Viking River Cruises' 2006 Itineraries Announced; New Ship on China's Yangtze & Huge Savings on Early Bookings
August 29, 2005
Viking River Cruises 2006 sailing schedule was released today and it comes as no surprise that the world's leader in river cruising has expanded offerings in the increasingly popular travel destination of China. In addition to launching a new ship on the Yangtze River, new itineraries and cruisetours are now available for exploring the region.
China is becoming more and more accessible for U.S. travelers, and touring the region by Viking cruise ship allows you to experience everything from the Chinese modern to ancient culture with the ease of a fully-escorted, English-speaking guided tour from beginning to end, making your experience as comfortable and enlightening as possible.
The new Viking Century Sun is slated to join its sister ship, Viking Century Sky, on the Yangtze in 2006. Built in 2004, Viking Century Sun is the newest ship on the Yangtze, featuring 153 all-balcony cabins, a gorgeous restaurant, observation lounge and bar, as well as a coffee bar, a gym, a sauna, a sun deck, shops, a beauty salon and more.
Viking Century Sun will be sailing the Viking River Cruises 2006 itinerary, China's Cultural Delights, a 15-night adventure from Beijing to Shanghai ($2,479/person). Included in this price is a 9-night river cruise from Chongqing to Nanjing with balcony cabin accommodations on the deluxe Viking Century Sun and 5-star hotel accommodations during overnight stays in Beijing (3 nights), Xian (1 night), and Shanghai (2 nights). Through the duration of this trip, guests will have the option of experiencing 19 tours with private English-speaking guides.
"Viking River Cruises is thrilled at the tremendous increase in river cruise bookings we have seen from U.S. travelers in the past year," said Jeff Dash, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Viking River Cruises. "We have developed the 2006 itineraries to offer passengers unparalleled opportunities to explore the history, culture and changing landscapes of Europe, Russia and China."
Unearth the roots of Chinese civilization from the birthplace of porcelain to acrobatic performances, from the beginnings of silk to the terra cotta warriors, from remote Buddhist Temples to former ancient capitals, beautiful palaces and sculpted gardens.
In addition to accommodations and tours, this price includes delicious cuisine, special events onboard and on land, all intra-China flights and hotel/airport/ship transfers. And as if expanded options weren't enough, Viking River Cruises' 2006 sailings are on sale. Save up to $700 on all 2006 sailings when you book before September 1, 2005 or up to $500 when you book prior to December 1, 2005. Early Booking Discounts (EBD) are applied per cabin and require payment in full by the corresponding deadline.
For more information, call a CruiseNetwork.com Specialist at 888-267-1232.
Viking River Cruises have been honored as the top river cruise line in Travel & Leisure's "World's Best" Awards and have appeared on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" for the past two years in a row.
SOURCE: http://www.vikingrivercruises.com
