This past weekend, Viking Cruises announced that, after its first World Cruise during its maiden season, the soon-to-be-delivered Viking Sun will be conducting a second around-the-world voyage. The fourth ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, the Viking Sun will depart for its second World Cruise on January 3, 2019, and will span 128-days, five continents, 21 countries and 44 ports, with 10 port overnights.
This voyage will follow on the heels of Viking Sun’s first world cruise, which departs from Miami on December 15, 2017. Like its first cruise, the second global voyage will depart from Miami and disembark in London. During the 128-day itinerary, guests will explore South America and the islands of the South Pacific, make a number of port calls throughout Africa such as Cape Town and Dakar, and cruise the Strait of Magellan, Tasman Sea and the Indian Ocean.
There will be a number of excursions available in each port, and "The Viking Way of Exploration" provides additional, optional excursions for guests who desire greater insight into the culture and history of their port. On board, guests can learn more about the places they visit through Viking’s Culture Curriculum, which provides lectures and entertainment indigenous to the location.
Highlights of the cruise include:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Peak of Brazilian Culture—During an overnight stay in the historic city of Rio de Janeiro, guests can visit Corcovado Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue before relaxing on the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches of the coastal metropolis.
- Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: Islas Malvinas—This remote archipelago, also known as Islas Malvinas, comprises nearly 200 small islands and home to fewer than 4,000 people. Guests can learn the rich history of the Falkland Islands while visiting the capital, Port Stanley, and experience the wildlife of the surrounding waters including penguins, dolphins, seals and orcas.
- Ushuaia, Argentina: “End of the World”—Perched on a steep hill on the southernmost tip of South America, commonly referred to as the “End of the World,” guests can explore the scenery of Ushuaia through excursions to the nearby Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which was first inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago.
- Easter Island, Chile: Isolated in Mystery—Resting 1,200 miles from its nearest neighbors, Easter Island is the world’s most remote inhabited island. Guests will visit the island’s famed archaeological sites, including the nearly 900 monumental Moai stone head statues, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rapa Nui National Park.
- Milford Sound, New Zealand: Astonishing Landscape—Guests will have the opportunity to sail the waterway of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park in Milford Sound. Stretching for almost 10 miles, from the Tasman Sea into alpine peaks, the landscape features monolithic granite walls and waterfalls.
- Hobart, Tasmania: An Island of History and Wilderness—Capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, Hobart sits nestled amongst the foothills of Mount Wellington and at the entrance to the Derwent River, and offers guests the chance to learn about its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic convict locations and a unique wilderness area.
- Maputo, Mozambique: Wildlife Abounds—While visiting this Indian Ocean port, guests can experience the preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and local markets in this historic city, before venturing to Kruger National Park for an overnight safari and a chance to view the “Big Five:” lions, African elephants, African leopards, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros.
- Cape Town, South Africa: Cultural Riches—An overnight stay in Cape Town helps guests explore this city in-depth. Guests can appreciate the landscape from the monolithic wonder, Table Mountain, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at the Vineyards of Stellenbosch, or stay in the city to witness an array of historic architecture and delicious cuisine.
As with all Viking itineraries, travelers receive a complimentary shore excursion in each of the 44 ports, free unlimited Wi-Fi, Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees included, and a number of other benefits. The Viking Sun has 465 staterooms that can accommodate 930 guests, multiple onboard dining options, lounging spaces and a Nordic Spa. Prices for Viking’s World Cruise start at $49,995 per person. From now through September 30, 2017, each guests who books the World Cruise will also receive $2,000 in shipboard credit, which can be used towards optional tours, spa services, onboard shops and beverages.
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