Viking Cruises is already known for its unique small ship boutique-style cruising, top notch service and the convenience of all-inclusive pricing.
Add an exciting list of international destinations to every Viking Ocean cruise itinerary, and the cruise experience becomes a rewarding one few can match.
Yet another way Viking distinguishes itself from the cruise competition is by offering a wide selection of cultural enrichment programs, both on board and on shore.
Designed to provide guests with information and knowledge, Viking’s cultural enrichment activities deliver invaluable insight into every destination.
Here are the many ways Viking incorporates the local culture into the rewarding cruise experience.
Viking's immersive cultural experiences explained. #cruise @VikingCruisesAU via @WellTravelledAU
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Resident Historians
Viking carefully selects their faculty of historians for a level of enrichment that brings a city or region to life. Delivering destination and journey specific information through lectures and small group discussions, Viking guests will learn about the history, culture and traditions of the various stops along the way.
Viking’s lecture programs showcase a destination’s art, history, music and geo-politics, as well as the natural environment. Lectures are hosted by experts and can include authors, archaeologists, former diplomats and news correspondents.
TED talks
TED Talks – Image courtesy Viking Cruises.
TED talks have become popular in the media world for their insightful approach to bold, new topics. TED talks are screened on board Viking’s ocean fleet and on stateroom televisions with fascinating presentations on a wide-range of topics.
Destination performances
Destination performances in select locations – Image courtesy Viking Cruises.
Viking itineraries include at least one destination performance. These acts reflect the traditions and heritage of a destination through dance, music and theatre. Examples might include an opera performance in Italy, traditional Greek dancing or Portuguese fado.
Munch Moments
Munch Moments – Image courtesy Viking Cruises.
Having an exclusive arrangement with Oslo’s Munch Museum, Viking showcases the works of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, throughout the ship.
Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Cruising far north in Norway’s winter, witness what few others see: wondrous snow-dusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky.
Far East Discovery
Experience the colourful cultural tapestry of East Asia. Overnights in four ports provide ample time for full immersion. Chat with vendors in Hong Kong’s bustling Stanley Market. Visit Quanzhou, the start of the legendary Maritime Silk Road. Stroll alongside residents on Shanghai’s world-famous Bund. Learn about the powerful Ryukyu Dynasty in Japan, and explore a lesser-known segment of the Great Wall.
Bali to Sydney
Your exclusive package from Well Travelled, includes 16-night cruise Benoa (Bali) to Sydney; 3-nights accommodation in Nusa Dua with breakfast; airport transfer; flight Sydney to Bali (ask for other available cities).
Viking Homelands
Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day cruise. Enjoy overnights in cosmopolitan Stockholm and St. Petersburg, and explore charming historic city centres in Tallinn and Gdańsk.
Mediterranean Odyssey
Set sail on a 13-day journey through the storied ages from sunny Barcelona to the South of France and Tuscany and on to eternal Rome and the magical waterways of Venice.
Into The Midnight Sun
This 15-day voyage is an unparalleled exploration from the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia to the remote outposts of Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands.
Alaska & Inside Passage
Cruise this pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forest and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, meet local Tlingit who have fished these waters for centuries, and hear tales both tall and true of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive.
The Met Under the Stars
The Met Opera – Image courtesy Viking Cruises.
No ordinary opera performance, this “Live in HD” production is screened under the simulated night sky of the theatre. The production offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at a Met Opera performance and includes backstage interviews and more.
Port Talks
Viking Star lounge area.
For an preview of the next day’s port visit, onboard port talks provide multimedia presentations about the history and culture of the destination, as well as an overview of the must see landmarks.
Destination-specific short films provide a revealing look at a city or region and its way of life through quirky stories and personal anecdotes, inspiring visitors to engage with each place in new and interesting ways.
Art and Design Guide
Download this revealing app for behind-the-scenes stories on your ship’s public spaces and art work. Once on board, the app can be used for onboard tours of the Nordic art collection.
Resident Classical Musicians
Classical Music performances nightly onboard – Image courtesy Viking Cruises.
From the well-known, to the lesser known works of classical music, Viking’s resident pianist, guitarist, violinist and flautist perform uplifting melodies throughout the ship.
The Kitchen Table
What better way to become immersed in the local culture, than through food? Viking’s onboard cooking schools highlight the unique dishes and flavours of a destination, while onshore tours include visits to local markets where the finest ingredients are purchased for the making of regional recipes.
Popular Viking Ocean cruise itineraries
Northern Lights Cruise
Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Cruising far north in Norway’s winter, witness what few others see: wondrous snow-dusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky.
Far East Discovery
Experience the colourful cultural tapestry of East Asia. Overnights in four ports provide ample time for full immersion. Chat with vendors in Hong Kong’s bustling Stanley Market. Visit Quanzhou, the start of the legendary Maritime Silk Road. Stroll alongside residents on Shanghai’s world-famous Bund. Learn about the powerful Ryukyu Dynasty in Japan, and explore a lesser-known segment of the Great Wall.
Bali to Sydney
Your exclusive package from Well Travelled, includes 16-night cruise Benoa (Bali) to Sydney; 3-nights accommodation in Nusa Dua with breakfast; airport transfer; flight Sydney to Bali (ask for other available cities).
Viking Homelands
Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day cruise. Enjoy overnights in cosmopolitan Stockholm and St. Petersburg, and explore charming historic city centres in Tallinn and Gdańsk.
Mediterranean Odyssey
Set sail on a 13-day journey through the storied ages from sunny Barcelona to the South of France and Tuscany and on to eternal Rome and the magical waterways of Venice.
Into The Midnight Sun
This 15-day voyage is an unparalleled exploration from the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia to the remote outposts of Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands.
Alaska & Inside Passage
Cruise this pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forest and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, meet local Tlingit who have fished these waters for centuries, and hear tales both tall and true of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive.
An Australian / American travel writer, Todd Sturm contributes travel and airline related feature articles for well known travel brands, including Australia's top national lifestyle magazine. Todd has also worked in the airline industry on both sides of the Pacific. His travel passions range from airlines, cruises and luxury hotels, to national parks, historic sites and off-the-beaten-track adventures.
