Viking River Cruises is increasing its fleet on the French rivers next year with four custom-built longships for the Seine.

The line, which told Cruise Passenger recently it has seen a 20% increase in bookings for France, says the new ships will sail the eight-day Paris to the Heart of Normandy itinerary.

The vessels will dock at Port de Grenelle in Paris, allowing guests to literally stroll to the famous Eiffel tower and have magnificent views of the monument from the ship.

The four 135-metre long Seine Ships are Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga and Viking Fjorgyn. They will have identical interior designs and common areas.

The 168-guest ships, smaller than the usual Viking Longship which takes up to 190 passengers, will be built with customised hulls and engines specifically designed to navigate the Seine River.

The Seine is 777-kilometres long and an important commercial waterway within the Paris Basin to the north of France.

“We are thrilled to be taking our guests deeper into the heart of Paris – the global centre for art, fashion, food and culture,” says Michelle Black, Managing Director of Viking ANZ.

“Every detail of Viking’s Seine Ships is designed to enhance and enrich the travel experience, so that guests can explore all that makes France so compelling.

“Seine Ships will offer guests unprecedented levels of comfort, including full verandas, as well as the largest suites and the most al-fresco dining on France’s rivers,” she says.

Viking’s eight-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise from Paris to Paris starts at AUD$3,495pp for multiple 2021 travel dates, plus return economy flights from Australia to Europe from just AUD$995pp*.

For more, contact Viking Cruises at 138 747 (Australia) and 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit vikingcruises.com.au.