Viking Resumes’ challenges with embarking on this mission were many and daunting. The biggest challenge of all was the language barrier. The company has not always been known for its global reach and language abilities. The team was able to overcome these challenges by creating a unique approach that blended the best of their culture and experience with the language abilities of the French crew.
The shipyard of Viking Line in Kiel, Germany, is where many of the world’s largest cruise ships are constructed. During the summer season, the 35,000-square-meter ship yard is home to the world’s largest cruise ship dry dock. The dry dock is a unique facility that has a special form of pontoon weir that is more than 10 meters wide and can accommodate cruise ships up to 300 meters long.
Gunnar Johansen of Viking River Cruises has a new motto. He says, “We have brought the world’s best river boat experience to the world’s best rivers and are making the world’s best river boat experience even better for you.” He is convinced that the river is the best way to travel, because it is always there, is always changing, and has great scenery to offer. The Rhône River, which meanders through the French Alps, is the best of France’s best rivers. The Rhône and its tributaries often have the most dramatic scenery. As the Rhône flows through the Rhône-Alps, it transforms from a mountain stream, into a river that flows through lush green valleys. Read more about riverboat cruises and let us know what you think.
“Our guests have repeatedly told us that France is at the top of their vacation lists over the past year, so we are thrilled that our river boats are once again sailing in this cherished destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking Chairman.
“My daughter, Karine, and I recently spent time on board our new Longships, which dock in the center of Paris—and I am certain that our visitors will enjoy this beautiful new way to see the ‘City of Light.’”
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Viking’s France river cruises still have summer and autumn dates available. The following are some specifics regarding each itinerary:
Paris & the Heart of Normandy — 8 nights, roundtrip Paris
Explore Giverny and see the gardens and beautiful home where Claude Monet lived and worked, and where many of his works were inspired. In Rouen, follow Joan of Arc’s footsteps and see the American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches in Normandy.
This eight-night Seine River trip celebrates history, art, cuisine, and traditions in some of France’s most stunning locations.
On the Seine River, a Viking Longship (Photo courtesy of Viking)
Lyon & Provence — 8 nights, Avignon to Lyon
Discover Roman Rovence at Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard, and channel your inner Van Gogh at an Arles painting workshop. Explore the Popes’ Palace in Avignon, go truffle hunting, and learn how to make chèvre cheese.
On this eight-night Rhône trip, passengers will see the splendor that inspired painters like Cézanne and Chagall.
8 nights, roundtrip Bordeaux – Chateaux, Rivers, and Wine
Discover Aquitaine’s ports, wineries, farmland, and woods, which were once the wealthiest kingdom in Europe. See the fountains and cellars of Bordeaux, and make your own Cognac mix at the Camus distillery. At Arcachon, sample some of France’s best oysters straight from the bay.
Guests will travel through Bordeaux, a region known for great wine and even better lifestyle, on this eight-night cruise.
15 nights sailing between Paris and Avignon on France’s Finest
Pay your respects on the beaches of Normandy during WWII, follow in Joan of Arc’s footsteps in Rouen, and toast the Beaujolais grapes. Explore the Popes’ Palace in Avignon and enjoy the Provençal way of life.
If you love everything about France, this 15-night voyage that combines the “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” and “Lyon & Provence” itineraries is for you.
Viking relaunched its ocean operations in May, with British passengers traveling around England. American passengers were welcomed back on board in June for new itineraries through Iceland and Bermuda.
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Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- rhone river
- seine river cruise
- seine river map
- seine pronunciation
- saone river map
