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Friday 20 September 2013

Viking Cruises partners with Maritime Museum to officially open "Vikings - Beyond the Legend" Exhibition


Viking Cruises, as the major partner of the Australian National Maritime Museum and the ‘modern day Viking’, officially opened the exhibition “Vikings – Beyond the Legend”. 500 guests poured in to the Maritime Museum to view the exhibition, which was developed by the Swedish History Museum and is the largest exhibition of its kind. Guests were graced by the presence of HE Ambassador Sven-Olof Peterson as well as enjoyed a Viking re-enactment and also burying the myth about Vikings just being ferocious pagans in horned hats.

Managing Director of Viking Cruises, TeresiaFors, is pleased to support such a historic exhibition and sponsor somethingthat is correlates so closely to Viking’s history.

She said, “We are extremely proud to support and collaborate with the Australian National Maritime Museum on this exciting project. It is a rare opportunity to find something so intimately connected to our history and where there is such an obvious connection to our brand. Viking Cruises believes in offering opportunities for our guests to explore history and culture in comfort and it is therefore a natural step to partner with a distinguished cultural institution such as the Australian National Maritime Museum.”

Developed by the Swedish History Museum Vikings – Beyond the Legend draws on recent archaeological discoveries and hundreds of rare artefacts to shed new light on the Viking way of life and quash stereotypes of Vikings as ferocious, plundering pagans in horned helmets. Visitors to the exhibition will see hundreds of unique artefacts, many never before seen in Australia, including exquisite gold and silver pendants, theoldest known Scandinavian crucifix, beautifully designed jewellery such as arm bands, neck rings, and brooches, small statuettes of Norse gods, and Vikingswords ranging in date from 700-1100AD which demonstrate the intricacy of Viking arts, craft, and metal work technologies. “Vikings have come to symbolise the terror of the so-called Dark Ages in Europe. They are a persistent presence in popular culture and hold a fascination for people even here in Australia,” says Australian National Maritime Museum curator Dr Stephen Gapps.

Viking longship on the Rhine
Modern day Vikings

Viking River Cruises, founded by Chairman and cruise industry stalwart, Norwegian Mr Torstein Hagen, is offering 22 itineraries in 2014 ranging from 8 to 23 days in length. While the majority of its river cruises are in Europe, the company is also a Russia specialist with a comprehensive journey and following the Vikings old sailing routes along the Volga, Neva and Svir between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

As previously announced Viking River Cruises set a world record in March 2013 with the christening of ten new Viking Longships®, developed using techniques used by the historical Vikings and named after Gods and Goddesses from the Viking pantheon. The first-of-its-kind simultaneous christening ceremony in Amsterdam debuted the ships and was certified by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator as ‘The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company.’ A further 12 Longships will be launched in 2014. Designed by legendary naval architects Yran & Storbraaten, the team behind The Yachts of Seabourn, these new vessels offer state-of-the-art engineering, patented design* and luxury.

Viking 21st century longship
Today’s Longships

These ships features: 95 comfortable outsidestaterooms (2 Explorer Suites [except Viking Hemming and Viking Torgil], 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms), all suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, and walking track. Aquavit Terrace® with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the boat, and grills for al fresco dining. Observation lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views. Library corner and on board boutique, elevator and free shipwide wireless internet service. These ships also feature ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibration for a smoother ride.

For bookings travellers can call toll-free 1800 131 744 (Australia) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) and visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au for more information.

Vikings – Beyond the Legend opens on 19 September 2013 until 2 February 2014. Tickets are $27 adults, $16 child/concession, $70 family. The Australian National Maritime Museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm daily. All enquiries (02) 9298 3777 or visit www.anmm.gov.au/vikings.


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