Just when it looked like 2013 couldn’t get any better for Viking River Cruises, it did: the line announced on Friday that it would launch two additional Viking Longships next year, bringing the total number to be delivered in 2013 to eight.

“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.”

This year, Viking River Cruises will take delivery of six Longships – the first four of which entered service this spring. By the end of 2013, Viking will have built and launched an astonishing 14 Viking Longships in a two-year period.

While that may seem like a remarkable number, it also makes sense given the immense popularity of these new vessels with passengers. Viking, it seems, has managed to hit on the magic formula that combines modern, big-ship styling with the intimate warmth and ambiance of a traditional river cruise. The company is so sure of their design, they’ve even taken steps to patent certain aspects, like the off-set corridor placement that has allowed them to create full suites next to more traditional accommodations.

Each Viking Longhsip features 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size, step-out balconies. An additional 22 French Balcony Staterooms feature a more traditional, floor-to-ceiling window that opens to create a French balcony.

At the top of the pack, the ship’s two Explorer Suites measure 445 square feet and feature a separate living room, bedroom and private, wraparound, aft-facing veranda with a 270-degree view.

An additional seven Veranda Suites feature a two-room concept, with a full-size, step-out veranda in the living room and a traditional French balcony in the bedroom.

All of this is complemented by small touches throughout the ships, like floor-to-ceiling windows throughout; an onboard herb garden; solar panels; heated bathroom floors; and a soaring atrium surrounded by glass windows, walls, and accents.

More information on the Viking Longships can be found on our detailed Viking River Cruises overview.