Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/02/2011 -- Not only are Viking River Cruises the world’s largest cruise line, they’re blessed with a Viking heritage too - so it comes as no surprise that they want to embrace it. And what better way than refurbishing four of their Russian ships in order to reflect this intriguing past?
Dubbed long boats by Viking River Cruises, the ships will show off their transformation in the summer of 2012. As well as being completely refurbished, each of the ships will be renamed after the original Russian explorers, Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor – just another way Viking River Cruises are choosing to celebrate their rich Viking heritage by.
A glimpse into a rich past…
Viking River Cruises will be introducing a whole host of fascinating itineraries for 2012 too. An unforgettable journey to unearth the treasures of Russia… there’s a lot to look forward to on one of these cruises. Sailing smoothly along Russia’s waterways to great cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, a river voyage not only takes you there – but gives you enough time to explore and visit the famous landmarks too.
Highlights include Moscow’s ‘Kremlin’ and ‘Red Square’; and St Petersburg’s ‘Pushkin’ and ‘Peter and Paul Fortress’.
Offering passengers to get up close to Russia’s cities, Viking River Cruise’s also gives guests the opportunity to visit the ancient villages - like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Mandrogy. Viking River Cruises really do offer the perfect way to learn about the history and culture of Russia’s heartland.
Other new features for 2012
As well as refurbished ships and new itineraries, passengers can look forward to a variety of new excursions, to make their river voyage even more special. For example, on select departures, Viking will host special performances by musicians from St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre.
Other highlights include a visit to Moscow’s Military Museum.
Yet another new addition to Viking River Cruises is an eight day program ‘The Glories of Hermitage’. A truly interesting program, it will give guests exclusive access and a tour of one of the greatest museums in the world, the ‘Hermitage Museum’. Found in St Petersburg, the museum is home to a collection of Russian art and artefacts, it’s a truly remarkable place to visit – and a must for art lovers.
Viking River Cruises’ other offerings include new on board programs and services such as the Viking’s Concierge Services and Viking’s signature on-deck ‘A Taste Of…’ event - where a selection of Russian cuisine, like Siberian pelmeni (ravioli) and borscht can be enjoyed – passengers will get a true taste of Russia.
See Russia before you sail
Offering a wondering insight into the both sides that Russia has to offer, Viking River Cruises has launched a new micro-site TheRealRussia.com. Hosted by the daughter of Torstein, Viking River Cruises’ founder, the innovative site takes online visitors on a video tour of the country - so to experience a real insider’s tour of Russia – it’s the next best thing to being on a river cruise itself.