Viking Cruises celebrated the kickoff today of their inaugural World Cruise aboard their newest ocean ship, Viking Sun. Guests convened in Miami to board the 47,800 ton vessel, which holds 930 passengers and sold out for the grand 141-day itinerary.
World Cruise Details
Viking Sun will spend nearly the next five months on the World Cruise, which will span five continents, 35 countries, and 64 ports. During the journey from Miami to London, guests will first experience Cuba and the Caribbean, then through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles. After that, the ship will sail the South Pacific, Australia, and Asia where it will be christened in Shanghai on March 8. From there, Sun will continue with more Asian ports of call and then head to Europe, finishing the adventure in London on May 5, 2018.
In addition to human guests, six casks of Viking’s own “Linje” Aquavit will also be sailing on the World Cruise. In keeping with a Norwegian tradition that dates back hundreds of years, the Scandinavian spirit will mature in oak barrels during the sailing, crossing the equator (linje) twice as part of the maturing process. According to the tradition, it’s believed that the moving seas and frequent temperature changes cause the alcohol to extract more flavor from the casks.
In 2019, Viking Sun will embark on another World Cruise. The recently announced 128-day itinerary will visit five continents and 21 countries, with 64 ports of of call. Like on all Viking itineraries, World Cruise guests will enjoy a complimentary shore excursion in each port, free unlimited wifi onboard, business-class airfare, and all gratuities and service fees, among other inclusions in the cruise fare.
Viking Sun
Designed for travelers with interests in science, history, culture, and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often touts Viking as “the thinking person’s cruise” as a difference from mainstream lines. Ships are smaller and offer more time in port along with more overnights than most lines. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces and all-veranda staterooms. Dining features regional cuisines as well as American classics that are always available, and a focus on cultural enrichment lets guests dive deep into the cultures they’re experiencing during the voyage.
Every cruise fare includes a veranda cabin, shore excursions in each port, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Travelers also enjoy complimentary amenities like beer and wine with lunch and dinner, self-service laundry, wifi, access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa, and 24-hour room service. From now through December 31, 2017, US residents can take advantage of 2 for 1 cruise fares on select 2018 ocean and river cruise itineraries.
