Viking ups its Longships newbuild order from 12 to 14

[HostDave]

Viking Cruises cited record levels of consumer interest in river cruising in announcing two additional Viking Longships in 2014, for a total of 14.

By the end of next year, Viking will have introduced a total of 30 new ships in a breathtaking three-year period.

The 14 new ships in 2014 will sail Viking’s most popular itineraries in Europe. Each Longship accommodates 190 passengers in 95 staterooms.

'We are working hard to match supply with demand, and with these newbuilds, we have the best designed, newest and most extensive offer of ships on the rivers—more than double all our competitors combined,' asserted Viking chairman Torstein Hagen. He added that more than ever, travelers want 'experiences that bring them closer to the destination, which is why we continue to design ships and itineraries with destinations and enrichment as the focus.'

According to Cruise Lines International Association, river cruising has grown at an average annual rate of 9% over the past several years. Viking has clipped along at an average growth rate of 22%, which it said compares to the estimated 4% expansion rate of other river lines.

In March, Viking simultaneously inaugurated 10 Longships for the 2013 season. The company said that set the tone for its most successful season, with more than 90% of available staterooms sold during the spring and summer months and record sales for the holiday departures.