By Staff Writer
Viking Cruises has announced an epic, 161-day worldwide voyage in 2020/2021 that will sail to six continents and 75 ports – including six the cruise line has never visited before.
Setting sail on December 14, 2020, the Viking World Cruise aboard Viking Sun, an award-winning vessel, will depart from Miami and take passengers on to the Caribbean islands and then the South Pacific before various ports in Asia, including Hong Kong and Bangkok. Guests will then voyage to the Middle East with ports in Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Israel followed by a journey through the Mediterranean before Viking Sun makes its final berth in London.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen is calling the voyage one of “the most immersive and culturally enriching itineraries available”.
Luxury cruise companies across the board have upped the ante on their shore excursion offerings in the past few years, responding to traveller demand for deeper destination immersion, and Viking’s new worldwide voyage is no exception. There are 13 overnight stays in various cities scheduled throughout the worldwide journey.
“We are a destination-focused travel company, and it has always been our priority to help our guests connect to the destination,” added Hagen, suggesting guests will be able to delve into a more immersive cultural experience on board Viking Sun.
Viking World Cruise highlights include:
- Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii : At this new port location guest can enjoy beautiful beach walks on Waikiki, or historical landmarks such as Pearl Harbor.
- Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii: Known for its beautiful botanical gardens, guest can admire the lush vegetation the island has to offer or follow the path of explorer Captain James Cook. For art lovers, this island also boasts one of the largest collections of bronze sculptures.
- Moorea (Opunohu Bay), French Polynesia: Known for its beauty, cuisine and fusion of European and Asian culture, travellers can enjoy the landscape from a catamaran or on land with the locals.
- Hue (Chan May), Vietnam: With castles, temples and citadels spanning dynasties, history buffs can immerse themselves in legends of long-fought battles, while foodies will can satisfy their cravings in the traditional food market.
- Mumbai, India: The bustling city of Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. While in port, guests can learn about the iconic activist Gandhi or enjoy the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the city.
- Istanbul, Turkey: Known as the destination ‘where East meets West’, experience this historic city that straddles two continents and explore a wealth of religious sites such as the spectacular Blue Mosque or the legendary Hagia Sophia
- London (Greenwich), England: Guests will end their sailing in the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights including the Tower of London, House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In addition to the Viking World Cruise, Viking is also offering a 141-day voyage, Viking World Discovers, departing from Los Angeles on January 4, 2021 and visiting 27 countries and 66 ports.
The Details
Pricing for the 2020-2021 Viking World Cruise starts at $85,995 per person and 2021 Viking World Discoveries starts at $75,995 per person. Prices includes Business class international airfares, transportation to and from the ship, gratuities and service fees, visa services and a beverage package. Details can be found vikingcruises.com.au