Have you been paying attention? This is a very busy time in river cruising! I would just like to recap, in case you missed anything.
1. Viking River Cruises – Viking has been on quite a roll this year. In March, they set a Guinness World Record for most ships christened in one day – 10! That puts their current fleet at over 50 ships. But they’re not stopping there: Viking intends to build at least one ship for the United States, to be put on the Mississippi River, and maybe more! They said they might be interested in the Columbia River as well. As if that wasn’t ambitious enough, Viking is also building an Ocean Liner! Their Ocean Liner is already taking reservations for 2015, and will stay in Europe, for now.
2. Pearl Mist – This ship
has been waiting and waiting to come out on the river. It has been complete for years, but legal squabbles kept it off the river. But finally, we are ready to see the Pearl Mist’s inaugural cruise in June 2014.
3. The American Empress – The same company that brought the American Queen back to the Mississippi has announced that they are bringing the Empress back to the Columbia River! We are so excited to welcome the Empress back home, and this paddlewheel option will be a perfect fit for the Northwest. Book your cabin now – the inaugural cruise will be April 2014.
Sigh. It’s so hard to keep up with all the changes, but
we’re excited about the future of river cruising! What’s the best way to see natural and historic wonders? River Cruise! (Okay, and trains too…)
