This past March, Viking Cruises made history in Amsterdam when it christened ten brand-new Viking Longships in a single day. The lavish pierside ceremony conducted just outside Passenger Terminal Amsterdam earned Viking a Guinness World Record, and the bitter cold didn’t deter anyone present – including us – from thoroughly enjoying what was a truly special experience.
The first four Viking Longships to ever debut – Viking Odin, Viking Njord, Viking Idun and Viking Freya — were also christened in Amsterdam in March of 2012.
Next year, however, Viking has a surprise in-store: Not only will it be christening a whopping 14 Viking Longships – thereby breaking its own record – but the company will do so from the historic city of Avignon, France.
There’s good reason for the change of scenery: next year, Viking will launch its new Portraits of Southern France itinerary that operates from Avignon to Chalon-sur-Saone or reverse. Sailings start onboard Viking Heimdal on March 18 and continue until Viking Delling’s November 18th sailing.
Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to experience the Saone and Rhone rivers from Viking’s newest Longships, including visits to France’s famed Burgundy region and the fields of Provence. The itinerary also includes a stop in the medieval city of Arles, with its Roman Amphitheatre and nearby Barbegal aqueduct.
The ceremony ushering these new Longships – and indeed, this new itinerary – into service will take place in mid-March, and we’ll be there in person to bring you all the details.
More information on Viking Cruises and its trendsetting Longships can be found by viewing our complete profile here on River Cruise Advisor.
Leave a Reply