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VIKING RIVER CRUISES LAUNCHES INAUGURAL
SAILING IN CHINA
New Viking Century Star Set Sail On Yangtze LOS ANGELES (April 8, 2004) - Marking a new phase in the history of the world's largest river cruise line, Viking River Cruises will celebrate the launch of Viking Century Star and its new Yangtze River Cruisetours on Saturday, April 10, in Chongqing, China. A delegation of Chinese and cruise industry dignitaries will be on hand to celebrate the event, which is the result of the partnership between the New Century Cruise Company and Viking River Cruises. "Viking River Cruises venture into China marks the culmination of a five-year dream," says Viking River Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen. "Now Viking River Cruises blends the best of all worlds for our passengers with our partner New Century Cruise Company, as they can experience the 'real' China and its fascinating culture and traditions from the comfort and convenience of the world's finest floating hotel, Viking Century Star." Guests at the inaugural sailing will be greeted with a traditional Chinese lion dance to confer good luck upon the voyage prior to joining New Century Cruise Company President Peng Jian Hu and Viking River Cruises Chairman Hagen onboard for a pre-cruise celebration of China's rich culture. Acrobats and dancers will perform for the assembled crowd, which will include U.S. and European press, key Chinese government officials, including the vice-mayor of Chongqing, Mr. Yu, and Governor Tan; representatives from the China National Tourism Organization (CNTO), chief engineers from the Three Gorges Dam, and trade partners. Local artisans will also be at the launch celebration to demonstrate traditional Chinese crafts, such as calligraphy, silk embroidery and kite construction. After the festivities, Viking Century Star will set sail for a three-night cruise, where guests will experience Shibaozhai Temple, Qutang Gorge and Lesser Three Gorges, as well as cruising through the Three Gorges Dam Locks. Following the cruise, launch guests will fly to Shanghai for a city tour and farewell meal prior to departure. This itinerary, different from other Viking River Cruises standard seven-night Yangtze River Cruisetours, was designed to provide launch guests with a preview of the company's regular cruisetours. As part of the inaugural festivities, onboard guests will be able to sample some of the Chinese menus designed by world-famous chef, Martin Yan, star of Yan Can Cook and author of several Chinese cookbooks. Yan was contracted by Viking River Cruises to ensure the highest quality Chinese food was available to passengers onboard, in keeping with the line's quality reputation. In addition to the Chinese meals, passengers will also be able to enjoy the same quality European gourmet meals that are standard onboard the company's European itineraries. Viking Century Star was built by the New Century Cruise Company, an established tourism company based in Chongqing, China, with the experience and relationships needed to help provide the quality of product Viking River Cruises customers expect. Viking Century Star provides spacious, all outside cabins with private balconies for 186 passengers. Each cabin is equipped with a phone, color television, private bathroom and shower, hotel-style beds and air conditioning. Guests can relax over cocktails in the Observation Lounge, work out in a well-appointed gym, soak up the sun on the Sun Deck with 360-degree views, or simply relax at the coffee bar. As part of an ongoing partnership with Viking River Cruises, the ship's first American passenger sailing debuted on March 13, 2003 from Chongqing to Wuhan. Responding to the strong interest in China and the Yangtze, Viking River Cruises has already inked a deal for a second ship build with New Century Cruise Company, Viking Century Sky, which will join Viking Century Star for the 2005 sailing season. Viking River Cruises offers five China itineraries that range from nine to 16 nights, all centering around Viking Century Star's seven-night Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Wuhan (or reverse). Pre- and post- hotel packages in Hong Kong, Guilin, and Shanghai can be added to individual itineraries to further enhance the experience. About Viking River Cruises |
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