Viking officially welcomed seven new river ships during a naming ceremony in Amsterdam, bringing its total fleet to 109. It now operates more ships than any other cruise company. However, because its ships are generally smaller, it carries fewer passengers each year than some larger competitors, including Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group.
Four of the new vessels will sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe. Two will operate on Egypt's Nile, while one will sail on the Seine in France. Only two ships were actually in Amsterdam for the ceremony. The event also used video links to the vessels, allowing all seven to receive their names.
Viking offers cruises exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. Its trips focus on the destinations visited, with longer stays in ports and tours included at every port. The company's holidays are aimed at travellers aged 55 and above, and many passengers on its sailings are retired. Its ocean ships also have expert speakers who explain the places passengers see.
