Everyone I encountered on the four Viking longships that officially debuted on the Seine in Paris on the first days of spring said that it was a blessing to be cruising in Europe again.
The restrictions have been removed, flowers are in bloom, and the Parisians are smiling at us.
Viking executives are expecting a great year for river cruising.
Richard Marnell, the executive vice president of marketing, said that travelers are ready to go, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. Many itineraries are full, but there is still space this spring and good values, and the local populations realize how much they appreciate tourism and are welcoming Americans with open arms.
At the press conference before the official naming ceremony of its eight new longships (four in Paris, four via video feed from Amsterdam), Viking chairman Torstein Hagen declared the threat of Covid behind us. We should get back to life.
The daily onboard saliva testing is still done on Viking cruise ships. In case of illness, Viking will extend its usual personal service for all guests: They will be transferred to a hotel on shore, where they will be looked after until they are cleared to return home.
Since the day Viking stopped cruising more than two years ago, he said, we are very, very glad we have come so far.
He said that Viking has a lot to be thankful for, as they have taken possession of 15 new ships.
The first Great Lakes Explorer itinerary will sail from April 28 to May 5, from Toronto to Milwaukee. Detroit and Mackinac Island are included in the calls.
We are not in Chicago yet, but we hope to be there soon. The pre-cruise extension in the Windy City is offered by Viking.
New longships to the Viking fleet were welcomed by the Goddesses from the travel industry. The photo is courtesy of Viking.
The new itineraries on the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are selling out fast.
Egypt is almost sold out for 2022. Marnell said it is a fabulous destination for lovers of history and culture, and its demographic is thinking, "I'm not going to wait, I'm going to go."
The decision to not sail produced very good forward sales for Viking, according to Marnell.
He said that it gave people something to look forward to.
From left, viking vice president of sales Michele Saegesser, Karryn Christopher, and others. Photo Credit: Cheryl.
For that community, Viking is starting to bring back cruise nights and continues its marketing support with the various consortia, as evidenced by three of the eight godmothers named at the ceremony being from Signature, Virtuoso andAAA Travel.
Karryn Christopher, Signature Travel Network's executive vice president, said that she appreciated Viking's support during the Pandemic because of the incredible content they create that keeps travelers engaged and the tools they provide to help advisors share and leverage that content. I am excited about the continued growth of the fleet and the Viking experiences.
Two years have passed since Christopher andAAA's Brenda Huns-berger was named as a god, and Virtuoso's Muriel Wilson was completely surprised when she was chosen by Viking.
Viking vice president of sales Michele Saegesser said that they look for unique people.
Marnell said that the decision to honor the travel advisor channel is more than symbolic.
Marnell would suggest that travel advisors encourage wary clients to follow the example of the Vikings and set sail for foreign shores.
If I were a travel advisor, I would focus on the destinations that brought you joy in Europe, like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Portugal.
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