Viking River New Ship for 2006 China!

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I received this press release from Viking River Cruises and thought it
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LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
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Viking River Cruises Announces New Ship for 2006 China Season

Partnership With China's New Century Cruise Company Ensures Comfort,
Style, Safety for New Viking Century Sun

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 9
Industry leader Viking River Cruises announced today at the USTOA
Conference in Ft. Lauderdale that it will contract with Chongqing New
Century Cruise Company to add a third ship, Viking Century Sun, to its
China fleet to meet the strong demand for its China Yangtze River
cruises. Viking Century Sun will join the recently launched Viking
Century Sky on the Yangtze for the 2006 season.

"China's attraction as a tourist destination continues to increase,
and the Yangtze River and Three Gorges Dam is considered one of the
country's 'must-see' highlights," noted Viking River Cruises Chairman
Torstein Hagen. "Our Yangtze cruises have proven extremely popular
because the Viking River Cruises and New Century Cruise Company's
partnership continues to ensure the highest standards of comfort,
safety and style for passengers."

Viking River Cruises will be responsible for the hotel and catering
management on board the vessels to ensure the same quality standards
as the line's European ships. Viking River Cruises continues to
provide the only vessels on the Yangtze equipped with a Western
kitchen and Swiss-managed service, which have proven extremely popular
with passengers.

"We are very pleased that Viking River Cruises has chosen us as their
partner in China," says New Century Chief Executive Officer Peng Jian
Hu. "We are delighted to continue our partnership as the leaders in
China tourism on the Yangtze."

Viking Century Sun will include an observation lounge, restaurant,
sauna, sun deck, bar, massage room and beauty salon. An Internet bar
will keep passengers in touch with the world, and two elevators will
enable passengers to easily travel between the ship's five decks. The
ship is a sister ship to Viking Century Sky, and her
Scandinavian-influenced decor will reflect the cruise line's Viking
heritage by offering passengers elegant contemporary interiors.

Viking Century Sun will measure 126.8 meters in length and 17.2 meters
in width with a capacity of more than 300 passengers. All cabins will
be equipped with a private balcony, telephone, hairdryer, air
conditioning, and private bathroom with shower.

For 2005 and 2006, Viking River Cruises offers three- and four-night
cruises, as well as nine-day cruises between Chongqing and Shanghai,
offered as part of cruisetour packages including Beijing, Xian and
Shanghai.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, offers
quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along
Europe, Russia and China's majestic rivers. This year, the company was
honored as the top river cruise line on Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold
List" and Travel & Leisure's "World's Best" Awards as well as being
named "Best River Cruise" by CruiseReport.com. Since its 1997
inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 25 vessels, and
provides a unique, affordable vacation to experienced travelers with
an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional
information, contact your travel agent.

About Chongqing New Century Cruise Company

New Century Cruise Company is a modern and innovative tourism company
based in Chongqing, a starting point of many cruises on the Yangtze
River. It has been promoted by the government of Chongqing with its 31
million inhabitants, and by the China Ministry of Transportation.