Displaying items by tag: River Cruise
Viking Cruises - Taking You to All Destinations of the World!
Welcome to the three worlds of Viking, (Rivers, Oceans and Expeditions), visiting 7 continents, 85 countries, over 500 ports, 5 oceans, 21 rivers and 5 great lakes!
So much to explore! We all know that river cruises will take you into the heart of the charming villages they visit. Did you know Viking has much more to offer?
Onboard Viking ships, you will not find winding water slides, children, or casinos on board. If you like to experience more culture and enrichment this is the one for you.
Viking voyages are designed to help you explore and have more of a personal experience with the destinations you visit, through food, culture, and customs.
Onboard you can attend a lecture on history and art, a cooking demonstration of destination city favorites and menus that offer local cuisine and more.
Their expedition ships are specifically designed to explore the most remote places on the planet, while still having the elegance and service as their ocean liners.
Of course, you still have spaces for dining, relaxation and conversation, but you also have wonderful additions due to their commitment to science.
Guests can witness the launch of weather balloons from the top deck on the Viking Polaris’s NOAA/US National Weather Service Balloon Station.
The onboard Science Lab has partnered with various esteemed academic institutions. Their guest speakers not only provide lectures on board but conduct experiments and research while on group shore excursions.
The Hanger, an in-ship marina launches special operations boats and submarines, kayaks, and Zodiacs.
Cruises International hosted a Viking Evening Explorer Event, in June. Attendees were able to listen to guest speakers and mingle with like-minded travelers. Follow Cruises International on social media @cruisesinternational1978, or call to ask to be kept informed on other upcoming events.
Having been in business for over 45 years, many of our Advisors have traveled with Viking and can offer you firsthand knowledge using their own personal experiences. Call us today and let’s plan your next dream vacation.
More Choices on the Rivers
When we started in the business of specializing in cruises back in 1978 (something unheard of in the travel industry at the time), we made it our mission to educate our clients on the different “personality” of each ship and how important it was to choose your ship carefully. By asking the right questions, and listening carefully to your expectations, we could decide together on just the right cruise line or ship to fit your lifestyle.
In recent years we find ourselves paving the same ground with River Cruises, the fastest growing segment in travel. It’s no wonder. River Cruises slow down time and bring you to the heart of the country. As the number of River Cruises continues to grow, we once again caution you on the importance of choosing carefully. Not all river cruises are alike. Let’s take Avalon Waterways, for example.
Avalon is the most active of the River Cruises resulting in a broader range of ages on their ships. And if you are taking the family with teen-aged grandkids, this might be a great choice!
Onboard the Avalon ships you may choose from an array of “Discovery” excursions with hands on experiences like painting and cooking classes. Avalon offers “Active” excursions; biking, hiking, and kayaking, and even the “Avalon Go Ap”with an adventure host for individual active exploring. These are in addition to the classic sightseeing excursions you will find on other lines.
Avalon also has theme special interest cruises; Wine, Beer, Culinary, Garden, Nature Lovers, Jazz, Music, Photography, or World War II history. If you are looking for destinations besides Europe, try Egypt, Asia (Mekong & Vietnam), or the Galapagos.
Visit us at CruisesInternational.com and then stop in and see us soon. Planning carefully is the key to any great vacation! Our friendly and knowledgeable vacation advisors will make it easy and fun!
Safe Travels,
Avalon Waterways Explorer Event. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 23rd, at 2:00 o’clock pm. Space is limited. Please call to reserve your spot! 847-303-2020.
Curious about a Viking Cruise?
We know you’ve seen the Viking Cruises’ ads, either mailers coming into your home or on Downton Abbey, and now other series on WTTW. You’ve been wondering if this is a good vacation investment for you. You’ve been seeing their Founder, Tor Hagen, tell you how “Time is our most precious commodity”, and offering you a way of “exploring the world in comfort on a Viking ship”. I will tell you from experience that it is exactly that.
When Cruises International opened their doors 46 Years ago, River cruises were essentially unknown. Viking cruises came into the river cruise picture in 1997 and took the travel world by storm. They were able to show us the world beyond the coastline, into the interior of European countries and “In comfort” as we meandered past small villages and marveled at castles while dining out on deck. Walking through Vineyards and visiting châteaux are among my fondest memories. Our founder, Ines Turus, blended her own Cognac in France on a Viking excursion!
Viking does not stop with River Cruises, their Ocean ships are smaller and able to get into ports the big ships can’t. Viking’s Exploration ships to Antarctica are amazing, truly exploring in comfort.
But is it for you?
There is so much to tell which is why we invite a Viking executive to one of our Explorer Evenings to tell you all about it in an informal setting. This is an evening of mingling with other travelers who would like to consider a Viking cruise on the rivers, the oceans, the Great Lakes, Antarctica, and captivating China.
At this event in late February, enjoy refreshments and great company! Receive a discount and extra shipboard credits once you reserve your cabin within 2 weeks of the event. For more details, please call me or your Cruises International Travel Advisor today or call 847 -303-2020.
Safe Travels!
Viking: The Thinking Person’s Cruise Created for curious, experienced travelers.
A Viking River cruise is a truly immersive experience. It is both destination focused and culturally enriching.
You will discover turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery on one or more of Europe’s rivers. The newest is the Middle Rhine, a spectacular 15-day itinerary through Lyon, Provence & Rhineland. Half the fun is waiting to be surprised on what is waiting behind the next winding river bend.
A Viking Longship is an intimate vessel, with all the amenities of an elegant hotel, including all-outside staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for spectacular views.
You can dine on the Aquavit Terrace®, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor seating area at the bow of the ship, or in the main dining room featuring daily-changing menus including regional specialties. Visit the organic herb garden on board, which the chefs will utilize throughout your journey. They also use locally sourced ingredients--such as Norwegian salmon, Dutch Gouda, Spanish jamon and Hungarian paprika. This makes for a truly authentic experience, especially when pared with a handpicked selection of regional wines.
The on board experience brings culture to life with guest lecturers focusing on the next destination's history, art, and architecture. Port talks will provide an overview of the next port via multimedia presentation. You can also chose to read up on the towns at the library with a curated book collection in the library. Enjoy destination performances, cooking and crafting demonstrations by locals, using centuries old methods.
The beauty of Viking River cruises is that the longships can take you closer to town, some offer activities a short few steps away from the port. The Viking Way® of exploration, offers behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities to experience places otherwise difficult to visit.
Viking Rivers/Oceans/Expeditions sail on all 7 continents. The newest offerings are trips along the Nile River, and the Mississippi River, as well as Expeditions on the Great Lakes. These do sell out quickly. Many of our advisors have taken these trips and would love to share our knowledge with you. Let us help you plan your next unforgettable trip.
Safe Travels!