Los Angeles, CA. (April 8, 2005) - Viking River Cruises celebrated the inaugural launch of Viking Sun on the Rhine River Thursday, March 31, 2005. Dignitaries included Mr. Bjorn Tore Godal, Norwegian ambassador to Germany; and Norwegian entertainer Wenche Myhre, who was named the ship's Godmother, as well as representatives from Merewede Shipyard and Viking River Cruises. Priest Markus Kolzer of Mainz blessed Viking Sun before she began sailing; she cruises the Belgium to Switzerland itinerary from Antwerp to Basel for 2005.

Viking Sun is a state-of-the-art river cruise vessel designed by world- famous architects Yran & Storbraaten, who have designed cruise ships for Seabourn, NCL and Disney. Viking Sun provides all 198 of its passengers with the level of comfort, elegance and service one would experience in a fine hotel. All-outside cabins guarantee passengers picturesque river views and the ship's 50-person crew ensures intimate, personalized service for all guests. The three-deck ship also features a restaurant with panoramic windows, lounge with dance floor, bar, library/game room and sundeck.

The ship is 433 feet long and offers 99 all-outside cabins, 37 with floor- to-ceiling opening French windows; 30 with opening large picture windows; 22 with fixed picture windows; and 10 standard cabins with windows. All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom and shower, telephone, television, safe, hair dryer and air conditioning.

"The launch of Viking Sun reinforces Viking River Cruises continued commitment to providing our passengers with engaging, intimate travel experiences, while transporting them in style and comfort," said Viking River Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen. "Viking Sun features deluxe accommodations and amenities, as well as the quality service, gourmet cuisine and captivating itineraries that are the standard of all Viking River Cruises vacations."

Viking Sun sails the 12-night Belgium to Switzerland itinerary along the Rhine River between Antwerp, Belgium and Basel, Switzerland, with departure dates April through December. Passengers can experience demonstrations of silversmithing and cuckoo clock making, folkloric entertainment, brewery visits, a Black Forest excursion, cathedral visit, and much more.

Ports of call include: Antwerp, Brugge, Delft, Schoonhoven, Gouda, Amsterdam, Arnhem, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudeshiem, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg and Breisach, before ending in Basel, Switzerland.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along Europe, Russia and China's majestic rivers. Honored as the top river cruise line on Travel & Leisure's "World's Best" Awards, Viking River Cruises has also appeared on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" in 2004 and 2005. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 25 vessels and provides a unique, affordable vacation to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) or visit the company online at vikingrivercruises.com.

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