Viking’s New Longships Elicit Agent Acclaim

AMSTERDAM – Travel agents attending Viking River Cruises’ historic christening event here last week had overwhelmingly positive reviews of the company’s 190-passenger “longships.”

Viking christened 10 of its longships in one day. Representatives of Guinness World Record were on hand to declare “The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company” (The record-keepers only counted eight of the ships, since two were already in service last year.)

All the ships will be based in Europe, where Viking christened four longships last year.

28 ships in 3 years
If you think there’s not room for more, think again. Viking chairman Torstein Hagen told a crowd of about 700 here that another 12 longships will debut in 2014.

With two additional ships coming this year, that makes a total of 28 longships over three years. Viking also has plans to enter the ocean cruise market. (See sidebar.)

All those new ships add up to good news for travel sellers, said Michael van Straubenzee, director, cruises and vacations, Western Canada, for Vision 2000 Travel Group

“Viking is bringing in more product all the time. They are bringing in Myanmar, Bordeaux – those are both interesting itineraries. So you’ll get more repeat, which is good,” van Straubenzee said.

Market leader
The nearly identical ships have been acclaimed for their green features, including quiet diesel-electric hybrid engines and deck-top herbal gardens, as well as for their indoor-outdoor dining and large number of balcony cabins.

Viking claims 44% of the river cruise market, and Hagen said only about 600 cabins out of 50,000 are still available for the season.

Travel agent Connie Maher will attest to the popularity of Viking’s product. “I find my clients keep going back to Viking. They want to do this cruise and now they want to do that cruise,” said Maher, director of travel services for the Vacation Station in Charleston, S.C.

We asked Maher and other agents on hand for the christening to share their thoughts on Viking’s longships.
 
What do you like best about Viking’s longships?
“ I like the modern, open airy feel, light colors, no pretentiousness. And since they all look alike, you can sell this to anybody. Wherever you want to go there’s a Viking longship there.” – Vicky Garcia, COO, Cruise Planners/American Express

“The modern feel and colors, which are quite different than any river boats I’ve been on before. These ships are warm; there’s a Scandinavian warmth to the decor.”  – Michael van Straubenzee

How do Viking’s longships compare to other river ships?
“A little bit more spacious. The common areas are different and larger. And the decor is understated but elegant.” – Patty Eriksson, vice president of leisure sales, Montecito Village Travel, Santa Barbara, Calif.

“It is a more intimate, friendly experience, without being cloying. It’s very relaxing compared to other ships too. You aren’t listening to announcements all the time. People aren’t encouraging you to buy something all the time.”  – Connie Maher

“They use their space in the rooms very well. I was expecting a much tinier room.” – Michael van Straubenzee

What advice do you have for agents about selling Viking?
“When I’m selling from the big cruise ships to the river ships or longships, I talk about the intimacy of getting on and off, how easy it is, and how you end up right in walking distance of a medieval city. On a big cruise ship you cannot do that, so I stress the intimacy of getting into a city that quickly.” – Patty Eriksson

Who is the market for these ships?
“The same people who want to go on a Tauck tour, for instance. To me it’s like you are going to your country club and took your friends with you.” – Connie Maher

“Mostly over age 50. I am finding more and more people, especially those who have been around the world on the big ships, want to cruise on the smaller river ships now.” – Patty Eriksson

“I am in my mid-40s, and people might think that’s young for river cruises, but it’s a great thing for people my age who have done other things. Bring a few couples, some friends with you. Last year we sailed with 20 of us and had a great time.” – Vicky Garcia

“They don’t have to be cruisers. There are a lot of people doing river cruises who wouldn’t do ocean cruisers.” – Michael van Straubenzee

What feature on these longships made you go wow?
“I like the fact they are green. They have the herbal garden and are really making an effort with their technology to be more green, which is so important today.” – Patty Eriksson

“The consistency of the product and service levels. Everyone is friendly and nice. The food is amazing. I love the soups.” – Vicky Garcia

What impresses you about Viking as a line?
“They are wonderful partners to work with. They have great sales staff and they are determined to get your business. And they follow up, which is a nice change from there other cruise companies.” – Michael van Straubenzee

“They are extremely knowledgeable. An agent who’s never gone on a river cruise or to a certain destination is in good hands. The Viking people have that expertise.” – Connie Maher

How much has Viking’s sponsorship of “Downton Abbey” on PBS’ Masterpiece Theater helped get the company’s name out?
“People are crazy about ‘Downton Abbey;’ they love it. But I haven’t seen a blip in our business because of it. But people definitely know about it.” – Vicky Garcia
 
“Their advertising is excellent. They are also on CNN in the prime spots.” – Patty Eriksson