Viking announced that it has partnered with Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and Carnival Films for the release of the new full-length film, Downton Abbey: A New Era. The movie is the continuation of the first Downton Abbey film and TV series.
During its sponsorship of the show through the years Downton Abbey aired on PBS, Viking became a household name. The extension of the partnership builds on Viking’s commitment to enriching cultural programming.
The continuation of the 2019 film reunites the principal cast, following the Crawley family and the staff of Downton Abbey. Beyond the Downton estate, this movie will also see the family’s travel to the south of France to explore the region and uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. This will be the first time that viewers see the Crawleys travel outside the UK.
Monday, April 25 was the movie’s global premiere in London. It will debut in U.S. theaters on May 20.
“Many of our guests were introduced to both Viking and Highclere Castle while watching the acclaimed Downton Abbey series. For more than a decade, we have been connected with Downton Abbey and the team at Carnival Films, through the television series and the first film, and we are proud to continue that partnership,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking.
Viking & Highclere Castle
Since 2013, Viking has offered guests a variety of ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, which is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Privileged Access Pre/Post Extensions include the Oxford & Highclere Castle and Great Homes, Gardens & Gin extensions, both of which are available to guests on select river and ocean sailings.
Also for passengers on the Pharaohs & Pyramids Nile River cruise itinerary, VIking offers the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt Pre Extension, which gives guests an introduction to Egyptian antiquities in preparation for their Nile experience — and includes retracing the steps of the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
Guests experience Privileged Access to archives and museum exhibits not normally accessible to the public, and at Highclere Castle, have the opportunity to view the Earl’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
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Viking River Cruises in France
For those looking to explore France like the Crawley family in the upcoming film, Viking offers eight river voyages with ports throughout the country.
In the south, Viking’s eight-night Lyon & Provence travels between Avignon and Lyon along the Rhône River, allowing guests to explore the region’s Roman history and enjoy its acclaimed wines.
Additionally, guests on the 15-night France’s Finest itinerary will experience the best of the country’s art, cuisine, style, and history during the journey between Paris and Avignon. Visitors will enjoy the culinary heritage of Lyon, the wine region of Burgundy, and travel throughout the northern region of France and pay their respects at the historic beaches of Normandy.
Other river voyages in France are also available, including the new eight-night Christmas on the Seine itinerary that sails roundtrip from Paris.
Downton Abbey Sweepstakes
Through June 30, 2022, Viking is offering two sweepstakes for U.S. and Canadian residents to win grand prize trips for two on Viking’s eight-night river voyage, Paris & the Heart of Normandy as well as the three-night Privileged Access land extension program Oxford & Highclere Castle.
The winner will also receive roundtrip international Business Class air for two.
Entries are open through April 30 for the current grand prize, and May 1 through June 30 for the second grand prize.
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