Viking Cruises has some exciting news to share
Travel + Leisure's readers have ranked viking as the top ocean and river cruise company for most of the last decade. The Scandinavian ships are a favorite among travelers for their excellent shore excursions, attentive crew and outstanding ship design.
The latest viking cruises announcement is the addition to its fleet of a new vessel, which will arrive in early 2021. The vessel, named Viking Saturn will be a part of the new ocean cruise ship series that will be added to the fleet by viking cruises in upcoming years.
Viking has long been focused on the North American market, especially those nearing retirement or who have retired. But it also offers an extensive selection of river and ocean cruises for travelers looking to discover the world. Its itineraries cater to those who want their focus to be on the destinations rather than the vessel.
Those who prefer a more traditional ocean experience can choose one of Viking's nine 930-passenger cruise ships, which offer a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options. Viking offers a range of adventurous itineraries on their new expedition ships. They are specially designed for exploring remote regions around the world.
Another viking Cruises update is that the company announced its first Mississippi River cruises, and a new ship, which will be departing from New Orleans, touched water for first time.
As viking expands, more and more voyages are being offered around the globe. In this year's voyages, viking launched the first in Antarctica. They will also soon be taking passengers to the Great Lakes.
Line's European river cruises are doing very well. Popular cruises include an eight-day Rhine Getaway from Basel to Amsterdam, an eight day Romantic Danube Cruise between Budapest and Regensburg, and a fifteen-day Grand European Tour between Budapest and Paris.
This month, viking also added two more luxury river ships to its fleet: the 164-passenger Viking Kari, which will offer a seven-day cruise on the Seine; and the 184-passenger Viking Radgrid, which will be used for the same journey but will dock at an exclusive location in Paris.
Guests can expect to gain a deeper understanding of cultures by attending events like wine tastings in different regions and dining on seasonal menus. Viking's Culture Curriculum offers interactive learning through workshops and presentations.
On July 30, viking also started offering cruises on American rivers again after a long hiatus, with itineraries in Minnesota and New York. Those trips are now sold out, but there are still some available for other itineraries, according to viking.
This week, Viking announced that all its guests and staff will be tested for COVID-19. The mosquito-borne illness that has caused the cruise industry to become a hotbed of anxiety and fear. Upon resuming sailings, daily PCR will be performed.
FAQ
How does cruising work?
When you book a cruise, you pay a deposit (usually $50-$100) when you reserve your cabin. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check into your cabin after you arrive at port. You may then participate in one or more of the many activities onboard.
Can I bring my pet on board?
Most cruise lines allow pets to travel aboard. However, there are some restrictions. First of all, you must make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Pets too sick to travel should be kept away from the plane. You cannot bring service dogs or any other animals to board. Service dogs are trained for disabled persons. You can't bring any type or dangerous animal to board.
Are there any other things I need to know before I go on a cruise?
Before you go on your first cruise, there are many things that you should know. Remember that you will travel with other people. Don't be critical of other people as you don't know their feelings about anything. Also, remember that you will be eating and drinking with strangers. Dress appropriately. On deck, you should not wear shorts or tanks. Wear comfortable clothing that you won't have to worry about getting dirty. Be prepared for extreme temperatures. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreens. You should bring a hat and sunglasses as well as a jacket for when you spend time outdoors. You are responsible for your own actions. Don't drink and drive!
Statistics
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (travel.usnews.com)
External Links
How To
How to book cruises
Booking a cruise through a travel agency is the best way to do so. A travel agency can help you book the cruise, arrange your accommodation and flight, deal with insurance questions, and make payment arrangements. The agent will take care of you throughout the process and ensure you get the best deal.
There are many methods to save money. Some prefer to purchase their tickets directly at the cruise line. Do this and make sure to check out the various deals offered by cruise lines. Compare them with the price you would pay if booked through a travel agent. Another option is to visit CruiseCompare.com an online travel comparison site. Enter your details to see which companies have the lowest prices. You can book it once you have found one that suits you.
If you are willing and able to do some research, other options may be available. An example is to search for an online company that offers a package deal which allows you to combine accommodation and flights. This type of package is offered by many websites.
You might ask family members and friends to share their experiences with various cruise lines. These people might be able give you some insight into the suitability of particular cruises for you.