Viking River Cruises, largest of the world’s river cruise lines, launched six new ships last week, despite reports of a slowdown in demand, especially after the Paris terrorist attacks. Torstein Hagen, CEO, says he believes demand will be back very soon.
With the new boats, Viking now has a European fleet of 46 190-passenger ships, all launched within the past five years. With other ships elsewhere, the total is up to 60, and another will be launched soon for Portugal’s Douro. All the ships are named for Norse gods, nobles, kings and women; the latest are Alruna, Egil, Kadlin, Rolf, Tlalfi and Vilhjalm (sort of like walking through the aisles at IKEA, no?)
Hagen says he expects to meet his goal of 100 river ships within a few years. Viking is also launching its second ocean cruiser, Viking Sea, and has four others on order.
