Viking Newsletter No 5 / 2006

Dear Vikings,


The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany has already been a thing of the past for some time now and we can look back at a great and exciting soccer celebration. The next big soccer event will take place in Switzerland and Austria with the 2008 European Championship.

Time passes very quickly and the mid-season has been or is already being celebrated again on our ships.

So now it's high time to present Edition 5/06 to you.

We hope you enjoy looking through it.

Your Editorial Department


Fire on the MS Viking Century SUN

A fire on the MS Viking Century SUN on the Yangtze River caused considerable structural damage in the night of July 2, 2006. The fire broke out in an unoccupied guest cabin on Deck 4 and destroyed three additional cabins. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but may have occurred because of a short circuit.

Through the correct and circumspect actions of the crew, it was possible to prevent more extensive damage. Luckily, no one was harmed by the incident.

Because of the intense smoke generation, Deck 4 is temporarily uninhabitable.

Unfortunately, this incident shows once again that accidents and fires can happen at any time and that correct conduct can save lives.


Award for Viking River Cruises

We are pleased that Viking River Cruises has once again been voted by the readers of the renowned American magazine Travel+Leisure as the 9th on the list of the best small cruise companies. Viking River Cruises is the only cruise company exclusively for rivers that has landed in the top ten list!

You, dear employees, have played a crucial role in this great success and for this we would like to thank you very much!

More…

Margherita Party On the Sundeck of the Viking Century SKY

How to stand the heat of July on the Yangtze River? Nicolas Solari, Hotel General Manager and his Chef barman Hill launched a promotion that delighted the guest during the steamy afternoon on the sundeck.
Here is the offer created for this event: Hum wish we were there…

Margherita Creation & Refreshing Cocktails


Margharita
Tequila, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Strawberry Margharita
Strawberries, Tequila, Triple Sec, Lemon Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298


Viking Cobbler
Vodka, Grape-Berry Mix
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Caipirinha
White Rum, Limes, Cassonade
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298





Caipiroska
Vodka, Limes, Cassonade
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Strawberry Daiquiri
White Rum, Fresh Strawberries, Lime Juice
By the Glass RMB48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Banana Daiquiri
White Rum, Banana, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Mango Daiquiri
White Rum, Dark Rum,Mango, Honey,
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Kamikaze
Vodka, Tripk sec, lemon Juice, lime Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

China Tropical
Jian Nan Chun, Lime Juice Litchis
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298



Oriental Cobbler
Gin, Galliano, Lemon Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Pina-Mohito
White Rum, Mint, Pineapple Juice
By the Glass RMB 48
By the Pitcher RMB 298

Press Trip on the STAR

For the first time, a press trip took place this year on the Viking Star and was accompanied on location during the first four days by Franka Böhme. In addition to five journalists, a photographer was also on board and provided us with much new picture material for the short stretch of the Danube. The journalists participated in the Mozart trip and were offered a comprehensive insight into the life and work of Mozart. In addition to all the culture and history, there was also plenty of time for rest and relaxation in keeping with the Viking motto.

The beautiful, warm summer nights often prompted them to stay on deck with a cocktail and experience both Captain Horvath's steering skills as he maneuvered through the many locks and a full moon that seemed unbelievably close. During the crew show, the focus was primarily on fun. In particular, the ladies responded to hotel manager Patzenhauer's "Udo Jürgens performance" with enthusiastic storms of applause.

At this point, we would like to once again thank the entire crew for taking care of everyone in such a friendly way!

Apprentice Training on Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises Is the Only River Cruise Company that Trains About 13 Sailors (m/f) as Crew Members for Inland Waterways Every Year

Some children dream of becoming train engineers and speeding through the countryside, while others would like to become pilots and soar above it all – and some long to steer a ship and travel at a leisurely pace on the waterways. Viking River Cruises makes the dream of ruling over the helm of a ship true every year for 13 trainees. Since the founding of the company in 1997, Viking River Cruises - the Number One for river cruises – has trained crew members for the inland waterways and is therefore the only river cruise agency in Germany that trains in the nautical area. Viking River Cruises also trains people in France.

The vocational-school students complete the theoretical portion of three years of training during three 13-week teaching units at the Rhine Vocational School for Mariners. The schedule includes subjects such as engine theory, electrical theory, waterway geography, and English. International shipping law is also taught since the training applies to the entire Rhine River basin with the countries of Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

In between the sessions, the students are involved in practical work. Anyone hired by Viking River Cruises is put to work on the company's Rhine, Danube, or Elbe River ships; a total of 23 ships sail for Viking River Cruises on the great waterways of the world. During this time, the students must learn the actual navigation of the river cruise ship. This also includes initially becoming familiar with the traffic regulations and shipping signals in the live situation and putting the contents of the school subject "Waterway Theory" to practical use. In addition to specialized knowledge and many practical tips from their instructor, the ship's captain, they also learn how to plan life on board. Depending on the schedule, they sometimes already have to cast off at 4 a.m. – but people also do not get seasick on board the river cruiser.

Those who are hired by Viking River Cruises can usually reckon with an employment contract after the training. "Up to now, we have taken on all of the trainees as sailors," according to Thomas Bogler, the Vice-President of Nautics at Viking River Cruises. After some practical work experience and for candidates who are at least 21 years old, the vocational development often continues: It is followed by the training as a master mariner – which is generally called "captain" – with a final patent examination.

There are also good prospects for master mariners at Viking River Cruises: "Almost all of our master mariners have already completed their training as master mariners for inland waterways," explains Thomas Bogler. He is certain that "this means we can depend one-hundred percent on our nautical personnel and be certain that we are working with the best sailors and captains in the river cruise industry."

As the only training river-cruise company in Germany for the nautical area, it's a foregone conclusion for Thomas Bogler to become involved on behalf of the younger generation as the Chairman of the Training Ship Commission. In addition to operating the school, Bogler organizes specialized courses such as respiratory-protection or safety courses or even instruction as first-aid assistants, in which trainees from other cruise companies can also participate.