PHOTO: Viking Ocean Cruises’ 2019 world cruise route. (photo courtesy of Viking Cruises)
Following the sold-out success of its upcoming 2018 world cruise, Viking Ocean Cruises announced a second round-the-world voyage for 2019.
The new Viking Sun will depart on a 128-day sailing, spanning five continents, 21 countries and 44 ports—10 with overnight stays.
“We offer itineraries that are designed for explorers and our World Cruises are the most extensive and culturally immersive journeys available in the industry. Our first World Cruise is 100 percent sold out and we are pleased with the initial response to our second World Cruise itinerary among new and returning guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises, in a press release.
“Our guests are experienced travelers who want to explore the world in comfort. As we continue to expand our offerings around the world, we will remain true to our guests—with an award-winning fleet design, the highest industry accolades and far more included value than any competitor.”
Scheduled to launch at the end of the year, the Viking Sun will head out on its first sold-out 120- or 141-day segment world cruise in early 2018. The ship will depart on its second 128-day world cruise on January 3, 2019, from Miami, Florida to London, England.
Along the way, the Sun will descend upon South America and the islands of the South Pacific, sail to Cape Town and Dakar, Senegal and cruise the Strait of Magellan, Tasman Sea and Indian Ocean.
Other highlights will include overnight calls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom; Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Perth (Fremantle), Australia; Durban, South Africa; Cape Town, South Africa and London (Greenwich), England.
Ushuaia, Argentina will signal as the “End of the World” as will Easter Island, Chile and its mysterious Moai stone head statues. Natural wonder highlights include Fiordland National Park in Milford Sound, New Zealand as well as Maputo, Mozambique and Kruger National Park featuring lions, African elephants, African leopards, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros.
The trip will feature Viking’s signature inclusions such as a free shore excursion in every port, unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi, business class airfare and all gratuities and service fees. Guests will additionally receive included ground transfers to and from the ship, the Silver Spirits beverage package for almost all free drinks, VISA service and embarkation luggage shipping.
Though the 2019 world cruise adds the VISA and luggage services, it omits the included medical and full-service laundry services for all cabin categories bundled in the 2018 voyage. Self-service launderette facilities are still freely available to everyone and full laundry, dry cleaning, shoe shine and pressing is complimentary for certain staterooms and suites. Dining in the alternative restaurants and spa access are also free to all guests.
READ MORE: Viking Ocean Cruises Expands Fleet
Pricing for the 2019 world cruise aboard Viking Ocean Cruises begins at $49,995 per person. Those who book through September 30, 2017, will receive $2,000 in onboard credit. Viking Explorer Society members will get an additional $1,000 credit as well as exclusive savings during the same period.
The Viking Sun will be the fourth in a fleet of eight sister-ships scheduled to set sail through 2022. The Viking Star, Viking Sea and Viking Sky have launched, and there is an option for a ninth and tenth ship. For now, it looks like the Sun has been earmarked for regular world cruises while the others expand beyond Europe to the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, Australia and more during the next few years.
For more information on the world cruise, contact a travel agent or call 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).
This post first appeared on TravelPulse.