing regional and classical music; the Star Theater, home of enrichment lectures from scholars and experts; an onboard cooking school where guests can learn local specialties; and the Viking Piano
•  Lounge, where guests can relax, mingle, and exchange stories after a day of exploring.
• 
  
• Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star features energy-efficient
•  hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hulls and bows for maximum fuel efficiency,
•  onboard solar panels, and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest 
• environmental regulations.

Booking Details

From now through June 30, 2014, Viking is offering U.S. residents an Early Booking Discount with. Contact a travel agent

 or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).

com. 

About Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises offers destination-centric river and ocean cruising designed for experienced travelers with an

 interest in geography, culture and history. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and included shore excursions, Viking's journeys are competitively priced for genuine value. Debuting its maiden season of ocean cruising in 2015, the sophisticated

 state-of-the-art Viking Star will host 930 guests on itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic; the Western and

 Eastern Mediterranean; and the British Isles. Two additional ocean ships, Viking Sea and Viking Sky, will

 debut in 2016.  As the world's leading river cruise line, since its 1997 inception the company has grown to a

 fleet of 53 river vessels (in 2014) offering scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, and

 Southeast Asia. Viking has been honored multiple times in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards and 

Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by the editors of Cruise Critic as "Best River Cruise

 Line," with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named "Best New River Ships of 2012" in the website's

 Editors' Picks Awards. The travel trade has ranked Viking as the "Best River Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly,

 Recommendand 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," "Best New River Cruise Ship" and for the sixth consecutive year, "Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support" in the 2014 TravelAge West's WAVE

 Awards. For additional information, contact Viking Cruises at 1‑855‑8-VIKING (1‑855‑884‑5464) or visit

 www.vikingcruises.com. To join the Viking communities online, visit www.facebook.com/vikingcruises,www.facebook.com/vikingoceans and www.facebook.com/vikingrivercruises.

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

The Newest Innovations And Amenities For Cruising That You Should Know About.

Some of the most exciting holiday innovations are now happening at sea. Here's our pick of some of the best new innovations and experiences afloat, from aerial viewing pods and sky-diving simulators to hot-air ballooning over Antarctica

The world's first aerial attraction at sea, North Star, will be launched in November on Quantum of the Seas 

From top-deck picnic lawns and sky-skimming viewing pods to planetariums and vertical-drop water slides, cruise ship design has been undergoing a revolution. What’s more, these days increasingly your holiday can come to you.

Last year set a record for the number of passengers starting a cruise in the UK, with more than 100 ships cruising into British ports. Later this summer one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, Oasis of the Seas, will visit the UK when it completes its first mini-season of sailings around the Mediterranean. Anthem of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean International ship, will be based in Southampton following its launch next spring. And Princess Cruises will bring Royal Princess – christened amid much fanfare by the Duchess of Cambridge – to these shores next spring for a series of trips round the British Isles.

Royal Princess broke new ground with its top-deck SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that arches around the side of the ship 128ft above the water. This year’s launches have included NCL’s Norwegian Getaway, which offers a pair of free-fall racing slides and a ropes course. It also has the first ice bar at sea and more dining options than you can shake a fork at.

“It’s no longer enough to be offering something as good as you get on land – it’s got to be better,” says Andy Yuell, the director of SMC Design, the company behind a number of NCL ships.

River ships are also in the vanguard. New line Emerald Waterwayslaunches this month with a pool area that converts to a “cinema” at night, and Uniworld's new SS Catherine has a whimsical, jungle-themed "lounge pool" tucked into a corner of the ship’s Bar du Leopard. Of course there are plenty for whom entertainment and gimmicks matter not. Some passengers board cruise ships to travel with an acclaimed lecturer or historian, a marine biologist of the ilk of Jean-Michel Cousteau (Paul Gauguin Cruises) or simply to explore where independent travel is difficult – Papua New Guinea or the Galápagos Islands, for example.

^{"Lounge pool" on board Uniworld's SS Catherine}

Recent additions to itineraries include Kamchatka in the Russian Far East, the White Sea and an extended route along the Ganges east of Varanasi. Some of the world’s topography – the sinewy nooks and crannies of the Kimberley in north-west Australia, coastal Norway or Alaska – simply cries out for waterborne travel. Here we offer our pick of the latest innovative features, equipment and excursions available on board this year.

Shore bets

No longer the preserve of the wealthy or adventurous, polar travel has become increasingly popular. Once in the Arctic, visitors can camp out on the ice, go kayaking, admire the views from a hot-air balloon or take part in cultural exchanges. “Opportunities abound for cultural learning with the people of Sisimiut (Greenland), Spitsbergen (Norway) and other communities dotting the Arctic landscape,” said a spokesperson forQuark Expeditions. Quark is one of only two operators in the world that take travellers to the North Pole for a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes helicopter flights above the Arctic Ocean.

^{Exploring Antarctica with Quark Expeditions}

Back in warmer climes, Azamara Club Cruises took a fresh approach to destination immersion with its “AzAmazing Evenings”, introduced two years ago. It now offers 38 of these exclusive events in venues including amphitheatres and gardens in Italy and the Caribbean.

Viking River Cruises offers private tours of the Hermitage in St Petersburg long after the doors have shut on the day’s tourists, whileHurtigruten passengers are the only guests permitted to visit Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim and see all 9,600 of the Steinmeyer organ’s pipes being retuned. Passengers who book with Crystal Cruises are welcomed into homes and villages on Easter Island, in the Amazon and in “Zulu country” – and on shore excursions in St Petersburg and Sochi they can travel on the ship’s visa, avoiding the expensive and time-consuming business of applying for one in person.

Aerial thrills

The world’s first aerial attraction at sea, North Star, will be launched in November on Quantum of the Seas. A single viewing pod attached to a mechanical arm will take cruise-ship passengers for a 15-minute ride 300ft up that affords 360-degree views, both at sea and in port. What’s more, unless you want to go the whole hog and book a sunset proposal or some such, it’s free.

If that doesn’t float your boat, try “flying”. RipCord by iFly simulates the experience of skydiving by suspending passengers above a wind tunnel inside a 23ft-tall glass chamber.

^{The iFly experience will feature on Quantum of the Seas}

Other adrenalin-pumping diversions include the FlowRider surf simulator and a climbing wall, while the indoor SeaPlex centre boasts a flying trapeze and the first bumper cars at sea.

The Balinese bed

How many times have you promised yourself that you’ll sleep under the stars? Sail to the Caribbean, Asia or the Mediterranean with SeaDream Yacht Club and the on-deck Balinese Dream Bed (there are 10 in total, including two twins) is yours for the night. After a dinner of, say, grilled halibut served with gingered white asparagus and caviar beurre blanc, you’ll return to pillows and duvets and stars. This is the ship on which the captain might invite passengers to join him on a mountain-bike ride in Funchal or announce over the tannoy following an impromptu anchor-drop mid-Aegean: “We’re going to delay our departure because everyone’s having such a nice time.”

Exploring the deep

Some ships carry helicopters for flights to remote waterfalls or volcanoes; others are equipped with marine platforms and scuba gear. The expedition-cruise company Lindblad goes a step further by offering a glimpse of life 500ft below the surface of the sea courtesy of one of its ROVs (remote-operated vehicles), which sends high-definition video back to the ship.

^{A glimpse beneath the surface from a Lindblad Expeditions ship}

Lindblad has recently acquired a second ROV for exploration in the Galápagos Islands. This is in addition to a full fleet of ocean-going kayaks, Zodiacs and scuba gear. Sailing to remote spots in Arctic Svalbard, the Azores and Patagonia, among others, Lindblad-National Geographic ships sail with a video chronicler on board. “We’ve noticed a growing interest in photography,” says the line's president, Sven Lindblad, “and ships also travel with a National Geographic photographer on each sailing.”

Of lawn and legend

Crystal Cruises unveiled the first living wall at sea in 2012, but the real game-changer was a thumping great park on board Oasis of the Seas. Dense with tropical foliage, trees and seasonal blooms, Central Park is an incongruous but pleasing addition to life on the ocean waves, made possible by turning a typical cruise-ship superstructure on its head by splitting the aft to create airy, open spaces. Celebrity Cruises employs full-time lawnkeepers (on its Solstice Class ships) to groom and water half an acre of real grass, on which guests can play boules, picnic or lounge about.

I can sea clearly now

Probably the most talked-about feature in 2013 was the SeaWalk, a new feature on board Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess. If you can’t face the jelly-leg-inducing walk, pull up a stool at the SeaView Bar, which also extends over the waves.

^{SeaWalk on board Royal Princess}

Cantilever mechanics don’t stop there. Guests staying in the Reflection Suite on board Celebrity Reflection have access to unrivalled views in the most talked-about shower at sea: an all-glass one that extends over the side of the ship. Decorum (in respect of passing ships) and modesty (for the user) are maintained by the use of “intelligent glass”, a material that responds to levels of sunlight and employs a one-way tint. But the prize for the most off-the-wall exhibitionist gimmick surely goes to the Rising Tide on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas: the bar is actually a lift that slowly ascends through several decks as you sip your caipirinha.

Yes, chef

Jamie Oliver is the latest celebrity chef to take to the seas, with a Jamie’s Italian opening exclusively on board Royal Caribbean’s forthcoming ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

Next year, the biggest cruise ship ever built for the British market will woo passengers with a range of top chefs when it sets sail on its maiden voyage. The culinary line-up on board P&O Cruises' 3,600-passenger ship Britannia includes Marco Pierre White (the godfather of modern cooking spends 40 days each year at sea with the line) and Atul Kochhar, the wine connoisseur Olly Smith and, new to the star-studded firmament, the master pâtissier Eric Lanlard and the television chef James Martin, who will open a Cookery Club, the first cooking school on board a British ship.

Elsewhere you’ll find Geoffrey Zakarian (Norwegian Cruise Line), Le Cirque (Holland America Line), Nobu (Crystal Cruises) and Todd English (Cunard).

Take me to the river

Around 25 river ships are due for completion this year; 18 of them were launched last month by Viking River Cruises. On board this new generation of stylish river ships you will find flat-screen televisions, iPads and butlers (Scenic), and bicycles (AmaWaterways). From them, you can join private tours of world-class galleries, evening trips to the ballet and exclusive performances in former palaces.

Viking was the first to introduce Western-style ships on the Yangtze river and to design purpose-built ships to navigate the Elbe. It also introduced quieter, hybrid engines – something that most river cruisers now take for granted. In terms of ship design, it’s neck-and-neck between Viking’s sleek and graceful Longships and Scenic’s chic and contemporary Space Ships.

This year’s standout development however, is in the four-star river cruising category, where a new generation of “Star” ships is about to launch. Emerald Star will boast a heated pool covered by a retractable roof that transforms the space into a cinema. Its owner, Scenic Tours, installed the first full-sized balconies on river ships and then pioneered all-weather “balconies” by installing a floor-to-ceiling glass frontage that can be lowered to a halfway point in fine weather but enables continued use of the space when closed.

Time out

Each new vessel seems to outdo the last in the provision of wellbeing facilities (look out for the Salt Room, state-of-the-art spinning bikes and the Thermal Suite on the new Norwegian Breakaway and the mega-spa on Tui Cruises’ forthcoming Mein Schiff 3). A few cruise ships take their spas so seriously that it’s possible to eat, sleep and think “spa” on board. Celebrity Cruises’ AquaSpa is the apotheosis of this trend; other ships are offering spa suites.

Launched last May, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2 houses 16 dedicated Spa Suites, each featuring a generous 108 sq ft veranda, a daylight-filled hydrotherapy shower with integrated steam sauna and – the pièce de résistance – a whirlpool tub with sea views. Consider, too, the Haven Suites on Norwegian’s Getaway and Breakaway ships, or the spa suites on board Seabourn Sojourn, Odyssey and Quest, where guests access the cabins via a spiral staircase in the lobby of the spa.

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Contributed by Teresa Machan, The Daily Telegraph.

River Cruising: What's New In 2014

The art of riving cruising has evolved in surprising ways over the past few years and 2014 promises to bring even more pivotal changes. Cruise companies like Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, and A-ROSA have launched and will continue to christen a new generation of river cruisers, while many ships have been purpose-built to ply more unusual rivers like the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and Africa's Chobe. Itineraries have received an exciting overhaul, too (read up on some of our favorites in 10 Best New Cruise Itineraries for 2014).

Perhaps most importantly, though, cruise lines have meticulously researched what travelers want these days and have implemented new technologies and levels of service aboard their ships. Free Internet? They've got it. All-inclusive cruise fares? Check. Waived single supplements? Of course. Riving cruising in 2014 will entice a new generation of travelers to explore the many mighty waterways of the world. Here's a look at what's especially new and noteworthy across the board.

NEW SHIPS AND ITINERARIES

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises' hallmark is its line of new Longships, 14 of which will launch in 2014. That means by the time 2014 comes to a close, Viking will have debuted a total of 30 riverboats over the last three years. That certainly speaks to the increasing popularity of this type of cruise vacation. Viking's 14 new Longships will sail the company's most popular European itineraries like the "Grand European Tour" (fromAmsterdam to Budapest), "Cities of Light" (Paris to Prague), and "Heart of Germany" (from Nuremberg to Frankfurt).

So, what's so special about Longships? To start, they offer spacious accommodations trimmed by an assortment of verandahs and balconies. The ships were also designed with "green" in mind: Hybrid engines, solar panels, and an organic herb garden on the sundeck are a few features green-minded travelers appreciate.

In terms of new itineraries, Viking River Cruises is adding two ships to sail Myanmar's Irrawaddy: Viking Mandalay and Viking Sagaing. Both will offer a 16-day Bangkok-to-Bangkok "Memories of Mandalay" itinerary.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways will also launch a trio of its signature suite ships next year: Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination, and Avalon Impression. The ships—with staterooms offering unique open-air balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors—will sail a variety of European itineraries, including Paris to Prague, Paris to Budapest, an Amsterdam round-trip, Paris to Amsterdam, and Prague to Budapest.

AmaWaterways

The 164-passenger AmaSonata and AmaReina—sister ships to the popular AmaCerto—make their debut in Europe in April 2014. Both ships offer a variety of dining venues, a heated pool with a swim-up bar (not often seen on river ships), and unique staterooms with twin balconies and free in-room Internet. All AmaWaterways ships offer complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at both lunch and dinner. The vessels will sail popular European itineraries along the Danube and Rhine rivers. On the other side of the world, the 56-guest AmaPura will launch its itineraries along Myanmar's Irrawaddy River in November 2014.

A-ROSA

This relative newcomer to river cruising in Europe, A-ROSA's 186-passenger A-ROSA Flora will sail its inaugural season on the Rhine in 2014.

Uniworld

Finally, Uniworld's super-ship Catherine debuts in France and will sail the Rhone and Saone rivers through Burgundy and Provence. She'll accommodate 159 passengers across three decks.

In addition to a new ship, Uniworld is also rolling out all-inclusive cruise fares for its European fleet in 2014. The fare includes all gratuities, plus unlimited wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water.

In terms of new itineraries, Uniworld is featuring Bordeaux, France, with its 8-day "Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux" and 15-day "A Portrait of Majestic France" itineraries. Both journeys include passage along the three rivers of Aquitaine: the Garonne, the Gironde, and the Dordogne.

WAIVED SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

Several river cruise companies are also waiving single supplements on select itineraries in Europe and Southeast Asia in 2014, includingAmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways. AmaWaterways also offers six ships in its European fleet with dedicated single berths.

Contributed by Andrea M. Rotondo. 

Photo credits: Courtesy of Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Uniworld