Press Release
For Immediate Release
The New River Cruise Ships For 2011 and 2012
An Up-Close Immersion in Culture and History Awaits River Cruise Travelers
DETROIT (June 30, 2011) – For those who love to cruise, a river cruise holds a enduring appeal; these cruises offer a memorable blend of scenic river views with “slices of history” that reflect some of the most magnificent cultures in the world.
River cruising allows a true immersion in an environment, in a way that large ship cruising does not. Cruisers can survey the life of a country as they sail down its waterways..and still see famous monuments, like Budapest’s Chain Bridge and Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral when the ships dock in port.
As is customary, the cruise lines are introducing a number of new cruise ships in upcoming months. The experts at CruiseCompete provide information on what these all the new river ships for 2011 and 2012 will be offering:
In 2011:
Viking River Cruises launched the Viking Prestige in Amsterdam on June 30, 2011. This 188-passenger vessel, a sister ship to Viking Legend, has two 340-square-foot suites and 97 staterooms, all deluxe (except for the 6 single staterooms) with either French balconies or picture windows. The ship features a sun deck with 360-degree views, onboard boutique, and library, and includes free wireless internet and laundry service. Most notably, Viking Prestige is a “green” ship, running on hybrid diesel-electric engines that produce 20% fewer emissions and reduced noise/vibration.
AmaWaterways is also adding 3 new ships to the mix in 2011. The AmaVerde premiered in Europe March 2011, the AmaKatarina in Russia March 2011, and the AmaLotus will launch on the Mekong in September 2011.
The 161-passenger AmaVerde is a sister ship to the AmaBella and features an innovative design and luxurious amenities. It features the exclusive AmaWaterways “Twin Balcony” stateroom design, consisting of a French Balcony plus a full-size balcony that enables passengers to step outside and experience the river from the privacy of their stateroom. Cabins and suites on the ship range from 170 to 350 square feet and include such amenities like a flat-panel television, plush terry robes and slippers, and marble bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads.
The rebuilt 212-passenger AmaKatarina, has been completely redesigned by AmaWaterways and features balconies in 76 of 106 staterooms, and suites ranging up to 432 square feet in size. The ship will sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Volga-Baltic Waterway.
The 124-passenger AmaLotus will sail the Mekong River, and features a wellness area with an outdoor whirlpool, spa and fitness room. The ship also has a Sun Deck with swimming pool and staterooms highlighted with traditional Colonial touches and regional Khmer artifacts. Over 90% of the cabins feature twin balconies providing guests with a scenic view as the floating markets and villages drift by.
Tauck Small Ship Cruising will debut its new ship, the m/s Treasures in August 2011. This ship, like its sisters, the ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, and ms Swiss Jewel, will cruise the inland waterways of Europe. The Treasures Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour, and will also offer bistro dining. The ship cabins will range from 150 to 183 sq. feet and the suites (14 of them) are 300 sq. feet. Amenities on board the ship include plasma TV’s, L'Occitane toiletries; 85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.
Coming in 2012:
Viking River Cruises will be launching an astounding 4 river cruise vessels in 2012 as part of a $250 million expansion program. They include the Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Odin and the Viking Njord. These longships, all carrying 190 passengers, will launch in rapid succession, all in the month of March 2012.
The 443-foot-long vessels will have 95 cabins each, and in addition to two of the 445-square foot top suites, each of the new ships will have seven 270-square-foot, multi-room Veranda Suites that feature large balconies. These balconies are possible due to an offset corridor design.
In a deviation from the norm, these new longships will not have in-ship spas; instead the line will offer passengers spa and health club packages at top facilities in key ports of call. They are also forgoing the customary “theater” in favor of a multimedia room, with four large screens and surround sound in the ships main lounge.
The Freya, Idun, Odin and Njord will launch March 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 28th, respectively, and will sail the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
American Cruise Lines will be launching the Queen of the Mississippi riverboat on August 11, 2012. This 140-passenger ship will be the first new build designed to cruise the Mississippi River in some 20 years and will cruise the entire Mississippi River system.
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