Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/19/2011 -- Viking River Cruises’, the world’s leading cruise line, has announced that the next phase of their $250 million fleet development programme will be completed by summer 2012.

A major fleet development programme, by 2013 Viking River Cruises will have several refurbishments – as well as the introduction of 10 brand new ships. The first phase to be finished was the Viking Emerald and Viking Prestige in 2011. The next phase for completion is the four ships in 2012.

A complete refurbishment, the four Viking ships will be renamed Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor.

View the full Viking fleet here: http://www.rivervoyages.com/river-cruise-line/viking-river-cruises/

Scheduled to sail four of Viking’s most popular European itineraries, including the 10-day Tulips & Windmills, 8-day Romantic Danube, 15-day Grand European Tour and 8-day Danube Waltz. And there will be more Christmas market cruises added for late 2012.

Mal Barritt, director of cruise 118 says “We’re excited about Viking’s fleet development programme – and for the next phase to be completed. We’re sure it will lead to a greater number of the general public trying out the river adventure for themselves - it certainly is a great way of seeing some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.”

Furthermore, Viking River Cruises have a new microsite http://www.therealrussia.com. The innovative site takes online visitors on a video tour of the country - so they’ll experience a real insider’s tour of Russia – it’s the next best thing to being on a Viking River Cruise itself.

About River Voyages
RiverVoyages.com are the UK’s leading specialists in River Cruises, pioneers of the unique, award winning Cruise Concierge system. For more information on river cruises and to see the full Viking River Cruise fleet please visit: http://www.rivervoyages.com