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December 19, 2020

The “Thinking Person’s Cruise Line” is about to give its Passengers a Ph.D. on the most immersive voyage imaginable.

Since its start in 1997, Viking Cruises have taken thousands of travelers on destination-focused itineraries on rivers and oceans around the world. Its chairman, Torstein Hagen, has charted his award-winning line’s immersive voyages to cater to his passengers’ interest in science, history, culture and cuisine the world over.  In December 2022, Viking’s newest ship, Viking Neptune will carry just 930 guests on a 138-day voyage to 28 countries and 58 ports with overnight stays in 11 of them.

For Viking Neptune, its World Cruise is practically its maiden voyage.

Viking Ocean-Going fleet has consistently been rated as “World’s Best Cruise” line in Travel+Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler magazines from its very start. Cruise Critic, arguably the most important resource for Cruisers, has rated the ships as “Best Overall” Small to Mid-size ships in its Cruiser’s Choice Awards. With the arrival of Viking Neptune, Its fleet of identical pristine white ships now numbers nine.  At 47,800 tons, its 465 staterooms all feature private balconies. And what staterooms they are. The smallest is a generous 270 square feet.  All five categories feature sweeping views, king-sized beds, generous closets, large interactive flat screen Televisions with movies on demand, bathrooms with large showers and heated floors.  The top of the line Explorer suites range from 757 to 1163 square feet.  These spacious two-room accommodations offer wraparound private verandas and a host of amenities and privileges.

Viking’s recipe for success: What Viking Neptune does not have is almost as exciting what she does.

You won’t find a Casino aboard.  You won’t pay an upcharge to dine in any one of the eight dining options on offer.  The LivNordic Spa is open to everyone with charges only for personal services. WiFi is free and available virtually everywhere on board including in the free laundry rooms on every deck.  The Silver Spirits Beverage package is included in World Cruise fares in addition to the fine beers and wines served gratis at every lunch and dinner.  There’s no charge for 24-hour room service. In short, Viking is about all-inclusive as it gets. And on this World Cruise, Business Class International airfare, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, complementary visa services and free luggage shipping services for embarkation are all included. All in all, these can add up to $50,000 a couple in “Viking Value”.

Viking Neptune is light-filled oasis at Sea

From the two-story Explorers’ Lounge to the floor-to-ceiling window in The Restaurant, Viking’s Ocean-going ships are masterworks of Scandinavian design. Light wood grains, touches of slate and teak, Swedish limestone and fragrant juniper abound.  What may come as a surprise is how intimate Viking Neptune will feel.  There are corners of the ship designed for quiet conversation. Even the Open-seating Restaurant is divided into a series of smaller ‘rooms’. The glorious Wintergarden, site of spectacular daily afternoon teas, is elegant space of total serenity. The neighboring Main Pool, one of two, has a retractable roof that ensures any-season swimming in sunshine or not.

The Dining Options include the finest Restaurants at Sea.

Executive Chef Anthony Mauboussin oversees every single item cooked aboard every one of Viking’s ships.  Working from his home kitchen in Chamonix, France, Mauboussin is continually developing recipes that represent each and every destination Viking Neptune will visit.  An appetizer, a main course and a dessert will be created for each. So that every day of the voyage, passengers will be able to taste their destinations with authentic dishes served daily in The Restaurant. Meanwhile, Scandinavian flavors are found at breakfast and lunch at Mamsen’s the ship’s gourmet deli. Manfredi’s devotes itself to Italian favorites. The Chef’s Table has rotating tasting menus and wine pairings. The World Café is at the top of the ship with an extensive international menu and the most al fresco dining at sea.  And 24-hour room service means you will never go hungry on Neptune.

The Cultural Offerings are never-ending.
Lifelong learners have found their favorite cruise line.  From the included shore excursions at every single port to the Viking Resident Historians R aboard, cultural education is at the heart of every voyage.  Guest lecturers, all experts in their respective disciplines, ensure passengers have invaluable insights into every destination. Art, architecture, music, geopolitics, the natural world–are all part of the cultural education aboard ship.  The performing arts are well-represented—be it Italian Opera or Portuguese Fado, resident classical musicians perform classical compositions throughout the ship.  And for hands-on Culinary Education, The Kitchen Table, Viking’s onboard Cooking School, has classes focused on regional cuisine throughout the voyage.

And Oh, what wonders this World Cruise will see.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, the journey begins in Central America passes through the Panama Canal and sails up the West Coast where passengers for the 121-day Viking World Journeys itinerary will join the ship. A Pacific Ocean crossing will call on Hawai’i, Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. From there, Asian ports await with overnights in Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon and Mumbai.  The Middle East is unveiled in Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Israel. Finally, Viking Neptune explores the Mediterranean with calls in Turkey, Athens, Italy, Monaco and Spain.  On to Lisbon and Le Havre,  before the ship reaches its final destination, London. You can even extend your stay there complete with two days of tours.

Viking is offering multiple bonuses for booking before February 28, 2021. But hurry. Viking’s 2021-2022 World Cruise has already sold out more than a year in advance.  It appears everyone can’t wait for the return of International Travel.

For more information, go to www.vikingcruises.com. Opinions and Reviews about Viking Ocean Cruises on Cruising Journal.

Monte Mathews

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