After embarking from Amsterdam on July 5, the new Viking Legend is nearing the end of its inaugural voyage. During the 15-day Grand European Tour, the new ship has been navigating the water of five nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. As the ship sails down the Rhine and Danube Rivers passengers can enjoy the scenery in nearly every public area of the ship, from the panoramic windows in the atrium to the 360 degree views on the outdoor sundeck. Of the ships 97 staterooms, an impressive 74 percent offer French balconies, and all of the remaining rooms contain a picture window.

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Yesterday, the luxury cruise line Peter Deilmann made a surprising announcement that it will be discontinuing its river cruises in 2010, as reported by Travel Weekly and others. The German cruise line has been offering four and five star niche cruises for nearly 25 years now, and has collected an impressive list of awards. 

The company cited economic conditions, fluctuating exchange rates, and a drop in passenger numbers as reasons for the decision, and all eight of the river ships will be sold after the summer sailing season has ended. Although this is the end of its river cruise program, it plans on continuing ocean cruising with luxury liner, the ms Deutschland.  

It is disappointing to see another casualty of the difficult times, especially one that was so well revered in the cruise industry.