VIKING RIVER AND OCEAN CRUISES 2016 EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW THE WORLD’S LEADING RIVER CRUISE LINE...BY FAR® Cover Image: Viking Longship sailing through Lyon Image: Parliament Building, Budapest 2 Nothing compares to the river, nor treats you to such a feast of unfolding scenery. One day, a centuries-old village, the next a glorious city. One moment, a field filled with sunflowers, the next, a valley beyond which majestic mountains rise. Around every bend a new sight. In every town, a new discovery. Nature’s great highways, rivers shape the landscape and with it, our very being. Rivers cherish history. Along their banks, great civilisations are born and great stories, too. The river is a place of myths and legends, the muse of musicians, artists and writers. And when we sail its unhurried waters, our own stories come to life. This is the magic of the river. And the magic of a Viking river cruise. CALL US ON 1800 131 744 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT 3 IT’S GREAT TO BE FIRST There is nothing like going straight to the front of the queue to get the best deals. That’s why we’re sending you our 2016 preview brochure before our cruises go on general sale. It gives you the first and best choice of cruises, staterooms and departure dates – all at the best possible price. When you travel with Viking you immediately appreciate what makes our journeys so special, and why we are consistently voted the world’s favourite river cruise line. Exciting destinations, fantastic food and wine, exceptional service and great value for money are all reasons why our Guests return to cruise with us. Wherever you want to explore in 2016, why not join us on board? You can look forward to a journey like no other, one that is unique, exciting and truly memorable. We hope you enjoy your first peek at some of our 2016 journeys. And that you are inspired to travel with us. 4 CALL US ON 1800 131 744 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT 5 A JOURNEY THAT’S AUTHENTIC AND AFFORDABLE When you travel with Viking everything you need to relax and enjoy yourself is included in the price. We call it Viking Value. You’ll call it brilliant. 6 ENJOY IT ALL, IT’S ALL INCLUDED P EXCEPTIONAL P IN-ROOM INFOTAINMENT ACCOMMODATIONS aboard the SYSTEM featuring movies on demand, plus newest, most deluxe river cruise fleet. Enjoy BBC, CNN, National Geographic and more. your choice of staterooms, including Suites, Junior Suites and staterooms with verandas P QUIETVOX AUDIO HEADSETS and French balconies. are included and personal for each Guest on board so on our shore excursions, no matter where you P ATTENTIVE SERVICE from our are standing, you won’t miss a word using our award-winning, English-speaking staff, plus the complimentary audio system. personalised assistance of your on board Viking Concierge — so you’re well taken care of. P COMPLIMENTARY TRAVEL COMPANION BOOKLETS are P ENLIGHTENING DAILY SHORE sent to your home before you leave on your EXCURSIONS IN EVERY PORT, Viking cruise to help you prepare for your led by friendly, knowledgeable local guides, upcoming trip. These travel companions are these tours are designed to give you a deeper packed with information, maps and local understanding of the places you visit. stories to further enhance your enjoyment. P ENGAGING CULTURAL In addition, also available to you: ENRICHMENT with informative talks, performances, hands-on cooking and craft P LOCKED-IN PRICE when you pay demonstrations and much more. your deposit; with our Price Guarantee you’re safe from price increases due to fluctuations in P ALL ON BOARD MEALS created by currency, taxes, fees or fuel prices. our Swiss-trained chefs, featuring fresh ingredients and regional specialty options, and served in a P COMPETITIVE AIRFARE Viking’s variety of settings including the most al fresco competitive airfare, only available to you when you dining available on the rivers. book a cruise with Viking, includes taxes, airport charges, and offers you excellent flexibility at a COMPLIMENTARY WINE, very low price. Visit http://www.vikingrivercruises. P com.au/why-viking/viking-advantages/air-offers- with on BEER & SOFT DRINKS europe-au.html for full details. board dinner and lunch service; bottled water and complimentary cappuccino, coffee and tea pre & post packages at our 24-hour beverage bar. P EXPLORE MORE™ allow you to maximise your time abroad. P DELUXE HOTELS for overnight stays during our pre and post packages and P TRAVEL CREDITS ON FUTURE land portions of our cruisetour itineraries. CRUISES because once you travel with us you are eligible for Viking’s Past Guest Discounts. P TIPPING & GRATUITIES for shipboard crew, local guides, drivers are P REFERRAL REWARDS included in your Europe cruise program so PROGRAM lets you to share the savings budgeting for your holiday couldn’t be easier. when you spread the word about Viking’s value packed cruises. P COMPLIMENTARY INTERNET SERVICE throughout our ships. CALL US ON 1800 131 744 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT 7 Bonjour, Avignon or Guten Morgen, Berlin? Wherever you choose to WHERE WILL travel, you can look forward to a journey – and a day – like no other. Exploring each destination completely and in depth is the essence YOUR DAY of every Viking journey. And because you’re travelling on the river, you’ll be treated to a unique and different view of each place. And TAKE YOU? that’s something you can’t experience on any other kind of trip. With plenty of time in each destination, how you explore is up to you. Join one of our expertly led included excursions where, equipped with your own state-of-the-art headphones you can wander at your own pace and not miss a word. Or choose one of our fascinating optional tours. And for the days when you want to explore on your own, your on board concierge will give you all the maps and information you need to make your own wonderful discoveries. It’s your day, and we want you to enjoy it your way. Our thoughtful itineraries enable you to look beyond the sights to discover the heart and soul of each fascinating destination. From being enthralled by the sight of Hungary’s legendary Puszta horsemen, to being treated to lunch at a winery along Portugal's River Douro, you can discover the people, culture, history, cuisine and language of each place. 8 Images left to right: Puszta horseman, Hungary; Prague's Old Town; Immerse yourself in local culture and customs If travel broadens the mind (and of course it does), there are NEVER STOP few more enriching ways to explore than with Viking. On board, you won’t find the all-singing, all-dancing style of EXPLORING entertainment associated with most cruise lines. What you will find are enriching talks, cooking demonstrations and performances that bring each destination to life. Listen to a performance of Baroque Chamber music. Learn how to make Rüdesheimer coffee. Discuss French Impressionism. Be dazzled by Hungarian folk dancers. Artists, performers, historical eyewitnesses and professors from eminent institutions all contribute to a fascinating and entertaining programme that gives you a deeper insight into the places you visit. Both on board and on shore, you can look forward to a kaleidoscope of experiences that will stay with you long after you return home. CALL US ON 1800 131 744 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT 9 Images clockwise from top left: Elegant decor; Restaurant, Viking Longship; French Balcony Stateroom, Viking Longship; our on board staff 10 WELCOME ABOARD Quietly elegant, wonderfully spacious and Sweet dreams comfortable, stepping aboard your Viking Welcome to your stateroom. Elegant, ship feels like coming home. spacious and so very inviting, it’s everything you dream it will be. A relaxing sanctuary On every ship you are greeted with an with all the comforts of a fine hotel and abundance of space and natural light. something else, too: a view of the wonderful Panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows make world through which you’re travelling. the most of the glorious, ever-changing scenery and, on most of our ships, the sleek Because there’s nothing better than waking Scandinavian design blends contemporary from a restful night’s sleep, your king-size style with traditional comforts. Best of all, bed and luxurious linens promise sweet every stateroom has a window, French dreams. And because a beautiful bathroom balcony or veranda. is a necessity not an indulgence, your ensuite has a generous walk-in shower and fluffy Find a comfy chair in the inviting lounge towels. L’Occitane shampoos and scented and gaze at the mesmerising views. Enjoy body lotions add to the ambience of a a cocktail at the bar. Curl up with a good boutique hotel. book in the library. Head to the Sun Deck for wonderful all-round views and comfort. Good morning or good night, it is Listen to a music recital or a fascinating talk simply perfect. on the places you will be exploring. Learn how to cook a local speciality. Your journey brings a thoughtfully planned programme on a beautiful ship that is big on space, and style. Exploration meets relaxation Day and night, your Viking ship is a welcoming haven. When evening falls, enjoy a fabulous dinner in the elegant restaurant with its sparkling views over the water. In many places, your ship is moored until late or overnight, and you can step ashore for an after-dinner drink or stroll around town.