Viking has recently announced its new Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary voyage, which is set to launch during the 2024 European river season. Commencing from March through November 2024, the 12-day special voyage will take guests from London to Paris to commemorate the historic battles of Normandy and Operation Overlord that took place nearly 80 years ago.
The voyage will offer an experience for The Thinking Person, which aligns with Viking's commitment to delivering unique and meaningful experiences to its guests. Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, believes that the voyage will be particularly attractive to guests who have a keen interest in World War II history, particularly those with family members who served in the armed forces.
The voyage begins in London, where guests will have the opportunity to visit historic World War II sites, including the Churchill War Rooms and Bletchley Park, the home of the World War II codebreakers. They will also learn about Britain's Special Forces and its allies during a visit to the Imperial War Museum London and experience Gunwharf Quays, the D-Day Museum and Southwick House, where Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord.
After four days in England, guests will embark on an award-winning Viking Longship from Paris to explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked. They can also trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen and walk the hallowed ground at Normandy's American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches.
Viking Longships on the Seine River are specifically built to navigate into the heart of Paris, with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. With 84 staterooms that can host up to 168 guests, the ships feature an Aquavit Terrace and a wide variety of stateroom choices. The vessels also have a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and are equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port. Onboard solar panels further contribute to the ships' energy efficiency.
The Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary voyage promises to be an unforgettable experience for those interested in World War II history and those looking for an immersive and thought-provoking River Cruise experience.
