Viking® has introduced a new Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary cruise for the 2024 European river season. The special 12-day voyage from London to Paris will commemorate Operation Overlord and the historic battles of Normandy, which took place nearly 80 years ago and were the catalyst for the liberation of Western Europe from German occupation. Departure dates will range from March to November 2024.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said:
Many of our guests, particularly those with family members who served in the armed forces, have a keen interest in World War II history. In keeping with our commitment to offer experiences for The Thinking Person, we are pleased to unveil this special voyage that commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day—one of the most significant milestones in modern history.
Viking’s new Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary voyage begins in London with visits to World War II sites, such as the Churchill War Rooms, where the D-Day landings were planned, and Bletchley Park, the home of World War II codebreakers. Guests may also visit the Imperial War Museum London to learn about Britain’s Special Forces and its allies, as well as Gunwharf Quays, the D-Day Museum, and Southwick House, where General Dwight D. Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord.
After four days in England, guests continue to Paris to board a Viking Longship®. Guests may explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked, trace Joan of Arc’s footsteps in Rouen, and walk the hallowed ground at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches while sailing round-trip from Paris.
Viking Longships on the Seine River are designed to navigate into the heart of Paris, with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, accommodating 168 passengers in 84 staterooms. The ships feature a variety of stateroom options, an Aquavit Terrace, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The vessels are also equipped with a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and shore power to reduce their reliance on fuel while in port. Solar panels onboard contribute to the energy efficiency of the ships.
2025 European River Season is now open
As Viking continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the company recently reached another significant milestone: January was the most successful month in its history for bookings. Europe remains a popular destination, as evidenced by its record-breaking sales, and in response to the high demand, Viking has opened all dates for European river cruises in 2025.
Booking Details
From now until March 31, 2023, Viking is offering residents of the United States and Canada up to FREE airfare and special discounts on all river cruises.
For more information, call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5466) or speak with a travel agent.
