Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2011 -- Responding to the current demand, the two ships will be part of the new Viking Longship class – this will bring the total of ships set to launch next year to six. The two ships will be named Viking Aegir and the Viking Embla - and will each carry 190 passengers.

The two new ships will be part of Viking’s $250 million fleet-redevelopment program. The program includes refurbishment of Viking’s existing ships and the introduction of 10 Longships by 2014.

Entering service in July and August 2012, The Viking Aegir and the Viking Embla will join the previously announced four longships: Freya, Idun, Njord and Odin - all of which will are to be launched in March 2012.

What’s more, the ships are being designed by Yran & Storbraaten - the team behind the Yachts of Seabourn; guests can expect state-of-the-art engineering, stylish design and the utmost comfort.

For the full Viking River Cruises itinerary, please see http://www.rivervoyages.com/river-cruise-line/viking-river-cruises/

Featuring 95 spacious staterooms, the Longships will include two Explorer suites complete with private wraparound verandas, seven Veranda suites and 39 Veranda staterooms - featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

The vessels will also have the Aquavit Terrace - an indoor-outdoor lounge space and al fresco dining on the upper decks. Environmentally friendly features will be in place too, including energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden on the large sun deck.

Mal Barritt, director of cruises.com – the world’s largest cruise company – says “It’s fantastic that Viking River Cruises will introduce two more longships in 2012 – the response so far has been overwhelming – so this will certainly help accommodate demand.”