For those who enjoy travel, exposure and education to new cultures, plus the beauty of water, this company’s new record may interest you.

Viking Cruises sets the new Guinness World Record by launching 18 new ships, with 16 inaugurated over the course of 24 hours. These high numbers help the company beat its own previous record for most ships inaugurated in one day by launching 10 in 2013. During the course of five days, the company christened 18 award-winning Viking Longships in Amsterdam, Germany, France, and Portugal. 

Viking Cruises receives frequent accolades for its destination-centric river and ocean cruises. Torstein Hagel, chairman of Viking Cruises, describes how excited the company is about this new milestone for river cruising. “River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of travel, and it is in large part because of the enthusiasm of our guests and travel trade partners that we have enjoyed such success.”  

Viking Longships debuted in 2012, and soon won “Best New River Ships of 2012” in Cruise Critic’s® Editors’ Picks Awards. The ships feature signature Scandinavian designs, new technology, and comfortable facilities for guests.

One of these facilities is the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that brings the river scenery indoors with retractable glass doors to allow guests to enjoy the view. Viking Longships also have the largest river cruise suites in Europe, onboard solar panels, an organic herb garden, and hybrid engines that reduce vibrations to make a smooth ride.

Viking Cruises now has 52 river vessels that provide scenic views of various places throughout Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. The company’s 2015 season will unveil the Viking Star, which can hold 930 guests who will travel in Scandinavia and the Baltic as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. This or any of the vessels could be a great vacation for those looking to try something new and exotic.

By Jillian Heagerty