Viking River Cruises has confirmed it has placed an order for two additional Viking Longships in 2013.

The development means the number of new ships launching next year to eight – an industry first – and a total of 14 new Viking Longships over a two year period.

“As the fastest-growing segment of travel, river cruising is inspiring more vacation plans than ever before,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises.

“We are very pleased by the response we have seen to our new Viking Longships, and we are continuing our expansion to meet that demand.”

Viking Longships integrate patent-pending design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends, such as:

Two Explorer Suites, the largest river cruise suites in Europe at 445 square feet, each featuring a separate living room, bedroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views.

Seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom.

A revolutionary new all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, which reinvents the onboard lounge experience by bringing the panoramic outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors allowing guests to enjoy the scenery and dine al fresco.

New premium in-cabin amenities that include heated bathroom floors and mirrors, Sony HD TVs and premium bath products.

Sustainability upgrades, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.