September 2016 Will Mark the First Transatlantic Crossing for Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises® (www.vikingoceancruises.com) today announced that the line will expand its destination-focused cruising to North America and the Caribbean with five new itineraries launching in September 2016. As a nod to the most famous Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson, who set foot on North American soil 500 years before Columbus, Viking Star will also cross the North Atlantic – with a new itinerary that sails from Bergen to Montreal, with stops in the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. From Montreal, the award-winning ship will cruise the St. Lawrence River and down the coast of New England to New York, during the peak period of fall foliage in October. Viking Star will then make her way down the Eastern seaboard to San Juan, Puerto Rico, which will serve as her homeport for winter Caribbean itineraries. The ship will return to Europe in February 2017, with a transatlantic sailing from San Juan to Barcelona.
“We have always had a vision to reinvent ocean cruising – to bring destinations back to the forefront of the itinerary and to build ships that are designed to help our guests better explore their destinations,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “We launched our ocean cruises in Europe earlier this year, and just as the Viking explorers before us, we are now looking across the Atlantic for new discoveries. Our new itineraries in North America and the Caribbean will offer travelers experiences that broaden their horizons both on and off the ship.”
New North America & Caribbean Itineraries
Created in part to honor early Viking trade routes beyond Scandinavia, Viking’s new North American itineraries will allow guests to sail the North Atlantic and visit original Norse settlement sites that date back more than 1,000 years. Viking’s Caribbean itineraries will provide an alternative to the cruises typically offered in the region – with more time in port and experiences that go beyond the iconic and expected. Highlights from the new program include:
NEW for 2016 – In the Wake of the Vikings (15 days; Bergen to Montreal)
Trace the route of Viking Leif Eriksson, setting off from his homeland, Norway, sailing from the old mercantile city of Bergen to the rustic Shetland Islands of Scotland the Faroe Islands, once home to the Viking Parliament. Witness the magnificent natural beauty of Iceland and Greenland; then, as Eriksson before you, land at Newfoundland, where L’Anse aux Meadows reveals evidence of Norse settlements. Sail on to Quebec, with explorations of Saguenay and Quebec City, before arriving in Montreal.
Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $6,499 per person. Sailing Date: September 18, 2016.
NEW for 2016 – Eastern Seaboard Explorer (13 days; Montreal to New York)
Witness the shores of Canada and New England come alive with fall’s vibrant hues during this once-annual sailing. From cosmopolitan Montreal, cruise the St. Lawrence River to French-flavored Quebec City. Learn about Canada’s colonial past in Saguenay and about its Scottish and Acadian heritage on Prince Edward Island and in Halifax. An overnight in Boston gives you ample time to visit its historic treasures. Then, enjoy a rare crossing of the Cape Cod Canal en route to New York City, where you’ll experience the highlights of Manhattan.
Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $4,999 per person. Sailing Date: October 2, 2016.
NEW for 2016 – Eastern Seaboard to the West Indies (15 days; New York to San Juan)
Trace the Atlantic seaboard of the United States into the Caribbean, calling on an array of vibrant capitals and lush islands. An overnight in exhilarating New York City lets you take in its dazzling sights. Then explore Newport’s grand mansions and Baltimore’s historic riches. Immerse yourself in colonial Jamestown from our port in Norfolk, and enjoy an overnight stay amid the coastal beauty of Port Everglades. Then explore the lush and lively Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, Antigua and St. Thomas.
Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $4,999 per person. Sailing Date: October 14, 2016.
NEW for 2016/2017 – West Indies Explorer (11 days; San Juan to San Juan)
After time to explore the colonial treasures of San Juan, Puerto Rico, immerse yourself in the British, French and Dutch cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Take in the steep green hills of Tortola and Antigua. Explore settlement towns on St. Lucia and Barbados. Witness the rainforest beauty of Guadeloupe and the rich past of St. Kitts. And marvel at the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin and the splendid vistas of St. Thomas.
Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $2,999 per person. Sailing Dates: October 28, November 7, December 17 and December 27, 2016; January 6, January 16, January 26, February 5 and February 15, 2017.
NEW for 2017 – West Indies to Iberia (18 days; San Juan to Barcelona)
Embark in colonial San Juan, and call upon the Dutch side of St. Martin. Then, enjoy a leisurely six-day trans Atlantic crossing, savoring the offerings onboard Viking Star. You’ll make landfall on the garden-draped Portuguese island of Madeira and visit the French-inflected Moroccan city of Casablanca before exploring Spain in Cadiz, Valencia and finally, Barcelona.
Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,299. Sailing Date: February 25, 2017.
Booking Details
From now through December 31, 2015, Viking is offering U.S. residents a 2016 Early Booking Discount with up to $1,000 off 2-for-1 pricing on cruise departures, plus up to free all-inclusive airfare. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).
SOURCE: Viking Ocean Cruises