Carnival Magic will operate a diverse 2021 cruise schedule featuring two trans-Atlantic crossings, a series of European voyages, a summer schedule from New York and Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Fla.
Carnival Magic will be among the newest and largest Carnival ships to sail from New York, providing consumers with a host of onboard dining, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as exciting outdoor attractions and experiences.
In total, Carnival Magic will sail from four cities across two continents visiting 33 different destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, The Bahamas, New England, and Canada in 2021.
Trans-Atlantic Voyages from Miami and Barcelona, Spring European Schedule
Carnival Magic will then return to the U.S. on a 12-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Barcelona to New York May 3-15, 2021, calling at Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The program includes four-, five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda, a four-day eastern Canada cruise, week-long fall foliage sailings to New England and eastern Canada, and seven- and eight-day Caribbean departures featuring top destinations like Amber Cove, Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.
In November 2021, Carnival Magic will shift to Port Canaveral for a winter schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean voyages from the Space Coast.
Two different six-day itineraries are offered – one visiting Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay or Nassau while another features Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya. Eight-day eastern Caribbean cruises call at St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Grand Turk, while eight-day southern Caribbean voyages feature Aruba, Grand Turk, and Curacao or Bonaire. There are also seven-day voyages visiting sunny, tropical destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean. The program runs through April 23, 2022.
MS Geoffrey Chaucer - Photo: Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises has announced it will be offering new cruises on Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers over Christmas and New Year’s during the 2020-21 holiday season. Cruise Addicts will be able to explore festive markets, then enjoy a Christmas Day gala dinner and Christmas musical performances back on board the ship. On New Year’s cruises, ring in 2021 with drinks and canapés onboard the ship at midnight New Year’s Eve, then wake to a New Year’s Day brunch.
“The holidays are one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Europe, and you can now celebrate Christmas and New Year’s there with Riviera,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ Executive Vice President Sales, and Marketing North America. “Cruise the Danube and Rhine rivers in their wintry splendor, exploring markets filled with festive lights, artisan decorations, and seasonal treats, then return to the comfort of the ship for Christmas dinner or to toast the New Year at midnight if desired. We hope you’ll think of Riviera first for your holiday travels abroad.”
MS Geoffrey Chaucer deluxe balcony suite – Photo: Riviera River Cruises
Christmas on the Blue Danube: Aboard a ship adorned with garlands and a majestic Christmas tree, cruise from Budapest, Hungary, to Linz, Austria, and back with guided tours of Bratislava, Melk, Linz or Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest, and visits to the Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey and Schönbrunn Palace. Enjoy time to explore Christmas markets, as well as a Christmas Day gala dinner, a Christmas classical quartet recital and a Hungarian Christmas folklore show on board. Eight-day cruise starts at $3,019 per person based on double occupancy.
Christmas on the Rhine: Aboard a ship adorned with garlands and a majestic Christmas tree, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge from Cologne, Germany, to Strasbourg, France, and back with guided tours of Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Boppard, and Cologne. Enjoy time to explore Christmas markets, as well as a Christmas Day gala dinner, a Christmas musical performance, a folklore show and a classical music concert on board. Eight-day cruise starts at $3,039 per person based on double occupancy.
New Year on the Blue Danube: Cruise from Budapest, Hungary, to Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Austria, and back, with guided tours of all three as well as a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. Enjoy New Year’s Eve drinks and canapés at midnight, a New Year’s Day brunch, a classical music recital and a Hungarian folklore show on board. Six-day cruise starts at $2,049 per person based on double occupancy.
New Year on the Rhine: Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge from Cologne, Germany, to Frankfurt and back with guided tours of Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz, and Cologne. Enjoy New Year’s Eve drinks and canapés at midnight, a New Year’s Day brunch, a folklore show and a classical music concert on board. Six-day cruise starts at $2,079 per person based on double occupancy.
Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises offers 19 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including exclusive departures for solo travelers with no single supplement. Its fleet of 13 ships is one of the youngest in Europe, with none older than six years. Riviera’s cruises include spacious cabins and suites, fine culinary experiences from sumptuous breakfasts to four-course dinners featuring international classics and regional specialties, and expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.
Riviera guarantees exceptional value, promising never to add hidden surcharges or fees. Riviera also doesn’t automatically include gratuities or drinks, so the choice is up to guests.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has issued the following statement dated 1/30/20 in response to the 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a global health emergency. We will keep you updated with any future statements as they are made available:
“The safety and health of passengers is the number one priority of CLIA members. CLIA and its member lines maintain close contact with health professionals and regulators around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and are continually assessing and modifying policies and procedures as developments emerge. This includes the modification of itineraries, where needed, in light of evolving circumstances, as well as health, travel and contact screening where appropriate, for guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through the affected area consistent with prevailing guidance from global health authorities. Screening protocols allow for informed decisions on a case- by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be denied boarding.
CLIA Members have suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to any individual, whether guest or crew, who has traveled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.
Emerald Waterways Enters New Waters with its First Ocean Yacht, Emerald Azzurra,
to Debut in 2021
River cruise line Emerald Waterways has announced it will begin offering ocean cruises starting in July 2021. Their first vessel Emerald Azzurrawill offer an intimate yacht cruising experience for 100-guests. The new vessel will become the first ocean ship owned by the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand and will sit alongside Emerald Waterways comprising the newly formed Emerald Cruises.
Itineraries for 2021-2022 will include the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and Red Seas which are available for booking now. The 360-foot long Emerald Azzurra has been custom-designed to offer guests an intimate, boutique yachting experience. The yacht will call on multiple ports in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, France, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Spain, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.
“Emerald Waterways has been operating award-winning river cruises in Europe since 2014,” said Glen Moroney, owner and Chairman of the Scenic Group. “The launch of Emerald Yacht Cruises and the stunning new Emerald Azzurra are a logical extension of the Emerald Cruises portfolio, adding intimate yacht cruising in the Mediterranean to the existing Emerald Waterways river cruise offerings.”
A few highlights of the EmeraldAzzurra’s program include the following itineraries:
The eight-day Cyprus, Turkey and Greece Delights in the Aegean Sea—which will also be the ship’s inaugural sailing, departs from Limassol, Cyprus and calls on Paphos (also in Cyprus) Fethiye, Bodrum, Kusadasi (all Turkey), Mykonos and Santorini, before arriving in Athens (all Greece) for the flight home.
The eight-day French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica itinerary in the Mediterranean departs from Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome) and visits Porto Ercole (Italy), Bonifacio, Calvi (both Corsica), Portoferraio, Portofino (both Italy), and Menton before disembarking in Nice (both France).
The 12-day Ancient World Wonders itinerary departs from Limassol (Cyprus) and calls at Haifa (Tel Aviv, Israel), Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), Alexandria, Port Said and Sharm el-Sheik (all Egypt) before ending in Aqaba (Jordan).
Sailings aboard EmeraldAzzurra will keep with the brands’ inclusive pricing structure include fine á la carte dining at dinner; breakfast and lunch buffets stocked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients; complimentary sommelier-paired wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner; all onboard gratuities; transfers to and from the airport; port charges and all taxes. Onshore, guests will enjoy included EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, a range of included EmeraldACTIVE excursions, and can book DiscoverMORE optional excursions to tailor their cruise.
Emerald Azzurra is being built by the Ha Long Shipbuilding Company (HLS) in Ha Long City, Vietnam.
Traditional thai longtail boat at Log Dalum Beach on Phi Phi Don island, Thailand in a summer day
Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and people are drawn to its sandy beaches,
historic temples, mouthwatering food, and many other attractions that make it a
paradise for visitors. Apart from these qualities, various islands in Thailand are a must- see when you get to visit the place. Means of transport is available, and you can go
from Krabi to Phuket using a cruise ship or by road.
Koh Yao islands
These twin islands, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are so different from the Phuket
islands close by. This is the place to go if you want to stay away from all the noise that
major tourist attraction sites have. You get to take walks along the beach as you feast
on fresh seafood found in the restaurants along the shores.
There are various hotels in these two islands where you can get accommodation.
Some hotels are family-friendly, which would be appropriate if you are traveling with
children. If you are all alone and like to hit the club, you can also get a hotel that has a
nightclub in it.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is known as the original Thai island. In the beginning, it attracted
backpackers because of its sensational beaches and parties. It has grown and now has
some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It also has first-class spas. These
characteristics make it ideal for anyone who may want to experience the joy of a beach
holiday. It is also suitable for honeymooners. Koh Samui is also known to be the best
yoga destination in the world. It is home to Kamalaya, found high in the rainforest, and
known to be the number one wellness center.
The best place to stay in Koh Samui is the Panacea Retreat, which is set up a hill. It
boasts of a nightclub and enormous villas, each with infinity pools. Other than that, you
can also stay at Four seasons Kamui or Baan Mika.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao also is known as turtle island, is known for having coasts lined with sandy
coves and lantern-lit restaurants. This island is where most people go to if they want to
dive. This is the best place to go to if you’re going to learn how to dive or would like to
take part in diving competitions. You can also sign up to get a diving certificate after a
short four-day training.
Koh Pha Ngan
If you are a party person and love beach parties, then Koh Pha Ngan is the best place
to go to. It is famous for its full moon parties and is for hardcore partygoers and hippies.
Many tourists go there to dance and drink along the beaches under the full moon. If you
miss the full moon parties, then you can go for the half-moon and black-moon parties in
the intervening weeks.
Phuket
Phuket is an island that offers western conveniences for any traveler who makes a stop
there. There are celebrity chef restaurants, six-star resorts with private butlers, good
plastic surgeons, and everything high maintenance people could ask for. Phuket is also
the most prominent and busiest island in Thailand and has so many package holiday deals at a reasonable price. It has designer boutiques and world-class restaurants.
Other than all this, it also has the most glorious beaches in all the islands.
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Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Flora offers voyages in the Galapagos. This is just one of several luxury expedition ships sailing in exotic locations around the world.
You can call it an expedition with a side of luxury.
Are you feeling like it’s time for an adventure but don’t want to necessarily give up the creature comforts that you have come to enjoy in your cruise travels?
Well, you can have it all by picking from a number of expedition cruises that come with plenty of premium amenities.
Expedition cruising is a fast-growing segment, with dozens of new ships and itineraries in the past decade and even more yet to come. The best luxury expedition cruise lines give you all the thrills ashore and plenty of pampering back onboard.
With these cruises, you can wake up in your soft bed to be treated to breakfast served by a butler before loading into Zodiacs for wildlife sighting or kayaks for paddling around ice formations in Antarctica. When you’re done with your hiking, snorkeling, paddling, nature walks – or whatever the day brings in your exotic locales – you’ll be welcomed back onboard gorgeous ships by attentive staff serving Champagne and gourmet cuisine.
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn
The cruise line offers expeditions on Seabourn Quest that let you explore Antarctica in with comfort and style. Seabourn Venture is scheduled to debut in June 2021 as the next generation of luxury expedition cruise ships, carrying 264 passengers in all-balcony suites.
The Exciting Adventures: Expedition leaders design a memorable voyage, with expert enrichment talks. They also lead daily adventures like kayak tours to explore pristine shorelines and hidden bays on the lookout for seabirds, marine mammals and other wildlife such as penguins. Daily Zodiac rides venture into picturesque fjords to view volcanoes and glaciers.
The Silver Explorer enters the Lemaire Channel on the Antarctic Peninsula, 2012.
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea Cruises has three expedition ships in the Silversea Expeditions fleet. heads to both polar regions, the South Pacific and Australia; Silver Galapagos (to be retired in 2020 for the new Silver Origin) explores the pristine archipelago; and Silver Cloud takes passengers to Antarctica.
The Exciting Adventures: The ships are intimate, carrying between 100 and 254 passengers who enjoy activities ashore in the Galapagos to snap pictures of boobies and giant tortoises; Zodiac tours in the arctic regions to see fur seals and penguins; and deepwater snorkeling and scuba diving in Indonesia; or hiking and bear-, whale- and bird-spotting in Alaska.
The Special Touches: These are all-inclusive voyages. Your fare includes excursions, dining at the two specialty restaurants, drinks and much more. Most suites have a balcony and feature bathrooms with rainfall showers. Additional amenities include a spa, beauty salon and fitness center.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Esprit, the line’s 62-passenger yacht, explores the Seychelle Islands, a spectacular archipelago with UNESCO World Heritage-protected wildlife reserves and dynamic coral reef formations teeming with exotic fish, as well as the Greek Isles and Croatia in the Mediterranean Sea and the islands of the Caribbean. The line’s highly anticipated 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor will be a true expedition ship, sailing all over the world, including the remote polar regions and exotic destinations in tropical and culturally diverse regions.
The Exciting Adventures: Drop into crystal-clear waters off the aft marine deck for snorkeling, diving and riding jet skis or Zodiacs ashore to tackle guided hikes through tropical nature reserves. You can also kayak in secluded coves, and the ship even carries its own three-person submarine that takes you almost 1,000 feet below surface to explore the vibrant sea life. Crystal Endeavor carries helicopters and a submarine on its voyages.
The Special Touches: Onboard, you’ll enjoy an all-inclusive experience, with free-flowing spirits, Champagne, beer and wine, and the main dining room serves up gourmet meals from award-winning chefs featuring fresh dishes like lobster, octopus, Wagyu beef and lamb alongside an array of soups and salads. Crystal Endeavor will offer six restaurants serving gourmet meals. The ships also offer butler service, a spa, small pool, fitness center and casino.
Celebrity Flora
Celebrity’s Galapagos Fleet
Celebrity operates three ships in the Galapagos. The new 100-passenger mega-yacht Celebrity Flora, as well as the 100-passenger Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger catamaran Celebrity Xploration.
The Exciting Adventures: Naturalists lead a voyage of discovery in this secluded and biologically important archipelago. You go for walks among blue-footed boobies, iguanas and tortoises and swim with sea lions. Zodiac rides and snorkeling sessions will allow you further to navigate the clear waters and view schools of colorful reef fish.
The Special Touches: Celebrity touts its all-inclusive “Modern Luxury” that passengers enjoy on cruises to the Galapagos. Recipes are crafted by a Michelin-starred chef using locally sourced ingredients including sustainable seafood. Clean, comfortable and stylish staterooms offer in-suite dining options.
The Exciting Adventures: How does this grab you? On tours in Greenland and Iceland or off the coast of Russia, you’ll have the chance to explore fjords and capture memorable photos of polar bears and other wildlife in the Baffin Sea. When you head ashore, guides lead cultural interactions during visits to Inuit villages along the Northwest Passage. Southern expeditions allow you observe colonies of penguins or spy humpback whales. In the Amazon jungle, the adventures place you in mangroves and forests to get up close to howler monkeys, toucans and indigenous people.
The Special Touches:Ponant’s expedition ships carry a maximum of 199 passengers who get 24-hour room service, iPod players, premium toiletries bath and fine French cuisine. These vessels also offer luxuriant spa services, as well as fitness centers and swimming pools.
Five Major Tips for a Hassle-Free Hawaii Car Rental Experience
The state of Hawaii is a group of islands with no real bus service. Oahu, the third biggest Hawaiian island, is perhaps an exception, but then you would not be exploring just Oaha during your enntire Hawaii trip. Not to mention, taxi fares seem to go through the roof, particularly when there’s a naïve tourist in sight. Bikes and mopeds could be a practical form of transportation for excursions along the south coastlines during the day. But they don’t come very handy at all times and at every location in the archipelago. Hawaii rental car, thus, is the only reliable and practical mode of transport in the state. Before you go ahead and rent a car for your Hawaii trip, keep the following in mind. Choose Your Car Sensibly A Hawaii rental car service would usually offer you vehicle options, letting you pick a car type that is either a hatchback, sedan, or SUV. The vehicle you end up choosing for your sightseeing and general exploration should be based on the number of people in your group and the specific places on your itinerary. If you are three to four or lesser, a hatchback would be fine. If there is one more, you’ll probably find the sedan a lot more accommodating and comfortable. However, if you are more than five people, you’ll definitely need an SUV or something similar. Hawaii has fairly drivable roads and, therefore, don’t burn extra cash on an SUV rental assuming the roads ahead would be bumpy. A regular car should be fine most of the time. Go for an SUV only if there are too many people in your group and you are planning to hit summits, such as Mauna Kea. If you have the budget for luxury cars, you may very well go ahead. No Off-Roading, Please Even if you end up renting an SUV, you are not allowed to do off-roading. Car rental agencies have it in their policies and regulations to not permit renters take the less-trodden path, citing safety issues pertaining both the tourists and the vehicle. Even if you come across a rental company letting you off-road, they may impose limitations on what roads you could tread, how long the off-roading should be, etc. The details are, in fact, so muddy that you are better off driving on regular roads. In most cases, however, off-roading is basically violating the rental agreement. Book Your Car Online If you have a smartphone connected to the Internet, then there’s no excuse for not booking your rental car online and well in advance. Arriving in Hawaii and then booking your car is very archaic and also a waste of time and energy. When you book your car online a few weeks or months before your trip, you have plenty of time to research your options. Several car rental companies also have online specials, which would help you save money on your rental costs. Most importantly, when you book online, you are not wasting invaluable holiday time looking for a rental company and taking care of the formalities. Book for Multiple Days Book the rental car for multiple days or the number of days you are going to stay in a particular Hawaii island. You would save money, as a result, and you’ll also save yourself a lot of hassle by not having to switch cars too often or juggle between rental companies.
Keep Your Credit Cards Handy Whether you are making the payment online or offline, do so with your credit card. It’s not just safe but it may be the only accepted payment method at times. Some rental companies could accept cheques, but then almost no one accepts cash. Also, do not assume booking online and beforehand would mean having paid for everything there is to the car rental process. At times, additional fees could be levied right before you take your rental car for a spin. Therefore, keep some money set aside for miscellaneous expenses in your account at all times. Conclusion If you do your research and go through experienced and reliable Hawaii car rental service providers, such as NKT Travel, you shouldn’t have to deal with all the hassles usually associated with renting a car in Hawaii. Car Rental Hawaii by NKT Travel offers you a car to rent on every Hawaiian Island, doesn’t require prepayment, will not charge you for cancellations, and also doesn’t request only credit card payments.
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Rendering of the Deck 2 Aft Aula Auditorium on-board the Viking Expedition ship (Credit: Viking)
It is hard to think of a time, where a person has been able to explore in comfort and style like today. Our ancestors could only dream of visiting such remote and far off places like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Great Lakes – let alone in first-class accommodations. Voyages previously only made by researchers are now being offered to bucket-list adventurers who yearn to explore the polar regions and other far off places. Viking through their new Viking Expeditions is making this a reality as they begin sailing in January 2022.
Explore In Comfort
The comfort begins with their two Polar Class 6 ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Each ship will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms; both ships are currently under construction. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.
An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more.
Rendering of Zodiacs and Sub stored within the Hangar on-board the Viking Expedition ships Polaris and Octantis (Credit: Viking)
The Laboratory
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, while hosting guests, will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking’s other academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.
Rendering of the Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica. (Credit: Viking)
Expedition Equipment
Viking will offer a variety of ways for guests to experience their destination, according to their interests and activity level, at no extra charge. With a robust program of complimentary experiences, expedition equipment available for guests on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will include a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments; a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible RIBs.
Rendering of the Deck 2 Aft area, Finse Terrace and Theater Auditorium on-board the Viking Expedition ship (Credit: Viking)
The Aula & Finse Terrace
Viking has created the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits” – perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.
Rendering of the Viking Expedition ship: Penthouse Junior Suite – Polar Option (Credit: Viking)
Nordic Balcony
A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polarisfeature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform. Harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and to create the optimal wildlife observatory at sea, the Nordic Balcony’s floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in, while keeping the elements out.
Should guests wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223 sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner’s Suite. All staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror.
Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
Rendering of Explorer Suite Living Room on-board the Viking Expedition ships Polaris and Octantis (Credit: Viking)
Expedition Ship Suites
Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris rival those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with abundant wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more.
Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite, which at 1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two separate rooms – a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom – as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.
Rendering of the Aquavit Terrace and Infinity Pool on-board the Viking Expedition ship (Credit: Viking)
Aquavit Terrace & Pools
Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an “inside-out” swimming experience.
The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center
In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind – with a thermal suite that features a Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment and workout gear.
Rendering of the Explorer’s Lounge on-board the Viking Octantis (Credit: Viking)
Viking’s expedition ships will offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking’s ocean ships, but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café will be a new “market” concept that offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors.
The ships will also included Mamsen’s, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.
Rendering of a Viking Expeditions RIB – Rigid Inflatable Boat supplied by Boomeranger (Credit: Viking)
Enrichment Programs
Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s expedition.” As part of that commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition.
The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey – the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers).
On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination – and engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings – such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
Viking Inclusiveness
Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.
Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.
Beginning in January 2022, Viking Expeditions first vessel, Viking Octantis will begin voyages to North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will follow in August 2022.
North America’s Great Lakes
Did you know, The Great Lakes make up the largest body of fresh water on Earth? It accounts for one-fifth of the freshwater surface on the Earth at 6 quadrillion gallons. The area of all the Great Lakes is 95,160 square miles (246,463 square kilometers) and span 750 miles (1,200 km) from west to east. The square mileage is larger than the state of Texas.
If your accustomed to visiting the many islands of the Caribbean, you might be surprised to know The Great Lakes is dotted with more than 35, 000 islands. Some of these islands are very small but, the largest is Lake Huron’s Manitoulin Island which is (1,068 square miles or 2,766 square km) and the largest island in any inland body of water.
Undiscovered Great Lakes – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)
From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America. For more information Click Here.
Great Lakes Explorer
8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay, Ontario
Great Lakes Explorer – Island hop the Great Lakes – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)
Embark on a true expedition along “the nation’s fourth seacoast,” from Georgian Bay’s granite islands to Thunder Bay’s towering cliffs. Experience the car-free idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Niagara & The Great Lakes
8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee
Niagara & The Great Lakes – Journey from nature to culture – 8 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)
From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover the wilderness nestled in the interior of North America alongside world-class cultural attractions in Detroit, Toronto and Milwaukee. Witness the majesty of Niagara Falls, and enjoy scenic cruising past North America’s busiest border as you cross Lake Huron. Multiple sailing dates in April, May, June, July and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $5,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Canadian Discovery
13 days; New York to Toronto
Canadian Discovery – 13 Days, 2 Countries (Credit: Viking)
Cruise from Canada’s southeast coast to the St. Lawrence River, where you will learn about the region’s rich past amid stunning natural settings and celebrated cities. Sail along the coasts of New England and Nova Scotia; discover the remote reaches and locally sourced seafood of Prince Edward Island; explore the Saguenay Fjord, home to seals, whales and other sea mammals; and go salmon fishing in Quebec’s Moisie River. Sailing dates in April and October 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $8,995 per person, with free airfare within North America.
Viking Expedition Ship (Credit: Viking)
Expedition Ships, The Viking Way
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantisand Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas.
The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions.
Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
Now through February 29, 2020, U.S. residents can take advantage of an Inaugural Offer on 2022 & 2023 Viking Expedition itineraries. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
During a celebratory launch event in Beverly Hills, Calif. Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.
The event was highlighted by the naming of Viking’s sixth ocean ship, Viking Jupiter by Sissel Kyrkjebø. Sissel is one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and ceremonial godmother of Viking Jupiter and treated the audience to a beautiful performance of “What A Wonderful World”.
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