In its quest to “reinvent ocean cruising”, Viking Ocean Cruises has added another five sumptuous new voyages for the 2018/19 season.
Viking’s elegant boutique fleet of ocean ships that have a maximum passenger capacity of just 930 have attracted loyal patronage among regular cruisers.
With their ability to manoeuvre into places larger vessels cannot and a focus on relaxed luxury, the Viking fleet offers a unique alternative to the typical ocean cruise experience.
New cruises in 2018 and 2019
- Western Mediterranean Explorer
- North Pacific Passage
- Far Eastern Horizons
- Passage to India
- Alaska & the Inside Passage
1. Western Mediterranean Explorer
This cruise takes in five countries with 10 guided tours over a spectacular 13 days.
The journey starts in Rome and from there, it’s an enchanting itinerary with port visits in France, Monaco, Spain and Portugal.
And with a complimentary excursion at every stop, a resident historian onboard, Classical music performances, mostly alfresco dining at sea, twice daily housekeeping and private verandahs in staterooms, this is a luxurious way to navigate the highlights of Europe.
And remember, Viking offers pre and post cruise extensions and in this case, it’s Rome or Lisbon you can top and/or tail your trip with.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Rome, Italy
Step aboard to begin your journey. The ship will be berthed in Civitavecchia, the closest port to the airport and Rome. Relax and settle in to your well-appointed stateroom, perhaps also unwinding at our Infinity Pool. We remain in port overnight, giving you the opportunity to dine ashore should you wish.
Day 2 — Florence/Pisa, Italy
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany with an included, well-curated tour of Pisa. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day tour that combines Pisa and Florence. Begin with a scenic drive through the countryside to Florence, where you will stroll by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Then on to the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the attractive Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. In Pisa, you will have time to explore the Square of Miracles, including the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Day 3 — Monte Carlo, Monaco
Enjoy a full day in Monaco, the playground for the rich and famous, as well as the gateway to the beautiful South of France. Visit medieval Monaco, stopping at the Prince’s Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the burial site of the royal family, including American actress Grace Kelly. As we stay late in port, you will have time to step inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the most prestigious and celebrated gambling mecca on earth. As an option, venture out of town to the legendary perfumeries in Grasse, or stroll along the English promenade in glamorous Nice.
Day 4 — Toulon, France
Today, enjoy a full day to walk through the small streets and lovely squares of Toulon’s Old Quarter. Pass through the Place de la Liberté and the Place Puget with its curious 18th-century fountain, stroll by the Gothic cathedral and walk through the colorful market of Cours Lafayette. Consider a visit to the coastal town of Aix-en-Provence or Cassis, famed for its dramatic vistas of the sea cliffs of Cap Canaille. Originally known as a royal port of call through the Napoleonic wars, Toulon is regarded as the gateway to Provence, the fabled countryside of wine, cheese, olive oil and lavender. Catch a whiff of lavender or the scent of bouillabaisse coming from a nearby café, where you may have to stop and indulge in those aromatics.
Day 5 — Marseille, France
Visit Marseille, France’s oldest city, rich in timeless treasures. Discover its atmospheric Old Port, overseen by two 17th-century fortresses. The picturesque quay was built on the order of Louis XII and Louis XIII and is one of the world’s most romantic walks. As you explore, take in the beauty of its natural harbor, dotted with elegant yachts. Marvel at the church of Notre Dame de la Garde and Palais Longchamp, or venture to Aix-en-Provence with its tree-shaded squares and wide boulevards.
Day 6 — Barcelona, Spain
Soak up the charm of sunny Barcelona, the Catalonian capital of culture. Stroll along Las Ramblas, take in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí or explore the myriad side streets of the ancient Gothic Quarter. If you didn’t take yesterday’s included guided tour you can do so today. Or opt for one of the many optional tours.
Day 7 — Barcelona, Spain
Awake in Barcelona and further explore the Catalonian capital. Start on Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian boulevard. Or take a turn through the myriad side streets of the Gothic Quarter, where the ancient and the modern sit side by side, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Or head to the Passeig de Gràcia, a boulevard renowned for its architecture, including works by Antoni Gaudí. Or opt for one of the many optional tours.
Day 8 — Valencia, Spain
Spain’s Mediterranean port of Valencia is a mecca for lovers of one of the country’s most iconic dishes, paella. Choose from a wide array of variations of the dish at restaurants throughout town, perhaps with a glass of local wine. Or sample the city’s other specialty, horchata. You’ll also want to visit the famous Lladró porcelain factory, world renowned for its imaginative and delicate figurines.
Day 9 — Cartagena, Spain
Uncover the rich history of Cartagena today, brimming with remarkable architecture spanning the ages, from the days of Rome to Art Nouveau. Outside the city, marvel at the beauty of Murcia’s stunning Mar Menor, or Minor Sea, an inland sea formed by an accumulation of coastal sediment. You may have a chance to sample locally produced wine. Alternately, explore Cartagena’s impressive Roman Theater and its Roman Forum.
Day 10 — Granada, Spain
Today you can experience firsthand the stuff of Andalucian dreams. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga is the gateway to Andalucia, the seductive province of rolling hills and endless olive groves. An included tour features the 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, residence of Arabian caliphs, the ancient Moorish Gibralfaro Castle, the Renaissance Cathedral and Picasso’s birthplace. Or, choose to explore the mighty Alhambra Palace in Granada, one of Spain’s most treasured sites.
Day 11 — Seville, Spain
At today’s port, you’ll have a rare chance to explore what many considered the gateway to the New World for all the voyages that left here for unknown shores. The port of Cádiz offers a wealth of treasures. On an included tour, you’ll follow passageways into elaborate plazas. Stop at the Torre Tavira, once a lookout for merchants, and marvel at the city’s baroque, gold-domed cathedral. Alternately, explore the colorful city of Seville, where a grand Cathedral, Giralda Tower and the Alcázar Palace were built by the wealth of Spanish kings. Spend free time sipping sherry at a bodega or shopping for local wares.
Day 12 — Lisbon, Portugal
Today, explore the labyrinthine streets of Lisbon’s Alfama District and the 12th-century Sé Cathedral (Lisbon Cathedral). On an included panoramic tour of this seafaring capital, you’ll also trace the Tagus River to the Elevador da Gloria, a funicular train that takes you to the hilltop suburb of Bairro Alto. Soak up magical views and shop the lively Chiado Quarter. Or, consider an excursion through the countryside to Sintra, renowned for its multi-hued palaces and stalwart castles. You can also choose an excursion to see Lisbon’s architectural masterpieces, including the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and the adjacent Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 13 — Lisbon, Portugal
Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or explore more with Viking during an extended stay in Lisbon.
HANDPICKED RELATED STORIES…
- 10 reasons you’ll love Viking Ocean Cruises
- Viking’s new ship to visit 66 ports
- What to expect on Viking Ocean Cruises
2. North Pacific Passage
This fascinating journey over 23 days departs Tokyo and ultimately arrives in Vancouver.
Along the way, you’ll cross the Bering Sea following the original path of migration west to the Americas. You’ll also visit frontier towns from the wilds of Alaska to the beauty of Yokohama.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Tokyo, Japan
Embark today in Yokohama and settle in for a fascinating journey that bridges the cultures of Asia and North America. Settle in to your veranda stateroom and explore your ship, perhaps browsing our onboard art collection. Later, head for dinner in our elegant main dining room, The Restaurant.
Day 2 — Tokyo, Japan
Call on Yokohama, gateway to Tokyo. Formerly known as Edo, today’s Tokyo is the cultural and economic heart of Japan, residence of its emperor and a fascinating study in contrasts. Explore Tokyo on your own today. Perhaps you will explore Shinjuku Gyoen, a picturesque garden influenced by French, English and Japanese styles. Or ride the city’s famous subway to the Ginza district, Tokyo’s glittering shopping district of neon lights, luxurious shops and bustling coffeehouses, anchored by the Wako store and its famous Hattori Clock Tower.
Day 3 — Cruise the Tsugaru Strait
Cross the Tsugaru Strait today in northern Japan, linking the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. More than a geographic boundary between Japan’s two largest islands, it was also declared a zoological border when English naturalist Thomas Blakiston observed animals related to northern Asian species on Hokkaidō and others related to southern Asian species on Honshū. As you sail, enjoy Japanese-inspired cuisine at the World Café and perhaps sip some sake, a Japanese rice wine, this evening.
Day 4 — Sapporo, Japan
Arrive in Sapporo for an overnight stay, allowing you ample time to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Japan’s northern island. The city is renowned for its ability to transform the natural world into the highest art. Central to Sapporo’s cuisine is miso ramen; the noodle dish was invented here and restaurants line the Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (Original Sapporo Ramen Street) to celebrate its many forms. The city’s golden Sapporo beer is produced here in a 19th-century brick brewery. If you wish, you may attend a special dinner with a geisha performance this evening.
Day 5 — Sapporo, Japan
A city tour takes you to the Hokkaidō Shrine, nestled in a deep forest, and to the Ishiya Shiroi Koibito Park. Visit a chocolate factory where Sapporo’s famous white-chocolate cookies, Shiroi Koibito, are made, and the bustling market, where you will get a true taste of local life. Alternately, you may set out on a Hanami outing, a “flower viewing” excursion to seek out the city’s most beautiful blooms.
Day 6 — Korsakov, Russia
Cruise into Aniva Bay to berth at the southern end of Russia’s Sakhalin Island. As you explore by coach and foot, you will learn about the city’s original inhabitants, the Ainu people from Japan and Russia. Visit Lenin Square and enjoy a folkloric performance at the cultural centre. If you wish, see more of the area during an island tour that reveals the mixed Russian and Japanese heritage.
Day 7 — Cruise the Sea of Okhotsk
Cruise the waters of the Sea of Okhotsk today, named for the first Russian settlement in the Far East. This former whale-hunting ground once attracted whalers from as far as the United States and France. As you sail, perhaps you’ll enjoy a soothing spa treatment or learn about your next destination during a lecture. Tonight, enjoy a fine meal with wine pairings at The Chef’s Table.
Day 8 — Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Call on the main cultural centre of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, perched on the high scenic hills of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This fascinating, remote Russian town is surrounded by volcanoes and inaccessible except by sea and air. Soon after its founding, it grew into one of Russia’s most important eastern settlements. Our overnight stay here lets you explore up close. On board, enjoy a Destination Performance that embodies the rich traditions of this city.
Day 9 — Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Explore Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky today, set amid picturesque hills. Take in views of Avacha Bay from a scenic overlook, and learn about the area’s natural history and heritage at the cultural museum. Enjoy a panoramic drive, stopping to visit the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and concluding at Lenin Square, where you will have free time to explore. You might also venture into the rugged countryside to view the peninsula’s soaring chain of volcanoes or visit a Koryak village to witness how native people have lived for centuries.
Day 10 — Cruise the Bering Sea
Begin your crossing of the legendary Bering Sea today. By some accounts, the water level was once so low here that humans and animals migrated by foot across a land bridge, marking the first major migration into the Americas. You will journey by a far more comfortable means, perhaps relaxing with a book in The Library or sharing coffee or a drink with new friends in The Living Room.
Day 11 — Cross the International Date Line
As you cross the International Date Line today, you will “cruise into yesterday,” gaining a day. Crossing this meridian is a time-honored travel milestone long marked by ceremony. You can raise a glass to the event, whether you’re celebrating in the Explorers’ Lounge or on the Aquavit Terrace.
Day 12 — Cruise the Bering Sea
Continue your Bering Sea crossing. This northern body is named for Danish explorer Vitus Bering, who under Russian service charted these waters in 1728. Join an onboard lecture to learn about your upcoming Alaska ports today. This evening, listen to the strains of jazz over your favorite cocktail at Torshavn.
Day 13 — Dutch Harbor, United States
Call in Dutch Harbor today, a charming town on the Unalaska Island of the Aleutians known to locals simply as “Dutch.” This was home to the Aleut people for millennia. The Russian fur trade reached its shores in the mid-18th century, and the United States set up military bases here during World War II. There’ll be time for you to go ashore and explore on your own, absorbing a rich island heritage in a picturesque island setting surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
Day 14 — Cruise the Gulf of Alaska
Sail into the Gulf of Alaska today. You might enjoy a workout or yoga session in the Fitness Center or browse our onboard Viking Heritage exhibit as you cruise. Enjoy authentic Norwegian fare at Mamsen’s gourmet deli for lunch and freshly prepared Italian dishes at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant for dinner.
Day 15 — Kodiak, United States
Take in the magnificent setting of Kodiak, the major city on its namesake island. Inhabited by Alutiiq natives for seven millennia, it became the capital of Russian Alaska in the 18th century. A walking tour leads you past the Holy Resurrection Church, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1945, and the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository, where artifacts chronicle the past of the native people. During a stroll along the harbor, learn about the city’s booming fishing industry. Alternately, you might join an exciting bear safari by floatplane, perhaps spotting humpback whales during your flight to the Katmai coast.
Day 16 — Seward, United States
Discover Seward today, a modest seaport named after Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of state, who defied public opinion to pursue the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The small city is also renowned as the starting point of the world-famous Iditarod dogsled race. Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you will learn about the marine world that thrives right off the coast. If you wish, venture farther afield to Katmai National Park to visit Exit Glacier or capture breathtaking aerial views from an optional helicopter excursion.
Day 17 — Valdez, United States
Call in Valdez today, named after a Spanish secretary of the navy. Explorers and gold seekers flocked to Valdez before it became Alaska’s northernmost ice-free port. Today, it is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that carries oil south from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic coast. Learn about the town’s history during a walking tour. Or opt for an excursion to the magnificent Columbia Tidal Glacier in Prince William Sound, and perhaps try your luck catching some of Alaska’s famous salmon.
Day 18 — Scenic Cruising: Yakutat Bay
Today you will witness some of Alaska’s most breathtaking and pristine scenery. Cruise into majestic Yakutat Bay to the point where it narrows to become Disenchantment Bay, so named by its Spanish discoverer who was hoping to find the fabled Northwest Passage and instead faced the imposing icy wall of Hubbard Glacier. Today, the spectacular glacier steadily advances into the water, blocking tributary fjords and slowly pushing ice and debris down from the St. Elias Mountains.
Day 19 — Icy Strait Point, United States
Discover the old canning station at Icy Strait Point today. Fully restored by the Native American Tlingit community from nearby Hoonah, it is an exquisite time capsule revealing how locals once earned a living from the rich fishing grounds. Celebrate the Tlingit culture during a cultural presentation by locals in traditional ceremonial dress. You might also join a whale-watching excursion to spot some of the many creatures that flock to these food-rich waters. Or hop a floatplane to soar over the breathtaking expanse of Glacier Bay National Park, just across the strait.
Day 20 — Sitka, United States
Glimpse the Russian influence in Sitka, once the capital of Russian Alaska. Enjoy an enlightening walking tour to learn more about the fur trade that brought the Russians here. See the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, built by the Tlingit with guidance from Finnish carpenters in the 1840s. As you explore, you will see many art galleries displaying the work of artists who have been inspired by the region’s natural beauty for decades. If you’d like, board a plane or boat for inspiring views of Mt. Edgecumbe, an extinct volcano on a nearby island.
Day 21 — Ketchikan, United States
Discover Alaska’s “first city,” as it is known to travelers coming by ship from the south. Ketchikan was home to the Tlingit long before the arrival of white settlers, as you’ll see in the many old and new totem poles that grace the town. During a tour, walk in the footsteps of lumberjacks, fishermen, con artists and ladies of the night in this once lawless frontier town, and embark an amphibious vehicle for a unique “Duck Boat” tour. If you’d like to venture beyond the town, visit Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords National Monument, where seaplanes and 4×4 vehicles take you beyond the beaten path.
Day 22 — Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Take in the natural splendor of one of Alaska’s most scenic waterways, the famed Inside Passage. You will navigate the Strait of Georgia, the Seymour Narrows and the Granville Channel, reveling in an endless canvas of beauty. Sail past rainforests spilling down steep cliffs to the shore. Keep a watchful eye for orcas, dolphins and whales. Overhead, a wide array of birds take wing, from bald eagles and cormorants to several species of gulls, all feeding on the plentiful bounty of fish in the waters below.
Day 23 — Vancouver, Canada
Arrive in Vancouver today, British Columbia’s cultural capital, in a scenic setting between mountains and sea. You will disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Vancouver to explore this vibrant city.
3. Far Eastern Horizons
From Hong Kong to Tokyo over 15 days, you will be captivated by the ancient traditions and cultures of one of the most seductive corners of Asia.
Highlights include seeing first-hand the amazing recovery of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the richness and vibrance of Shimizu and Tokyo and Hong Kong’s bustling streetlife.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Hong Kong, China
Arrive in dazzling Hong Kong today and embark your ship. Take time to settle in and explore, perhaps admiring the city’s magnificent setting, a glittering forest of skyscrapers standing between soaring mountains, a bustling harbor and offshore islands. Our overnight stay gives you ample time to experience the rich cultural tapestry and unmistakable British influence.
Day 2 — Hong Kong, China
Witness where deeply held Eastern traditions meet modern Western sensibilities during a Hong Kong city tour that takes you up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the metropolis. Continue to the former fishing village of Aberdeen, now a dense and fascinating cluster of residential towers. Or perhaps you’ll venture to nearby Lantau Island or visit the casino-laden port of Macau, the famous former Portuguese outpost.
Day 3 — Cruise the East China Sea
The East China Sea welcomes you today. In the mid-1800s, British, French and American ships made their way to Shanghai across these waters. As you cruise today, enjoy regional cuisine in the World Café or treat yourself to a massage at The Spa.
Day 4 — Taipei, China
Visit the fascinating Taiwanese capital of Taipei on the island’s northern shore. This city boasts a curious blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a monument dedicated to the founding father of Taiwan, and the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine to those who have fallen in China’s wars. You will stop for photos of Taipei 101, a stunning skyscraper that held the reign as “tallest” from 2004 to 2009.
Day 5 — Cruise the East China Sea
Spend a relaxing day on board as you cruise the East China Sea. Perhaps you will learn about your next destination, Japan, in The Library or at an enrichment lecture. Enjoy a Norwegian-inspired lunch at Mamsen’s gourmet deli. This evening, savour wine pairings with your dinner at The Chef’s Table.
Day 6 — Kagoshima, Japan
Situated on a scenic bay formed by a sunken caldera and overseen by the Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima is often called the “Naples of the Eastern World” for its setting. During a city tour, head to the hilltop Shiroyama Park for splendid views of the city and of Sakurajima volcano, and visit the Reimeikan museum in the old city castle to view exhibits of Japan’s history and culture. If you wish, you may join a ferry to get closer to Sakurajima volcano across Kagoshima Bay.
Day 7 — Nagasaki, Japan
Call in Nagasaki today, one of the rare cities in Japan where East and West intermingle, most notably in the delicious cuisine. Dutch traders resided here for two centuries after the shogun expelled missionaries spreading their religious beliefs. The city changed forever on August 9, 1945, destroyed by an atomic bomb. Take in views of today’s modern city from atop Inasayama lookout point and pause at the Nagasaki Peace Park to stroll among moving statues. You will also see the Urakami Cathedral and the island of Dejima, built to house European merchants.
Day 8 — Busan, South Korea
Visit Busan, South Korea’s “second city” after Seoul and one of the world’s largest ports. Busan has been built on 17 centuries of history, yet its modernity is unmistakable and distinct. Get to know its treasures during a hop-on/hop-off bus tour, stopping along the way to explore bustling markets, beaches, parks and other sights. You may also hop off to spend time at the Busan Museum or the Busan Museum of Art; however, admission is at your own expense. Alternately, journey to the magnificent hillside temple of Beomeosa and the coastal temple of Haedong Yonggung.
Day 9 — Hiroshima, Japan
Arrive in Hiroshima for an overnight stay, giving you time to ponder this resilient city. Once at the forefront of industry and education, it grew from the 19th century to become one of Japan’s most important industrial centres. Its devastation on August 6, 1945 is hard to imagine today, so modern and forward-looking are its streets and its people. Contemplate the decades-long recovery at the burned-out shell of the Industrial Promotion Hall and the Peace Memorial Park. Later this evening, enjoy a tour of the illuminated city by night with a stop for a dinner of okonomiyaki, Japanese soul food and sake.
Day 10 — Hiroshima, Japan
Today, you may embark a ferry to discover the wooded hills and cherished Itsukushima Shrine on the picturesque Itsukushima Island. Widely referred to as Miyajima Island (Shrine Island), it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main portal, a dramatic red torii gate, stands in the surf during high tide. The shrine’s pagoda boasts five stories. If you prefer, you may explore more of Hiroshima on your own, perhaps paying your respects at the Children’s Peace Monument; its Flame of Peace will burn until the last nuclear weapon on the planet has been dismantled.
Day 11 — Osaka, Japan
Home to two of Japan’s oldest shrines, Osaka is a pilgrimage site for many devout followers of Shinto. Make a visit to Osaka Castle. Originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt twice since, it is a treasure trove of armoury and artefacts. At Sumiyoshi Temple, admire the fine architecture that stretches back 17 centuries, a stark and elegant style with vivid red beams and columns. If you wish, you may journey to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial city of stunning shrines, bamboo forests and the splendid Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
Day 12 — Shimizu, Japan
Arrive in Shimizu for an overnight stay, affording you time to get to know this historic city on the shores of Suruga Bay and explore farther afield to the famous Mt. Fuji. In Shimizu, visit the original burial spot of the first shogun, the Shinto shrine of Kunōzan Tōshō-gū. With its flamboyant design and bright colours, it is a testament to the status that these military dictators held in the eyes of the emperor who appointed them. You can view the suits of armour, tachi (swords) and other artefacts and enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the way.
Day 13 — Shimizu, Japan
You have another day to relax and enjoy the lush natural surroundings of Shimizu. You may also travel to the slopes of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest peak. You will ascend to an elevation of 7,900 feet, passing pristine countryside and charming small villages. Pause your journey to view the work of famed artist Utagawa Hiroshige in a museum dedicated to the Japanese landscape master.
Day 14 — Tokyo, Japan
Call on Yokohama, gateway to Tokyo. Formerly known as Edo, today’s Tokyo is the cultural and economic heart of Japan, residence of its emperor and a fascinating study in contrasts. Explore Tokyo on your own today. Perhaps you will explore Shinjuku Gyoen, a picturesque garden influenced by French, English and Japanese styles. Or ride the city’s famous subway to the Ginza district, Tokyo’s glittering shopping district of neon lights, luxurious shops and bustling coffeehouses, anchored by the Wako store and its famous Hattori Clock Tower.
Day 15 — Tokyo, Japan
Disembark today in Yokohama and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay on in Tokyo to explore its rich and fascinating culture.
4. Passage to India
Cross six countries and nine ports over an unforgettable 21 days as you trace the routes of merchants through the ages.
From Athens to Mumbai, local guide accompany you on this incredible journey explaining the history and treasures of Greece, Egypt and Israel. You’ll also visit the astonishing red sandstone city of Petra – on the bucket-list favourites of many travellers.
There are three extensions offered on this trip with Athens and classic Greece perio to departure or two-nights in Mumbai to complete the journey where’ll you’ll explore this amazing city replete with Gothic Revival architecture.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Athens, Greece
Step on board in Athens, where you will have an entire day to explore this ancient city. Perhaps you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus or the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. As we remain in port overnight, you’ll have time to enjoy dinner in town.
Day 2 — Athens, Greece
Today, you will have the whole day to journey into ancient Athens via a panoramic drive, passing the promenade at Mikrolimano as you enter the city’s heart. There, you will see the Hellenic Parliament, Constitution Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and the iconic Acropolis. Explore the bustling Plaka District at the base of the Acropolis. Or as an option, explore the interior of this UNESCO Site; climb 80 steps to the entrance and glimpse an unforgettable view of the Parthenon at its peak.
Day 3 — Cruise the Mediterranean Sea
Sail into the Mediterranean today, where civilizations rose and fell throughout history. The ships of Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Visigoths and innumerable others have plied these waters before you. As you cruise, take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge or reserve a soothing massage at The Spa. Linger over tea and scones in the Wintergarden or soak up the sun on deck.
Day 4 — Haifa, Israel
Arrive in Haifa today, an ideal port from which to explore the north of Israel. Ascend Mt. Carmel, where it is said that the prophet Elijah set fire to a sacrifice and ended a drought. On the mountain’s slope overlooking the city, you can also stroll the magnificent terraced Hanging Gardens of Haifa, center of the Bahá’í faith. Nearby, explore the fascinating Old City of Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Alternatively, you can choose to explore ancient Caesarea, built by King Herod as an early center of Christianity, go up Mt. Carmel for a closer look, and enjoy stunning views of Haifa and the countryside.
Day 5 — Haifa, Israel
Today is free for you to explore more of Haifa and its surroundings. Or you might choose to travel across the coastal mountains of Israel to the city of Nazareth, where Jesus spent his youth, and the fabled Sea of Galilee, where he is said to have performed many miracles and delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Alternatively, combine visits to Jerusalem and Bethlehem on one enlightening tour.
Day 6 — Cairo, Egypt
Call on Port Said today, founded about 150 years ago as a working base for the construction of the Suez Canal. Port Said is also a gateway to the Great Pyramids and Great Sphinx on the outskirts of Cairo. Join an included tour to uncover their mysteries.
Day 7 — Cruise the Suez Canal
Cross the Suez Canal today, a travel milestone. This engineering marvel, opened in 1869, connected the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, changing the region’s geographic and commercial landscape forever. The sea-level, one-way waterway requires ships to travel in convoys. Two lakes allow north- and southbound ships to pass each other: Ballah Bypass and Great Bitter Lake.
Day 8 — Luxor, Egypt
Call in Safaga today, an ancient Red Sea port in use since the 3rd century. Today, it is also the gateway to the magnificent temples of ancient Thebes, today’s city of Luxor. Traverse the desert sands to the shores of the mysterious Nile River, where you will visit the Great Temple of Karnak, long buried beneath desert sands. Walk through its monumental peristyles and examine the hieroglyphics illustrating how ancient Egyptians lived.
Day 9 — Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Visit the seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh (called “Sharm” by the locals) on the southern tip of the Sinai Desert. This major Egyptian centre of tourism on the Red Sea, renowned for its unrivalled scuba diving among vibrant coral, is surrounded by starkly beautiful desert. You’ll leave the city and explore the sands up close during a Desert Jeep Tour into a world shrouded in legend.
Day 10 — Aqaba, Jordan
Call in Jordan’s only coastal city of Aqaba today, set amid coffee-coloured desert hills. History here stretches back centuries, but it is best known as the site where, in 1917, T.E. Lawrence (known as Lawrence of Arabia) led troops in the Battle of Aqaba. You’ll get to know the port during a city tour. Stop to explore Mamluk Fort, won by the Arabs from the Turks during a 1916 camel charge, the opulent house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the lively waterfront. You might also journey to the region’s must-see archaeological treasure of Petra, an astonishing city of red sandstone carved from the earth millennia ago.
Day 11 — Cruise the Red Sea
Ancient Egyptians sailed the waters of the Red Sea as long ago as 2500 BC. More famously, Moses is said to have parted its waters. And it was a favored route among ancient Romans as they traded with India. History and legend are rich here, and you can learn more about them during an enrichment lecture about the Middle East. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers’ Lounge or perhaps an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi’s trattoria-style restaurant.
Day 12 — Cruise the Bab el Mandeb Strait
Today’s journey traverses the 23-mile-wide Bab el Mandeb (“Gate of Grief”) strait. It is believed that these waters were once so shallow as to have allowed the earliest migrations of humans from Africa. After construction of the Suez Canal, the English commanded the Red Sea from a lighthouse they constructed on Perim Island, which you will pass during your transit. Take advantage of the many amenities of your ship. Lounge by the Main Pool, with its retractable roof, and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar.
Day 13 — Cruise the Gulf of Aden
Sail a major shipping route as you cruise the Gulf of Aden. Plied by ships for centuries, these waters have linked Africa and Arabia culturally and commercially. Start your day with a walk around the Promenade Deck; once around measures one mile. Later, you might indulge in the Nordic Bathing Ritual in The Spa or take a tour of your ship’s onboard art. Tonight, enjoy an elegant meal in The Restaurant.
Day 14 — Cruise the Arabian Sea
Critical to trade and central to cultural exchange, the Arabian Sea has been traveled by coastal sailing vessels for thousands of years, as far back as the third millennium BC. You will follow the coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the spirit of those before you, perhaps learning about the Portuguese presence here during an onboard lecture. Enjoy an evening under the stars on the Sun Deck.
Day 15 — Salālah, Oman
Explore the Omani city of Salālah today on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. For centuries, Salālah was a major port for frankincense, a trade which extended far beyond the region. This fascinating cultural history was supported by several sites around the city, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites today. Take in the major landmarks when you stop for photos at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, rich in Islamic architecture, visit the Al-Baleed archaeological site, where you will learn more about the frankincense route, and explore a local souk, brimming with myrrh, incense and myriad colorful items.
Day 16 — Cruise the Omani Coast
Enjoy a leisurely day as your ship makes its way along the Arabian Coast. Share a cappuccino in the Viking Bar with new friends, enjoy a visit to The Spa or relax on the Sun Deck. Finish the day with a drink in Torshavn.
Day 17 — Muscat, Oman
Call in the Arabian Peninsula today for a fascinating visit to Muscat, capital of Oman. Enjoy a city tour among its whitewashed buildings, featuring a photo stop at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, able to accommodate 20,000 worshippers, and explore the low-lying structures of the Old Town, huddled around a small bay. Visit the private House of al Zubair museum with its remarkably preserved items of Omani heritage, and take in authentic local colour in the city’s traditional souk. This sleepy historic enclave serves as the home of the ruling sultan.
Day 18 — Cruise the Arabian Sea
Follow in the wake of traders, seafarers and adventurers who crossed the Arabian Sea over millennia. The first vessels traced the coastline some 5,000 years ago. In the days of the ancient Greeks, the Indian city of Bharuch to the north of Mumbai was already an established sea port. As you sail, relax by the Main Pool or enjoy the sea breeze from your stateroom veranda.
Day 19 — Cruise the Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea has been known variously as the Persian Sea and Erythraean Sea. Spices, metals, precious stones and wine have all made this crossing throughout history. Take this relaxing day at sea to unwind in The Spa’s sauna and Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Infinity Pool.
Day 20 — Mumbai, India
Witness the cultural splendour of Old Bombay today, one of the world’s greatest ports. Constructed over seven islands, today the city straddles a flat peninsula jutting into the sea. The city’s Portuguese and British influences come to light as you view the Library of the Asiatic Society, the Hanging Gardens, Kamla Nehru Park and Dhobi Ghat, where locals still do laundry. You will also visit the National Gandhi Museum, housed in a mansion known as Mani Bhavan that the Indian hero used as his headquarters from 1917 to 1934, and see major monuments built during the British era.
Day 21 — Mumbai, India
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, extend your stay with a post-extension cruise package in Mumbai.
5. Alaska and the Inside Passage
It is one of the great world cruises, exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage is a breathtaking experience you’ll never forget.
This 11-day cruise through frontier country blends pristine wilderness with charming seaside towns, spectacular fjords and walls of ice with eight ports to explore.
Onboard, the Cultural Curriculum includes guest lectures and performances of music, art, cooking, dance and history.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Vancouver, Canada
Embark your ship in Vancouver, British Columbia’s cultural capital, in a scenic setting between mountains and sea. Settle in to your veranda stateroom, soon to be your front-row seat for some of the world’s most scenic coastline.
Day 2 — Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Take in the natural splendour of one of Alaska’s most scenic waterways, the famed Inside Passage. You will navigate the Strait of Georgia, the Seymour Narrows and the Granville Channel, revelling in an endless canvas of beauty. Sail past rainforests spilling down steep cliffs to the shore. Keep a watchful eye for orcas, dolphins and whales. Overhead, a wide array of birds take wing, from bald eagles and cormorants to several species of gulls, all feeding on the plentiful bounty of fish in the waters below.
Day 3 — Ketchikan, United States
Discover Alaska’s “first city,” as it is known to travellers coming by ship from the south. Ketchikan was home to the Tlingit long before the arrival of white settlers, as you’ll see in the many old and new totem poles that grace the town. During a tour, walk in the footsteps of lumberjacks, fishermen, con artists and ladies of the night in this once lawless frontier town, and embark an amphibious vehicle for a unique “Duck Boat” tour. If you’d like to venture beyond the town, visit Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords National Monument, where seaplanes and 4×4 vehicles take you beyond the beaten path.
Day 4 — Sitka, United States
Glimpse the Russian influence in Sitka, once the capital of Russian Alaska. Enjoy an enlightening walking tour to learn more about the fur trade that brought the Russians here. See the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, built by the Tlingit with guidance from Finnish carpenters in the 1840s. As you explore, you will see many art galleries displaying the work of artists who have been inspired by the region’s natural beauty for decades. If you’d like, board a plane or boat for inspiring views of Mt. Edgecumbe, an extinct volcano on a nearby island.
Day 5 — Juneau, United States
Call on Alaska’s capital of Juneau on the Gastineau Channel. Named for an early prospector, it is the only US capital inaccessible by road, and so all goods and visitors must arrive via sea or air. Marvel at its fjord-like, dramatic setting between mountains and sea as you take a drive to pan for gold in the spirit of the city’s early days. If you wish, enjoy spectacular views of the Alaskan state capital from the Mount Roberts Tramway or embark a small boat to the Mendenhall Glacier, spotting porpoises and whales along the way.
Day 6 — Skagway, United States
Visit Skagway, named for a mythical woman who turned herself to stone at Skagway’s bay. Gateway for prospectors arriving to reap the benefits of the Klondike gold rush in the Canadian Yukon, the town today evokes an Old West spirit. Enjoy a brief tour before taking a scenic drive up to White Pass like the gold diggers of old, pausing at the Canadian border for photos. You may choose instead to make the journey aboard the fabled White Pass Railroad, or visit a sled dog camp to learn about a generations-old tradition.
Day 7 — Icy Strait Point, United States
Discover the old canning station at Icy Strait Point today. Fully restored by the Native American Tlingit community from nearby Hoonah, it is an exquisite time capsule revealing how locals once earned a living from the rich fishing grounds. Celebrate the Tlingit culture during a cultural presentation by locals in traditional ceremonial dress. You might also join a whale-watching excursion to spot some of the many creatures that flock to these food-rich waters. Or hop a floatplane to soar over the breathtaking expanse of Glacier Bay National Park, just across the strait.
Day 8 — Scenic Cruising: Yakutat Bay
Today you will witness some of Alaska’s most breathtaking and pristine scenery. Cruise into majestic Yakutat Bay to the point where it narrows to become Disenchantment Bay, so named by its Spanish discoverer who was hoping to find the fabled Northwest Passage and instead faced the imposing icy wall of Hubbard Glacier. Today, the spectacular glacier steadily advances into the water, blocking tributary fjords and slowly pushing ice and debris down from the St. Elias Mountains.
Day 9 — Valdez, United States
Call in Valdez today, named after a Spanish secretary of the navy. Explorers and gold seekers flocked to Valdez before it became Alaska’s northernmost ice-free port. Today, it is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that carries oil south from Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic coast. Learn about the town’s history during a walking tour. Or opt for an excursion to the magnificent Columbia Tidal Glacier in Prince William Sound, and perhaps try your luck catching some of Alaska’s famous salmon.
Day 10 — Seward, United States
Discover Seward today, a modest seaport named after Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of state, who defied public opinion to pursue the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The small city is also renowned as the starting point of the world-famous Iditarod dogsled race. Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you will learn about the marine world that thrives right off the coast. If you wish, venture farther afield to Katmai National Park to visit Exit Glacier or capture breathtaking aerial views from an optional helicopter excursion.
Day 11 — Seward, United States
Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or stay on in Seward to explore more of Alaska’s pristine wilderness and charming cities.
YOUR VIKING OCEAN CRUISE STARTS HERE
This form does not exist