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Press Release

Viking announces new 2024-2025 world cruise itineraries, new inventory released as viking reports strongest sales in its 25-year history.

Los Angeles (January 12, 2023)  – Viking® ( www.viking.com ) today announced its 2024 -2025 World Cruise itineraries, including the new   Viking World Voyage I , which sails around the world in 180 days, visiting 37 countries and 85 ports, with overnight stays in 13 iconic cities. Setting sail on December 19, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary will include ports of call across five continents and will completely circumnavigate the globe when it returns to the United States for its final port in New York on June 17, 2025. Today’s announcement of the new World Cruises comes at a time of record sales for Viking, with the launch of Viking’s new 25th Anniversary Sale on January 1 resulting in the highest number of bookings in one week in the company’s history. On January 9 alone, Viking had its strongest single sales day ever.

“For 25 years, we have been committed to providing our guests with immersive and culturally enriching experiences while traveling the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our previous World Cruises sold out in a matter of weeks, and we continue to see strong demand from our guests for extended voyages. Our seamless World Cruises are the greatest of all adventures and allow guests to explore more of the world with us.”

Guests sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ship, the Viking Sky ®, will explore ports of call in Central America; transit the Panama Canal; journey up the West Coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean and calling upon the Hawaiian islands and French Polynesia; traverse New Zealand and Australia; and sail through Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic and concluding in New York. A shorter 163-day portion of the sailing, Viking World Voyage II , departs from Los Angeles on January 5, 2025 and visits 29 countries and 78 ports before ending in New York. Guests may also choose the 138-day Viking World Cruise itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale to London or the 121-day voyage, Viking World Journeys which departs from Los Angeles and visits 23 countries before ending in London.      

2024-2025 World Cruise Itinerary Highlights:

Viking’s newest World Cruise itineraries visit dozens of the world’s most iconic cities, alongside lesser-known destinations, in one continuous itinerary. Overnight stays in 13 ports, such as Sydney, Haifa, Singapore and Istanbul, and double overnights in Auckland, Bali, Ho Chi Minh, Yangon, Mumbai and Bergen, allow guests to delve deeper. While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment – such as the Viking Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Guests will immerse themselves in the world’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Highlights of the new 2024-2025 Viking World Cruise itineraries include:

• Auckland, New Zealand: Cultural Capital of New Zealand – Set between the harbors of Waitematā and Manukau, guests will experience three days in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan city of Auckland, known for its award-winning wines, tree-lined parks and love of boating.    
• Singapore, Singapore: A Melting Pot of Cultures  – Witness the remarkable cultural diversity of Singapore during an overnight stay. Take a tour of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, from Little India to Arab Street, visit the futuristic horticultural park showcasing more than one million plants, or enjoy a Night Safari at the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. 
• Mumbai, India: A City of Old and New  – While in port in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai for three days, guests have more time ashore to learn about the life and legacy of activist Mahatma Gandhi, enjoy the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the city, and explore the diversity of its neighborhoods, from the picturesque narrow streets of Old Mumbai to the colorful markets in the city’s center.
• Istanbul, Turkey: Where East Meets West  – Guests will enjoy ample time to experience this historic city during an overnight stay. Straddled across two continents and the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul offers a wealth of religious sites to explore such as the spectacular Blue Mosque or the legendary Hagia Sophia, and boasts delicious fusion cuisine, combining fresh Mediterranean fare with spices from the Far East and Asia.
• London (Greenwich), England: The Royal Borough  – Guests will enjoy exploring the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• New York City, New York: The City That Never Sleeps – The epic Viking World Voyage I and Viking World Voyage II journeys conclude in New York City, where guests can take in the exhilarating streets of Lower Manhattan’s financial district to the intimate warrens of Greenwich Village. The city features something for all guests with culture, cuisine and architectural beauty.

The Viking Sky

Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests. Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet includes the Viking Star ®,  Viking Sea ®,  Viking Sky ®,  Viking Orion ®,  Viking Jupiter ®, Viking Venus ®, Viking Mars ® and  Viking Neptune ®. The Viking Saturn ® will join the fleet in 2023. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean fleet features modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail. Highlights include:

• All Veranda Staterooms:  Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from 270 sq. ft. Veranda Staterooms, all with private verandas, sweeping views of the destination and premium amenities that include king-size beds with luxury linens, generously proportioned closets, large interactive flat-screen LCD TVs with movies-on-demand, free Wi-Fi and award-winning bathrooms with large showers, premium Freyja® bath products and heated floors.
• Explorer Suites:  The ships feature 14 Explorer Suites, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. With expansive views from wraparound private verandas, as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category on board, Explorer Suites offer the ultimate sanctuary for World Cruise guests.
• Two Pool Choices:  In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ships feature a first-of-its-kind glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination.
• The Spa:  In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a Snow Grotto where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air. 
• Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s:  Share a cocktail with friends. Linger over a Norwegian breakfast and a nautical history book. The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are thoughtful spaces located at the bow of the ship and designed to represent the Scandinavian spirit for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows.
• The Wintergarden:  Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden. In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service.
• Dining Choices:  Viking’s ships offer eight dining options, all with no additional charge or fee—from fine dining in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and a variety of culinary options, and the World Café, which features international fare and regional specialties including a sushi and seafood cold bar—to intimate alternative dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and Manfredi’s, which features freshly prepared pastas and Italian favorites. The Pool Grill specializes in gourmet burgers, while afternoon tea and scones are available in the Wintergarden. Mamsen’s serves Norwegian deli-style fare, and complimentary 24-hour room service allows all guests to enjoy many signature dishes in the comfort of their stateroom. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking’s ocean ships offer the most al fresco dining at sea. Additionally, The Kitchen Table specializes in regional dishes from market to table.
• Cultural Enrichment:  Viking experiences from ship to shore are designed for unparalleled access and cultural enrichment. Viking Resident Historians deliver high-level historical and cultural education specific to the journey, offering invaluable insight into the rich history of the destination. Guest Lecturers who are experts in their fields shed light on the destination’s art, architecture, music, geopolitics, natural world and more. Destination Performances represent the most iconic cultural performing arts of the region—whether it be Italian opera or Portuguese fado. Resident Classical Musicians—pianists, guitarists, violinists and flautists—perform classical compositions throughout the ships. And Culinary Classes in The Kitchen Table, Viking’s onboard cooking school, focus on regional cuisine.
• Nordic Inspiration:  Even the smallest details take their inspiration from the exploratory spirit of the original Vikings, reflecting deeply held Nordic traditions. Light wood grains, touches of slate and teak, Swedish limestone and fragrant juniper appear throughout the public spaces and Spa. The Clinker-built design of the Viking Bar mirrors the construction style of the original Viking Longships. A Viking Heritage Center provides history and context from the Viking Age. And characters from Norse Mythology are subtly incorporated into the design, providing curious guests with inspiration to further explore Viking’s Nordic heritage.

Booking Details

From now through March 31, 2023, Viking is offering special savings for World Cruise guests including business class air, ground transfers to and from the ship, all onboard gratuities and service fees, complimentary visa service and Silver Spirits beverage package, which includes virtually all drinks on board, as well as free luggage shipping services for embarkation. Plus, all World Cruise guests receive $2,000 per person shore excursions credit, which can be used towards optional shore excursions or overland tours, as well as $1,000 per person shipboard credit for spa services, onboard shops and laundry. Viking Explorer Society Members receive an additional $1,000 per person shipboard credit. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent for details. 

Media Assets For more information, images and b-roll, contact  [email protected] .

About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being the first cruise line to ever be named both the #1 Ocean Line and the #1 River Line in a single year in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards. Viking has also been rated the #1 River Line and #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 and 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit  www.viking.tv .

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Viking World Cruise

• From £47,990
• 57 Guided Tours
• 28 Countries
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Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: +44 208 780 8564 or request a quote today., 2024-2025 viking world cruise.

Free Business Class airfare + transfers £600 per person shore excursion credit £350 per person shipboard credit An additional £350 per person shipboard credit for all Viking Explorer Society members Complimentary visa service, drinks package, unlimited Wi-Fi and more

• Book by 30 June 2024

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

All this is included in your Viking World Cruise.

• Free Business Class airfare + transfers
• £600 per person shore excursion credit
• £350 per person shipboard credit
• An additional £350 per person shipboard credit for all Viking Explorer Society members
• Complimentary visa service, drinks package, unlimited Wi-Fi and more

¹ For US/CAN/UK/AU World Cruise bookings only. International Business Class Air; Domestic First/Business Class air when available. From listed gateway cities. Call for details. ² Restrictions apply, complimentary service is only available when using Viking’s recommended visa service. ³For US bookings only, certain restrictions apply.

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Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions for  Viking World Cruise  can be viewed on our  Legal Documents  page. Air Information: FREE one way business class air from select UK airports. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

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These Brand-new Longitudinal World Cruises Sail From the Great Lakes to Antarctica — Here's How to Get on Board

Passengers aboard Viking's new cruises will sail to nine countries on three continents, stopping at up to 33 ports.

Viking wants to show you a whole new world — or at least half of it — with two new sailings set to depart in 2023.

The cruise company just announced "longitudinal" world cruises — traveling north to south, or south to north. The itineraries will take guests between the Great Lakes all the way to Antarctica.

The first sailing, Longitudinal World Cruise I , will depart on March 2, 2023, and conclude on May 5, 2023, taking 65 days to visit 29 ports across nine countries on three continents.

The trip will take guests south to north aboard Viking Octantis . The trip begins in Buenos Aires, where guests are invited to explore the Argentine capital to take in the art, architecture, and food before setting off on the rest of the journey.

From there, guests onboard will make their way to Antarctica where they'll see penguins, seals, and whales. Then, they'll sail back to Argentina, up to Chile, Peru, Ecuador, through the Panama Canal, then up to Mexico and the United States. In the U.S., guests will sail along the coast of Florida, South Carolina, and up to New York City. From there, they'll cross into Canada, going through Nova Scotia and Quebec before making their way to the St. Lawrence River, onto Ontario, back through the U.S. to Detroit, and finally ending the journey in Milwaukee.

For the journey, guests can choose their room, from the Nordic Balcony stateroom, which has 215-square-feet of living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-size bed, and a private bath, all the way to the Owner's Suite, which has 1,238 square feet, a private garden lounge area, separate dining area, a library, wine and music collections, and more.

On the other hand, the Longitudinal World Cruise II sails north to south aboard Viking Polaris . This journey is slightly longer — lasting 71 days and visiting 33 ports (still across nine countries and three continents). Polaris will sail from Duluth, Minnesota, to Ushuaia, Argentina from Sept. 12, 2023, to Nov. 21, 2023.

Both cruises will also set sail with a maximum of 378 guests, meaning it will be a highly personalized experience. See more about the trips here .

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Viking's Ultimate Around the World Cruises

Viking was named the #1 ocean cruise line by travel + leisure readers in the world’s best awards. in 2020, viking announced viking expeditions, new voyages to the ends of the earth and closer to home. now you can sail to the arctic, antarctica, north america’s great lakes all in one world cruise giving you the best around the world travel experience. explore the world in depth, and at a relaxed pace. the small size of their elegant ships give you access to fascinating ports that take you to places unable to be explored by larger ships. viking's world cruises traverse six continents and offer enriching cultural experiences unlike any other..

Viking Octantis

Buenos Aires to Milwaukee

Feb. 28, 2024 - May 2, 2024

Continents: 3

Countries: 10 Length: 70

Overnights: 1

Ports Visited: 26

*Prices starting at $ 44,995 pp

Los Angeles to New York Jan 5 - June 17, 2025

Continents: 4

Countries: 29

Length: 163 Overnights: 14 Ports: 78

*Prices starting at $ 74,995 pp

Ft. Lauderdale to London (Greenwich)

December 19, 2025 - May 6, 2026

Continents: 5

Countries: 28

Length: 138

Overnights: 11

*Prices starting at $ 59,995 pp

Experience Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking World Journeys

121 Days | 50 Guided Tours | 23 Countries

Los Angeles, California to London (Greenwich)

WORLD CRUISE SALE

Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade 

plus FREE Business Class Airfare

Offer ends Sep 30, 2023

Call 1-800-464-3595 for details

Ask for Offer " WCS23 "

Los Angeles is renowned as the world’s leading center of film and television, and is home to an endless array of museums, concert venues and other cultural institutions. The city also offers some of the best dining in the world. Along the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, grand celebrity mansions hide behind iron gates. The chic shops of Rodeo Drive invite endless browsing. The Roosevelt Hotel, an icon built in the 1920s that once served as the residence of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, oversees the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Visit Santa Barbara today—also known as the “American Riviera.” Famed for its pristine beaches, world-class vineyards and scenic vistas, this jewel of the California coast is yours to explore. Discover Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage on a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara, one of the town’s most recognized and prized landmarks. Wander through its lush gardens as you gaze at the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. Or, follow the Urban Wine Trail and sample some of California’s critically acclaimed vintages that celebrate Santa Barbara’s passion for producing fine wine.

Cross the Pacific Ocean and learn about its fascinating geology, with more than 75,000 volcanoes—many still active—reaching up from its depths. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your stateroom veranda.

Arrive today in the cosmopolitan capital of Hawaii. You will find everything from historic landmarks to world-class shopping on the island of Oahu. Downtown is brimming with fine eateries to suit every palate entwined with fabulous boutiques offering everything from upscale chic to beachside glamour. Or, head to Waikiki Beach, where you can soak up the sun along shores blessed with pristine sands. Visit historic Pearl Harbor and see where the tragic events of December 7, 1941 unfolded, when Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific fleet’s battleship base. Or, immerse yourself in nature as you discover the island’s endemic flora and fauna.

Call today on Hawaii’s “Garden Island.” The fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai’s landscape is lush, green and stunningly beautiful. You can explore on foot or by motor vehicle, or take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of this idyllic island paradise. You may discover ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls at the north branch of the Wailua River and take a stroll around Nawiliwili’s Old Town. Or, enjoy a thrilling ATV ride to view the island’s contrasting sites.

Traverse the indigo waters of the South Pacific, where Māori island tribes explored by long-distance canoe, spreading their cultures and languages to far reaching settlements. Linger on the deck of your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps you will take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck.

Arrive in Vaitape on the island of Bora Bora today, whose landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano in the shape of two moss-green peaks surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon. Bora Bora is the quintessential Polynesian paradise, as is exhibited by its lovely beaches and clear blue seas, through its cuisine or during its crimson sunsets. Embark by open air bus on a scenic tour of the natural and historic sites, including Faanui Bay and Bora Bora’s biggest Polynesian temple. Or, explore the waters off Bora Bora and swim among colorful tropical fish, stingrays and sharks.

Moorea lies 12 miles off the coast of Tahiti and is the remains of an ancient, inactive volcano. From hiking through lush jungle valleys to the discovery of graceful marine life, the island offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse in nature. Blacktip reef sharks swim among schools of colorful fish, in anticipation of a dropped morsel of food from visitors paddling along the shore or dining at the ocean’s edge. From the intense turquoise of the sea to the patterned marine creatures that dart among the coral, Moorea is a world worthy of any picture postcard.

Tahiti is the largest of the islands of French Polynesia and Papeete is its principal city. It breathes the same easygoing atmosphere as the rest of the archipelago, an earthly paradise with its turquoise waters, tranquil beaches and stunning underwater world. The island’s French and Polynesian cultures can be seen in the town’s covered market, whose colorful displays are a delight for the senses. Admire the Catholic cathedral and the grand colonial design of the Papeete Town Hall, or Mairie de Papeete.

Cruise the South Pacific and enjoy the amenities of your ship as we sail toward New Zealand. Perhaps savor an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi’s or sample international fare in the World Café.

Cross the International Date Line today, a time-honored travel milestone long marked by ceremony. Heading east across this imaginary line between the poles sets the clock back 24 hours, effectively gaining a day. While traversing this meridian, it is tradition to celebrate the occasion by raising a glass to the event.

Traverse the waters of the South Pacific for the legendary “Southern Continent”—modern-day Australia—and follow in the footsteps of Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first European to discover Tasmania and New Zealand. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

Today, call into Waitangi, located in the far north of New Zealand’s North Island. Its name means “weeping waters” in Māori and it was here, at this stunning seaside location, that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840. Captain William Hobson and 52 Māori chiefs signed the treaty, an act that was considered the founding of New Zealand as a nation. Today, it is celebrated annually with a public holiday and spirited bicultural ceremony on the grounds of Treaty House.

Arrive in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand’s North Island. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland enjoys a stunning setting between two harbors. This seafaring city has hosted two America’s Cup challenges; its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. During your stay here, you will have ample time to take in this Kiwi city’s beauty and history, touring the tree-lined Albert Park and the neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum. Cross the Harbour Bridge to enjoy sweeping views from Bastion Point and pass through Parnell Village, lined with upscale shops and cafés.

Enjoy a second day in Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” and set between two harbors. This seafaring city has hosted two America’s Cup challenges, and its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. You may choose to glide through the waters of Auckland Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf in an America’s Cup yacht. Or, get a taste of Auckland on a tour through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

With more time in port, you can visit more of Auckland and its splendid beauty. Head in the the heart of New Zealand’s wine country and sample some of its world acclaimed wines. Or, explore North Island’s west coast and admire its unspoiled beauty. Visit a local farm and experience local life in the farming community.

Tauranga, nestled on the Bay of Plenty, is watched over by the dramatic Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano that helped shape this spectacular region of white-sand beaches and azure waters. The Māori arrived here in the 13th century, followed by the British 600 years later. Today, the city is home to a thriving cultural scene and stunning vistas of mountains rising from the surrounding waters. Tauranga is best known as the gateway to the bubbling mud pools and thermal fields of Rotorua. The local Māori believe this cauldron-like region to be a gift of fire from the gods.

Napier is an impressive cityscape of art deco architecture often compared to Miami Beach for its splendor. Built after much of the city was destroyed during a 1931 earthquake, the stunning “main street” design and art deco flair combine to create a city unlike any other in the world. The National Aquarium, one of the finest in New Zealand, can be found in Napier. Nearby, Hawke’s Bay boasts more than 70 vineyards. The first ones were introduced by French missionaries during the mid-19th century. The city also holds claim as the largest wool center in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit Wellington today, hailed by many as the “coolest little capital in the world,” brimming with cultural institutions such as the Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery. The political capital of New Zealand enjoys a splendid setting among mountains and the sea. Enjoy a tour of its main sites, including the summit of Mt. Victoria, the Wellington Cathedral and the New Zealand Parliament’s four buildings—including Parliament House, a dramatic neoclassical wonder, and the Executive Wing, known as the “Beehive” for its shape. You will also see the renowned Wellington Botanic Garden, home to the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Perhaps join a culinary experience to discover New Zealand’s cuisine, or join a city tour fashioned for fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

As you sail today, share a cappuccino in the Viking Bar with new friends, enjoy a visit to The Spa or relax on the Sun Deck. Finish the day with a drink in Torshavn.

Spend your day cruising through the tranquility of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound—some of the world’s most astonishing fjords. James Cook first encountered this magnificent region in 1770 and was understandably spellbound. As you sail amid these mazes of forested cliffs, witness alpine peaks pointing to the heavens and monolithic granite walls soaring to as high as 4,000 feet. And keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals; this primeval world serves as their playground.

Cruise the the Tasman Sea. Just as many refer to an Atlantic journey as “hopping the Pond,” Kiwis and Aussies refer to this voyage as “crossing the Ditch.” Your two days at sea provide the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in the Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure or shave.

Explore the fabled island of Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The capital, Hobart, was founded as a penal colony for some 300 inmates. Today, it is a charming city brimming with traditional pubs and boasting a mild climate set amid a picturesque natural setting on the banks of the Derwent River.

See some of Australia’s most dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife at Phillip Island. From May through October, the waters of Phillip Island play host to migrating humpback and southern right whales. At sunset each evening on Summerland Beach, the island’s Little Penguins return to shore after a day’s fishing. Watch them waddle in procession as they head for the safety of the sand dunes from elevated viewing points—a magical sight.

Melbourne has been called the world’s most livable city. It enjoys a scenic setting on the large bay of Port Phillip. Soon after Queen Victoria declared it a city of the Crown in 1847, the rush to find gold in its rivers made it one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities. Today, it is celebrated as the country’s cultural capital of the arts and exudes a rich and lively British flair, from its narrow shopping lanes to the fanciful Victorian buildings along Collins Street. A literal slice of England can be found within 64 acres of beautiful blooms at Fitzroy Gardens.

As you cruise the Tasman Sea, enjoy the amenities of your ship. You may wish to take in some insightful TED Talks that focus on history, geography, science, longevity and more, and promote a deeper understanding of the world. Join us for hourly screenings in our onboard theater, or view them at your convenience in your stateroom. Perhaps dine at The Chef’s Table, where you can enjoy a multicourse tasting menu complete with wine pairings. Or, savor an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi’s trattoria-style restaurant, where you can enjoy freshly prepared pastas and Chianti by the carafe.

Set in Twofold Bay, the town of Eden was once home to Australia’s whaling industry. The Davidsons, a local family known for its whaling heritage, were considered experts, even partnering with wild orcas to hunt their prey together. Nowadays, Eden and the Davidsons are famed for their conservation efforts to protect the whale population, both in Australian waters and beyond. Follow the Sapphire Coast to discover more about how Eden’s locals emerged from hunting the gentle giants of the sea to protecting their habitat.

Arrive in Sydney, the capital of Australian New South Wales celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor, the world’s largest. Begin your day in the heart of the city, at Sydney Cove. Explore the charming crooked streets of Sydney’s historic district of The Rocks, where some houses date back to the early days of European settlement. Or, start off your day touring the bustling fish market with a local chef and taking your “catch” on board a harbor sightseeing vessel. Fabulous food and wine and good company enhance this scenic outing. You might also explore the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains. Or set out on your own, perhaps strolling to the famed Sydney Opera House on the stunning harbor.

Enjoy a second day in Sydney. You may pull back the curtain and enjoy an insider’s view of Australia’s world-class opera house. Or, join a professional photographer for a walking tour in the harbor area and an opportunity to snap fantastic images of vivid street art, historic houses and more. Alternately, you might choose to explore the natural wonders of the nearby Blue Mountains.

Follow the east coast of Australia today. Linger on the Sun Deck or your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps you will take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck.

Call on the capital of Queensland, Australia, today, situated on the Brisbane River and spread over hills rising from Moreton Bay. This picturesque city is known for its Queenslander architecture, a distinct style characterized by terraces and raised living spaces. Brisbane itself enjoys a flourishing culinary scene amid a sophisticated collection of art galleries. Head out to explore the surrounding areas and you will find yourself enveloped in beautiful vineyards, stunning seascapes and wonderful nature.

Traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Coral Sea, where the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef welcomes divers to explore its spectacular marine life. Admire the views as you sail today and enjoy an al fresco dining experience. The Aquavit Terrace serves a range of International fare and casual dining favorites, as well as a range of superb cocktails inspired by our destinations.

Stumbled upon in 1770 by Captain James Cook 49 days after Easter (Whitsunday), the Whitsunday archipelago emerges from the Coral Sea amid the Great Barrier Reef. The seafaring Ngaro people called this paradise home until 1870 and hunted these waters in bark canoes. Nature’s brushstrokes are astonishing here: pure-white sands meet cerulean waters, swirling together at sandbars to merge into a palette of turquoise, cream and emerald-green hills. Witness these islands and Airlie Beach firsthand; glassy, invigorating and impossibly blue, the waters provide the ideal oasis for relaxation and idling away a few hours on the beach.

Call on Cairns today, built on the shoulders of gold prospectors. Today, it is a major sugarcane and fishing port, and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. See the city’s major sights, including its historic Royal Australian Navy base, Cairns Botanic Gardens and Palm Cove, a quaint, beach-loving community. Or perhaps board a catamaran for an exciting sail to the magnificent reef, the largest continuous system of its kind on Earth.

With waters stretching far beyond the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea is far deeper but no less spectacular for its crystalline clarity. Continue following the east coast of Australia today, often called the “Sunshine Coast.” Linger on the Sun Deck or your veranda for vistas of azure and turquoise as you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Perhaps take a dip in the Infinity Pool or stroll the Promenade Deck. This evening, enjoy the jazz strains of live music at Torshavn.

Thursday Island was once home to a thriving pearl fishing industry. From the late 19th century, divers came from Japan, Malaysia and India to harvest these precious stones. The diving has declined, but traces of Asia’s diverse influences remain. The island’s Green Hill Fort was built during the 1890s with growing concerns of a potential Russian invasion. The fort was shut down just 30 years later and reactivated during World War II as a wireless station. Many islanders, still to this day, abide by a no-footwear policy out of respect for the spirits of their ancestors.

Trace the route of early civilizations as you sail the Arafura Sea. During the Ice Age, entire populations were once able to walk between continents, exchanging languages and customs. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in The Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Follow in the footsteps of Indonesia’s indigenous people and sail the Timor Sea. This stretch of water shares its name with the independent state of East Timor, which lies to its north. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Komodo is one of the world’s most unique and prehistoric-feeling national parks with a magnificent menagerie of wildlife. Its most famous denizen is the legendary Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. These breathtaking creatures can grow up to ten feet long and typically weigh about 150 pounds. Gentler-looking animals also roam, including the island’s graceful Timor deer, beautiful wild horses and stout little boars. Resident giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are a sight to behold with their jet-black capes.

Arrive in Bali for a two-night stay, allowing ample time to explore and immerse yourself in Bali’s customs and traditions. As we remain docked overnight, take the opportunity to dine al fresco during an evening tour and enjoy a cultural performance amid a stunning setting.

Discover the deeply spiritual island of Bali, with its colorful markets and rich culture of arts, crafts and traditional dance. Explore its bustling provincial capital of Denpasar on an included tour, admiring the colors, flavors and fragrances of the local market, the Bali Museum and the sublime temple of Jagatnatha.

You have another day to experience the vibrant culture and magnificent landscapes of Bali. Continue uncovering the wonders of Denpasar, or opt to immerse yourself in the island’s spirituality and arts during an optional excursion. Alternately, see how the traditional Balinese once lived and witness the creativity of talented artisans during an arts and crafts tour.

Spend the day relaxing on board as you cruise the Java Sea. Evidence points to the sea bottom being above water before water levels rose following the last ice age. This shallow body of water was also the sight of a disastrous naval battle during World War II, when Allied Forces were defeated by the Japanese on Feb. 27, 1942.

Java is Indonesia’s repository of history and island culture. The bustling port of Semarang was founded by the Dutch and hints of the island’s colonial past dot the cityscape. Outside the city, Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, strikes a dramatic pose against a backdrop of four volcanoes. A popular place of pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the massive pyramidal temple towers to a great height. The devout walk up a clockwise path to the pinnacle, passing 2,672 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues along the way.

Sail one of the world’s most successful commercial trade routes in history. The countless crates of spices carried over the Java Sea reportedly contributed to the famed Dutch Golden Age. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

Relax on board your ship as you cruise the South China Sea. Unwind in The Spa, where you can enjoy the Snow Grotto and Sauna, or by taking a dip in the Infinity Pool.

Call on Ho Chi Minh City today, formerly known as Saigon. Explore a heady mix of French and Vietnamese cultures here, where baguettes and croissants are sold alongside pho, Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup. Or view the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Chinatown, and meet artisans at a lacquer workshop.

Enjoy another day exploring the cultural treasures of Ho Chi Minh City, absorbing its French colonial accents and bustling markets. Stop by its oldest and largest, Ben Thành Market, to experience Old Saigon at its most authentic. If you wish, you can visit the legendary tunnels of Cu Chi, a vast network of subterranean passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Take the morning to further explore Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps you will pay a visit to Bến Thành Market, breathing in the heavenly scents as you sample regional dishes and admire the handiwork of local artisans. Or you may choose to enjoy the city’s modern bustle and colonial charm on your own. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon departure.

Tucked among mainland China, Vietnam and the Philippines, the South China Sea is one of the world’s most important waterways. One-third of commercial shipping passes through these waters. It is a tradition that stretches back untold centuries, to when dynastic emperors and the barbarians who opposed them sailed their ships here. Later, 16th-century Portuguese traders called it Mar da China, the China Sea. As you sail these waters today, perhaps take in a lecture in The Theater to learn of the enriching destinations to which they lead.

Explore the Thai island of Koh Samui, a paradise of sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, this self-sufficient community had no roadways until the early 1970s. Today, it is a favored spot for sun-loving beachcombers from Thailand and beyond. Visit the island’s revered temples and witness some of the scampering monkeys that have been trained to harvest coconuts from the treetops.

The Gulf of Thailand, the massive sea basin bordered by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, is still known as the Gulf of Siam to the Malay and Khmer people. Long stretches of sandy beach, low-lying emerald hills and soaring mountains surround this oval-shaped gulf. The lush hills of Botum Sakor National Park unfold north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Along Thailand’s shores, several beach-ringed islands point the way to Laem Chabang port.

Singapore is the world’s only island city-state. Established in 1819 for the East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles, after whom the famed hotel is named, it grew from a secluded backwater into a shabby port city before transforming itself into a sophisticated metropolis. The technology and economy are highly advanced here, yet the islands host plentiful green parks with tree-lined footpaths and the stunning National Orchid Garden. For a panoramic view of it all, the observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands towers offers the perfect solution.

Spend another day in Singapore as you further explore this Asian gem. Witness its remarkable diversity where traditions endure in one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Stroll one of Singapore’s plentiful green spaces, such as the stunning National Orchid Garden. Or, take a ride in a trishaw as you explore one of the city’s charming districts.

This narrow passage between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra was a major route for early traders shipping glassware, precious stones, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. Today, it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As you cruise this historic waterway, the lush shores of Sumatra grace the horizon to the south, stretching out to lowlands, mangroves and swamps. The more urban skylines of Malaysia—George Town and Kuala Lumpur among them—shimmer in the distance to the north. Throughout your crossing, you will pass the many emerald-green pulau , or islands, that make this region one of the most alluring destinations in the world.

The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Around 1545, one Portuguese explorer called the island Junk Ceylon, and the name stuck for decades. Later, the French, Dutch and English competed for the island’s tin trade; the French East India Company won and played a role in local politics until 1688. Today, old Sino-Portuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.

Sail the Andaman Sea, a highway for the transport of trade from the coasts of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to the Andaman Islands, an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Arrive in Yangon today, Myanmar’s largest city. Since the country reopened to the world following years under oppresive military control, Yangon has bounced back with a bustling, exciting vibe at the core of its Downtown district. The city’s focus is on Shwedagon Paya, a golden monument and one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. This 326 feet statue is adorned with 27 tons of gold leaf, and thousands of diamonds and other gem stones.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was a British colony from the late 19th century until 1948, with Yangon serving as its commercial and political hub. Explore the city and view what is said to be the largest and grandest collection of colonial architecture in Asia. See the imposing Secretariat, a classical Victorian red-brick structure, and the elegant High Court. The Strand remains one of Yangon’s premier hotels, while the Governor’s Residence is considered of one Asia’s colonial-era masterpieces.

Myanmar is fast becoming one of Asia’s must-see destinations. Its popular cities have been made famous by British author George Orwell, who was inspired to pen his first novel, Burmese Days, after spending time here as a young man. Visitors are drawn to the country’s magnificent temples, the floating villages of Inle Lake and the royal city of Mandalay, where Burmese kings once lived in grand, ornate palaces.

The history-rich waters of the Bay of Bengal are considered sacred by many Hindus. In ancient Hindu lore, the bay is called Mahodadhi, meaning “great water receptacle.” Still today, the devout perform a daily aarti , a religious ritual in which they place fire offerings into the surf and let the tides carry them away. During the early 1600s, Britain’s East India Company sailed along the coast, settled throughout India and established a trading body; soon after, half of the world’s maritime commerce of goods such as cotton, silk and tea were traded exclusively through them.

Arrive in Colombo for a two-night stay, giving you time to experience its capital and famed lush countryside in depth. The island was first colonized by the Portuguese, who took control of the cinnamon trade. The Dutch followed, then the English ruled it as Ceylon until it became independent in 1972. Visit the British fort and Old Parliament Building, the affluent Cinnamon Gardens district, Gangaramaya—the city’s largest temple—and Independence Square, built after the island gained its independence from the British in 1948.

Enjoy a full day in Colombo to venture beyond the city into the Sri Lankan countryside, or explore Colombo by tuk-tuk, the iconic tricycle taxis. You might also visit Pinnawala, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and cared for. Or visit Galle, the largest remaining fortress in South East Asia.

Sail the azure waters between the island nations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the tip of India’s southern point. The Laccadive Sea has been a thriving region for pearl fishing for thousands of years. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.

Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Cochin has been a vibrant port for more than 1,000 years. In late medieval days, this city of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and countless other spices put India on the maps of European traders. Since then, Cochin has continued to export these plants for culinary and medicinal uses. Modern-day Cochin reflects the varied people who have settled here seeking their own spice fortune. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and Chinese have all influenced Cochin’s cityscape and culture, as well as the region’s cuisine.

Cross the Arabian Sea, originally called the Erythraean Sea, after King Erythras of Greek mythology. Its modern-day moniker derives from the Arab sailors who dominated trade on its waters from the 9th century onward. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Goa was the cultural center of Portuguese India for 450 years. This was the first region in India colonized, and the last to get its freedom. Nowhere in India is the colonial influence so prominent. About a third of Goans are Catholic and the colonial styles of the Old Town have earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its magnificent cathedrals and monasteries, the Sé Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Asia. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of baroque architecture, holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the city’s patron saint.

Mumbai is spread over seven islands and is a major cultural capital of India. Bombay, as it was known until 1995, still enjoys its magnificent seaside setting and is home to some of India’s most beloved landmarks. Perhaps none is as glamorous as the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it has hosted celebrities and presidents. Adjacent, the impressive Gateway of India was built to salute the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Mumbai also hosted the headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mumbai encompasses every element of humanity and is a striking blend of cultures and traditions. Millionaires and laborers rub shoulders on bustling streets. Bollywood film directors create big-budget films among a culture of fashionistas and financiers. The city’s streets reflect every subculture, religion and cuisine of India, as people migrated here from all over the country. And the city’s festivals honor both Western and Indian traditions, from Good Friday to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, a celebration of local music, dance, theater and film.

Enjoy another day to explore Mumbai and delve deeper as you explore life in this lively city. Take a tour of Mumbai’s most memorable markets as you immerse yourself in a cavalcade of colors, sounds, tastes and smells. Or, experience a slice of everyday Mumbai life as you explore its historic train stations and ride the rails.

Sail the Arabian Sea, an important marine trade route since Antiquity. During the Age of Sail, all manner of spices, metals and precious stones were carried back and forth across these waters by industrious traders. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Follow in the wake of early explorers who sailed the waters of the Red Sea as long ago as 2500 BC. History and legend are rich in this narrow stretch of sea between Asia and Africa. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jeddah has played a dual role throughout its history. Located on the eastern shores of the Red Sea, it was a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes starting in the seventh century. It also became a historically important gateway for Muslim pilgrims arriving by sea on their journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina—a role that continues to this day. A modern multicultural city, Jeddah’s heritage can still be experienced in the distinctive architecture and bustling souks of its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trace the coastlines of Africa and Saudi Arabia as you sail the Red Sea, one of the world's most legendary seaways. Moses is said to have parted its waters and Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut led trade missions here on ancient vessels.

Call on Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, set amid bleached-out desert hills. History here stretches back centuries, but it is best known as the site where, in 1917, T. E. Lawrence (known as Lawrence of Arabia) led troops in the Battle of Aqaba. Stop to explore Mamluk Fort—won by the Arabs from the Turks during a 1916 camel charge—the opulent house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the lively waterfront. You might also journey to the region’s must-see archaeological treasure of Petra, an astonishing city of red sandstone carved from the earth millennia ago.

Call on Safaga today, an ancient Red Sea port that has been in use since the 3rd century. It is also the gateway to the magnificent temples of ancient Thebes—today’s city of Luxor. Traverse the desert sands to the shores of the Nile River, where you will visit the spectacular Temple of Karnak, long buried beneath desert sands. Walk through its monumental peristyles and examine the hieroglyphics illustrating how ancient Egyptians lived.

Navigate the narrow Gulf of Suez, the gateway to the important Suez Canal connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The gulf is rich in petroleum deposits and many offshore oil rigs dot its 195 mile stretch of water. As you sail, explore our well-curated library, tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

An engineering marvel, the Suez Canal was completed in 1869. The sea-level, single-lane waterway has no locks, and only two lakes allow north- and southbound ships to pass each other: Ballah Bypass and Great Bitter Lake. Along this historic waterway, stark desert sands stretch into Egypt and an occasional giant mound of sand appears on its banks, dug from the canal. Small patches of swaying palms are fed by canal waters. Nearby lies the town of Ismailia, known as the “City of Beauty and Enchantment,” which was built to serve the canal’s construction and maintenance.

Arrive in Haifa today, an ideal port from which to explore the north of Israel. Ascend Mt. Carmel, where it is said that the prophet Elijah set fire to a sacrifice and ended a drought. On the mountain’s slope overlooking the city, enjoy commanding views of the magnificent terraced Hanging Gardens of Haifa, center of the Bahá’í faith. You may also explore the fascinating Old City of Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. We are docked overnight here, so you will have a full day tomorrow to explore this historic port.

Today is free for you to explore more of Haifa and its surroundings. In Nazareth, explore pivotal sites in the life of Jesus Christ, where he spent his youth. Alternatively, you can choose to explore ancient Caesarea, built by King Herod as an early center of Christianity, and the modern face of Tel Aviv. Or, perhaps discover the ancient Jewish and Christian sights in the Sea of Galilee, where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount and performed many of his miracles.

Enjoy a day on board as you cruise the Mediterranean Sea. Take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge or reserve a soothing massage at The Spa. Linger over tea and scones in the Wintergarden or soak up the sun on deck.

Rhodes is home to the Palace of the Grand Masters, a remarkable and sprawling fortification. Its historic quarter is Europe’s largest active medieval town. Outside the city, forests of pine and cypress blanket mountain slopes; vineyards and groves of citrus and olive soak up the Aegean sun. The Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered the island in the 14th century, bringing great wealth from the Holy Land. Under their rule, the city was reconstructed to mirror the medieval ideal. Many of the buildings from this era remain and make for rewarding strolls.

One of antiquity’s best-preserved cities, Ephesus offers an unparalleled look into the lives of the ancients. Many of its ruins have endured from the time Ephesus was one of the largest metropolises of the ancient world. Excavations reach back to the 10th century BC, when this city hosted one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. Today, Ephesus is still full of wonders: the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the massive amphitheater that once sat 25,000 spectators and residences adorned with frescoes.

Istanbul exudes a fascinating mix of Western and Eastern cultures. Its strategic locale led to its role as a significant center of trade—eventually becoming a cultural crossroads along the world-famous Silk Road. One of the city’s stunning centerpieces is Hagia Sophia, founded as a basilica, converted to a mosque, then a museum; it is now a mosque again and features exquisite mosaics and frescoes. The city’s Grand Bazaar offers a rich taste of Turkish culture, from a vast selection of carpets and fabric to luscious dates and the local sweet favorite, Turkish Delight.

Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, no other city in the world bridges two continents. Istanbul’s history is evident on every corner, from the cascading domes of the Blue Mosque to the courtyards of the Topkapi Palace. Visitors and locals alike flock to the European districts of Karaköy and Galata to browse shops and visit galleries, while across the strait lie the fashionable areas of Kadıköy and Moda. At night, the Old Town’s buildings illuminate the skies, and across the Sea of Marmara, twinkling lights of ships follow a trail to the Asian continent.

Sail along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, known for its azure waters and picturesque islands. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

Virtually enclosed by land—with just the nine-mile-wide Strait of Gibraltar linking it to the Atlantic Ocean—the Mediterranean has been the stage on which civilizations have risen and fallen, a crossroads of trade and culture and an epic route leading to new discoveries. As you cruise this storied sea today, relax on board your ship. Learn more about your upcoming destinations during an enrichment lecture or relax by the Main Pool. This is also the perfect opportunity to explore your ship, perhaps unwinding in The Spa’s Snow Grotto and sauna or taking a dip in the Infinity Pool. Tonight, be sure to try a regional specialty in The Restaurant and take in a movie in our theater.

Today you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europe’s ten greatest cities when it fell under Spain’s purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves, and rolling vineyards. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the expansive Piazza Municipio and the hillside Votive Temple of Christ the King. Or, choose to climb Mt. Etna’s towering volcano, and marvel at the ancient temples and arenas of Taormina.

Naples boasts a long history in a stunning seaside setting and is known mostly for its pizza. The city has long been a major center of Italian culture and was the seat of a powerful independent kingdom for 500 years. So great was its sway that it lured the region’s finest architects and artists. In the grand Piazza del Plebiscito, the grand and sweeping public square, the San Francesco di Paola Church flaunts a colonnaded facade reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the Royal Palace overlooks Neapolitans with statues of all the kings of Naples peering out from alcoves.

From the ancient Forum—political hub of the Roman Empire—to the 18th-century Spanish Steps, Rome is a city with monuments around every turn. One could spend an entire day just visiting Vatican City—home to the Pope, and a country all its own—with the massive St. Peter’s Square and Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling is adorned with Michelangelo’s breath-taking frescos.

The chic city of Monte Carlo in the petite kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world’s most exclusive shopping and a beautiful old port. A fairy-tale aura has settled on this glittering city of the Grimaldi family, perhaps nowhere more elegantly than at the Prince’s Palace, where the late American actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly presided with Prince Rainier III. Monte Carlo’s medieval quarter perches on “The Rock,” an escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps, and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the harbor lined with mega-yachts.

As you cruise the Balearic Sea en route to Barcelona, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Spain and perhaps watch a movie beneath the stars at the Main Pool.

Soak up the charm of sunny Barcelona, the Catalonian capital of culture. Stroll along Las Ramblas, take in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí or explore the myriad side streets of the ancient Gothic Quarter. Take an included tour today, or opt for one of the many optional shore excursions we offer.

Uncover the rich history of Cartagena today, brimming with remarkable architecture spanning the ages—from the days of Rome to art nouveau. Outside the city, marvel at the beauty of the sanctuary of the Virgin of Fuensanta, Murcia’s patron saint, and the baroque- and Gothic-style cathedral. Alternately, explore Cartagena’s impressive Roman Theater and Roman Forum.

Sail the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its defining landmark, the soaring Rock of Gibraltar, was one of the Pillars of Hercules of ancient myth. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your stateroom veranda.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fado spill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

As you sail north toward the English Channel, take advantage of the many amenities of your ship. You might find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Lounge by the Main Pool with its retractable roof and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar.

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About 350 miles long, the English Channel separates southern England from northern France. William the Conqueror crossed these waters to become king of England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The most triumphant crossing unfolded on D-Day, when Allied troops landed on Normandy’s shores. The channel’s narrowest point stretches about 20 miles between Dover and Calais. Dover’s famed cliffs can be seen from a distance as a long white strip resting on the horizon.

Arrive in historic Le Havre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Seine River estuary. This historic port city is the gateway to Parisian pleasure, which you will explore today. Enjoy time on your own to ascend the Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views. Alternately, you might choose to pay homage at D-Day beaches or stroll the pretty quay of the artists’ town of Honfleur.

Call today on the city of Dover, its importance as a port dating back to the Bronze Age. You can journey to the medieval city of Canterbury, made famous through Geoffrey Chaucer’s  Canterbury Tales , to visit the shrine of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Or, immerse yourself in natural beauty at Sissinghurst Castle and Garden, an Elizabethan-era mansion which showcases a classic English country garden.

Discover the celebrated Royal Borough of Greenwich—part of which, Maritime Greenwich, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. London is just a short drive away, so you can take in the regal city and all its splendor. See the Tower of London, Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Alternately, step off the ship to tour Greenwich, its excellent National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory from where the world’s clocks are set.

Disembark your ship this morning as your journey comes to a close, or extend your stay in London.

Air Pricing

Prices are per person for featured departures.

Airfare offers valid on all N. American gateways except Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City.

Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

FREE International Airfare

Offer WCS23:

Offer valid on bookings made from Sep 3 to Sep 30, 2023. Complimentary Deluxe Veranda upgrade from Veranda to Deluxe Veranda (V2-DV1) and Penthouse Veranda (PV3-PV1) plus free Business Class airfare valid on Jan 6 & 9, 2024 departure of 2024 Viking World Journeys ; subject to availability, call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply.  Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. Book by Sep 30, 2023; pay in full due at time of booking. Offer expires Sep 30, 2023. 

Explore More Before or After Your Cruise

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

Pre-Cruise Extensions*

Extend your cruise with 2 nights in los angeles.

Griffith Park Observatory aerial view

Walk in the footsteps of movie stars and media moguls in the city of Los Angeles, renowned as the world’s leading center of film and television. Enjoy time to explore on your own, then take a guided tour to marvel at the Getty Villa’s vast art collection.

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 2 hotel nights in Los Angeles (as shown or similar)
• 2 meals: 2 breakfasts (B)
• 1 guided tour: Santa Monica & the Getty Villa
• Welcome Wine & Cheese Reception 
• Services of a Viking Host
• All transfers

InterContinental Century City

Located on the Avenue of the Stars, close to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, this elegant hotel offers sweeping views of the Pacific, downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Guests can relax in well-appointed rooms, or at the edge of the infinity pool. The Mari Los Angeles restaurant serves fresh fare with a coastal California twist.

NOTE: Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed.

The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Post-Cruise Extensions*

Extend your cruise with 2 nights in london.

Windsor Castle guard, London

This cosmopolitan metropolis offers unforgettable shopping, fine dining, and a wealth of museums and galleries that includes Tate and the British Museum. See Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

• 2 hotel nights in London (as shown or similar)

Day 1 - London

Discover London, one of the world’s greatest cities. There is something for everyone in London—great shopping, fine dining, a wealth of museums and galleries, royal palaces, castles, and parks. Having made the journey here, you will not want to pass up the chance to see this great city while in Europe. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2 - London

This will be a day of leisure. You are free to explore the many magnificent sites of central London such as the National Gallery, wander through Trafalgar Square or walk through the famed Pall Mall to Buckingham Palace. If shopping is your pastime of choice, you will be awed by the wealth of wondrous stores in Covent Garden and Mayfair. (B)

Day 3 - London

On your final day, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Conrad London St. James

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just minutes away from some of London’s most renowned landmarks. Savor traditional British fare in the Blue Boar restaurant or relax with a themed afternoon tea in Emmeline’s Lounge. Contemporary guest rooms are spacious and reflect the hotel’s sleek design.

Learn more about Viking

Enriching shore excursions, reinventing ocean cruising.

© Viking Cruises,

All rights reserved.

Viking Announces 2024-2025 World Cruise Itineraries on Viking Sky

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: January 12, 2023  - Last updated: September 27, 2023

Viking has announced its 2024-2025 World Cruise itineraries, including the Viking World Voyage I which sails around the world in 180 days.

Cruise line Viking has released the itineraries for its 2024-2025 World Cruise offerings, including the new 180-day Viking World Voyage I . The epic voyage will visit 37 countries and 85 ports, and will include overnight stays in 13 cities.

Viking’s 2024-2025 World Cruise options

Guests who choose the World Voyage I will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on December 19, 2024 aboard Viking Sky to visit ports of call across five continents. The ship will have completely circumnavigated the globe when it returns to the United States for its final port, New York City, on June 17, 2025.

World Voyage I passengers on the 930-guest Viking Sky will explore ports of call in Central America, transit the Panama Canal , and journey up the west coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean. The ship will then visit the Hawaiian islands and French Polynesia, traverse New Zealand and Australia, and then sail through Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe before making the transatlantic crossing to reach New York.

Cruisers can also choose to join shorter segments of the around-the-world cruise. A 163-day portion of the sailing, Viking World Voyage II , meets the ship in Los Angeles on January 5, 2025 and visits 29 countries and 78 ports before ending in New York.

Viking also offers the option of the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London, or the 121-day Viking World Journeys departing from Los Angeles. This part of the itinerary visits 23 countries before finishing in London.

Highlights of the complete Viking World Voyage itinerary

Viking’s upcoming world cruise will visit dozens of the world’s most iconic cities—as well as lesser-known destinations—in one continuous itinerary.

Guests will enjoy overnight stays in 13 ports, such as Sydney, Haifa, Singapore, and Istanbul. Double overnights in Auckland, Bali, Ho Chi Minh, Yangon, Mumbai, and Bergen will allow passengers to dive deeper into the culture of each unique port.

Highlights of the new 2024-2025 Viking World Cruise itineraries include:

• Auckland, New Zealand: Cultural Capital of New Zealand  – Set between the harbors of Waitematā and Manukau, guests will experience three days in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan city of Auckland, known for its award-winning wines, tree-lined parks, and love of boating.    
• Singapore, Singapore: A Melting Pot of Cultures  – Witness the remarkable cultural diversity of Singapore during an overnight stay. Take a tour of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, from Little India to Arab Street, visit the futuristic horticultural park showcasing more than one million plants, or enjoy a Night Safari at the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. 
• Mumbai, India: A City of Old and New  – While in port in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai for three days, guests have more time ashore to learn about the life and legacy of activist Mahatma Gandhi, enjoy the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the city, and explore the diversity of its neighborhoods, from the picturesque narrow streets of Old Mumbai to the colorful markets in the city’s center.
• Istanbul, Turkey: Where East Meets West  – Guests will enjoy ample time to experience this historic city during an overnight stay. Straddled across two continents and the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul offers a wealth of religious sites to explore such as the spectacular Blue Mosque or the legendary Hagia Sophia, and boasts delicious fusion cuisine, combining fresh Mediterranean fare with spices from the Far East and Asia.
• London (Greenwich), England: The Royal Borough  – Guests will enjoy exploring the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London on the Thames River, allowing easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• New York City, New York: The City That Never Sleeps  – The epic  Viking World Voyage I  and  Viking World Voyage II  journeys conclude in New York City, where guests can take in the exhilarating streets of Lower Manhattan’s financial district to the intimate warrens of Greenwich Village. The city features something for all guests with culture, cuisine, and architectural beauty.

Aboard Viking Sky for a World Cruise

Viking Sky , like all of Viking’s identical ocean-going sister ships, has a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests. (One of Sky ‘s sister ships, the new Viking Neptune , is currently sailing the cruise line’s 2022-2023 World Cruise, and both Sky and Neptune will sail the 2023-2024 world cruise itineraries).

Highlights of Sky ‘s onboard amenities include:

• All Veranda Staterooms:  Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from 270-square-foot Veranda Staterooms. All staterooms feature private verandas, sweeping views of the destination, and premium amenities including king-size beds with luxury linens, generously proportioned closets, large interactive flat-screen LCD TVs with movies-on-demand, free Wi-Fi, and award-winning bathrooms with large showers, premium Freyja® bath products, and heated floors.
• Explorer Suites:  The ship features 14 Explorer Suites, two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 square feet. With expansive views from wraparound private verandas, as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category on board, Explorer Suites offer the ultimate sanctuary for World Cruise guests.
• Two Pool Choices:  In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ship features a glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination.
• The Spa:  The Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a Snow Grotto where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air. 
• Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s:  Share a cocktail with friends. Linger over a Norwegian breakfast and a nautical history book. The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are thoughtful spaces located at the bow of the ship and designed to represent the Scandinavian spirit for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows.
• The Wintergarden:  Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden. In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service.
• Dining Choices:  Viking Sky offers eight dining options, all with no additional charge or fee—from fine dining in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and a variety of culinary options, and the World Café, which features international fare and regional specialties including a sushi and seafood cold bar—to intimate alternative dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and Manfredi’s, which features freshly prepared pasta and Italian favorites. The Pool Grill specializes in gourmet burgers, while afternoon tea and scones are available in the Wintergarden. Mamsen’s serves Norwegian deli-style fare, and complimentary 24-hour room service allows all guests to enjoy many signature dishes in the comfort of their stateroom. Additionally, The Kitchen Table specializes in regional dishes from market to table.

World Cruise guests will also have the opportunity to partake in Viking’s cultural enrichment programs to enhance their experience visiting each port. Cruise fares include region-specific onboard lectures and entertainment, including the Viking Resident Historian program, which provides guests with high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey.

Resident Classical Musicians , including pianists, guitarists, violinists and flautists, will perform classical compositions throughout the ship. Culinary Classes in The Kitchen Table , Viking’s onboard cooking school, will focus on regional cuisine.

Booking a 2024-2025 Viking World Cruise

Today’s announcement of Viking’s new World Cruises comes at a time of record sales for the cruise line. The launch of Viking’s new 25th Anniversary Sale on New Year’s Day resulted in the highest number of bookings in one week in the company’s history.

“For 25 years, we have been committed to providing our guests with immersive and culturally enriching experiences while traveling the world in comfort,” said  Torstein Hagen , Chairman of Viking.

“Our previous World Cruises sold out in a matter of weeks , and we continue to see strong demand from our guests for extended voyages. Our seamless World Cruises are the greatest of all adventures and allow guests to explore more of the world with us,” Hagen continued.

Thinking about booking Viking’s 2024-2025 World Cruise aboard Viking Sky ? You can find the  best prices on Viking at CruiseDirect . Plus, they never charge a booking fee!

Have you ever sailed on a world cruise, or is a round-the-world voyage in your future? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Viking World Cruise

• From $83,995
• 57 Guided Tours
• 28 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-855-707-4837 or request a quote today., 2024-2025 viking world cruise.

Free Business Class Airfare + transfers $2,000 per couple Shore Excursion Credit $1,000 per couple Shipboard Credit An additional $1,000 per couple Shipboard Credit for Viking Explorer Society Members Complimentary visa service, Silver Spirits beverage package, Wi-Fi and more.

• Expires April 30, 2024

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

All this is included in your Viking World Cruise. Up to $60,000 value per couple.

• Free Business Class Airfare + transfers
• $2,000 per couple Shore Excursion Credit
• $1,000 per couple Shipboard Credit
• An additional $1,000 per couple Shipboard Credit for Viking Explorer Society Members
• Complimentary visa service, Silver Spirits beverage package, Wi-Fi and more.

¹ For US/CAN/UK/AU World Cruise bookings only. International Business Class Air; Domestic First/Business Class air when available. From listed gateway cities. Call for details. ² Restrictions apply, complimentary service is only available when using Viking’s recommended visa service. ³For US bookings only, certain restrictions apply.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024–2025 Viking World Cruise Savings: Offer applies to new bookings from April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024. Valid on December 19, 2024 departure of 2024–2025 Viking World Cruise. A deposit of 20% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by May 15, 2024. Prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply; please call for details. 2024–2025 Viking World Cruise Value Offer with included benefits expires April 30, 2024. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

2025–2026 Viking World Cruise Savings: Offer applies to new bookings from April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024. Valid on December 19, 2025 departure of 2025–2026 Viking World Cruise. A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by May 15, 2025. Prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply; call for details. 2025–2026 Viking World Cruise Value Offer with included benefits expires April 30, 2024. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Air Promo:  FREE roundtrip business class air from select gateway cities. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. If air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 USD and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page. Book by April 30, 2024. Offer expires April 30, 2024.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Key Takeaways

• Cruise operator Viking Holdings generated $4.7 billion in revenue last year, the company revealed in a Friday filing with the SEC, ahead of its planned debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the "VIK" ticker.
• While the cruise line has not disclosed the number of shares that will be offered or their pricing, Barron's estimated Viking's IPO could be valued at over $10 billion.
• Cruise stocks have started to rebound after reporting strong results amid a surge in demand as the industry works to recover from the billions in losses suffered during the pandemic.

Viking Holdings, the parent company of the Viking cruise line, filed an F-1 form Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO) that revealed the company made $4.7 billion in revenue in 2023.

Viking, which said Friday that it plans to debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "VIK," initially announced plans to pursue an IPO in February. While the cruise line has not disclosed the number of shares that will be offered or their pricing, Barron's estimated Viking's IPO could be valued at over $10 billion.

Viking's Business Metrics Show Growing Revenue

The cruise line generated $4.7 billion in revenue in fiscal 2023, compared to $3.18 billion in 2022, and $625.1 million in 2021. Viking posted a $1.86 billion loss last year, largely because of a refinancing program it undertook through private placement , a way to raise capital without undergoing an IPO.

Adjusting for those one-time losses, Viking said it reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of about $1.09 billion for 2023.

Viking's luxury cruise business is divided between 80 river vessels and nine ocean ships, along with two expedition ships and a chartered river ship that operates in the Mississippi river. The cruise line expects to receive 18 new river ships by 2028, and six new ocean cruise liners by 2026.

Cruise Stocks Climb on Surge in Demand

In what could be a promising sign for Viking's debut, some cruise stocks have started to reverse losses suffered during the pandemic, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ( NCLH ), Royal Caribbean Group ( RCL ), and Carnival Corp. ( CCL ) recently reporting record bookings.

As of Friday's close, Norwegian shares have gained 45% over the past 12 months, while Carnival shares have surged 55%, and Royal Caribbean shares more than doubled in value over the same period.

Securities and Exchange Commission. " FORM F-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT ."

Viking Holdings. " VIKING FILES REGISTRATION STATEMENT WITH SEC FOR PROPOSED INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING ."

Viking Holdings. " VIKING ANNOUNCES CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSION OF DRAFT REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR A PROPOSED INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING ."

Barron's. " Cruise Operator Viking’s IPO Could Be Valued at Over $10 Billion ."

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An 80-year-old had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise excursion. After the ship left her behind on an African island, her family tracked her journey home using an Apple AirTag.

• Julie Lenkoff had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise-sponsored tour on an African island, her son-in-law said.
• The cruise continued sailing, and the tour company said they left her with other stranded cruisers.
• The family said Norwegian failed to contact them while Lenkoff was abroad. They used an AirTag to track her journey home.

It wasn't a surprise to Julie Lenkoff's family that she was going on another cruise.

The 80-year-old has visited 120 countries, speaks 10 languages, and has been on countless cruises. Lenkoff is an experienced traveler, so no one batted an eye when she boarded a 21-day Norwegian cruise along the coast of Africa by herself on March 20, Kurt Gies, Lenkoff's son-in-law, told Business Insider.

But her family was shocked when another cruise passenger phoned Lenkoff's daughter, Lana Gies, to tell her they were with Lenkoff, Kurt said. She had been released from a hospital, could hardly speak, was losing her vision, and was on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt told BI Lenkoff had a stroke during a cruise-sponsored excursion and that the tour operator and cruise company left her at a hospital, where she was later discharged and left to figure out her own way home.

Kurt said a group of stranded tourists helped Lenkoff return to the US, where she remains in serious condition at the Stanford Medical Center.

"We had the means, the technology, and the ability to navigate this massive network to get her home," Kurt said. "I can only imagine if a family didn't or if that person was truly by themselves. What would've happened?"

The family says they have other stranded cruisers to thank for Lenkoff's return

On March 27, day eight of the Norwegian cruise, passengers disembarked the ship to explore São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt said Lenkoff joined a cruise-sponsored excursion with the tour company Navetur Equatour. During the tour, she passed out and fell, Diogo Beirão, the chief operating officer of the tour company, confirmed to BI. When Lenkoff regained consciousness, he said she couldn't speak English and had lost feeling in the right side of her body.

At the time, Beirão said the main concern was if Lenkoff had broken a bone or experienced a concussion. Kurt said doctors in the US later confirmed that Lenkoff had a stroke.

Beirão told BI that his tour guides brought Lenkoff back to the dock, where he says a nurse from the Norwegian cruise evaluated her on the pier.

In a statement sent to BI, a Norwegian cruise representative said that "on March 27, 2024, an 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

Beirão said Lenkoff was transported to the closest hospital, which was "not very comfortable" because it "had no private rooms, just curtains." However, Beirão said he believes it was the right decision not to let her reboard the cruise.

Kurt said Norwegian brought Lenkoff the belongings from her room; however, her credit cards and cash were lost. He added that the tour company later found the missing wallet in a tour van, which was brought to Lenkoff more than 24 hours after she was released from the hospital.

Kurt said he and the rest of Lenkoff's family had no idea this was happening since Norwegian hadn't contacted them.

Meanwhile, a group of eight people were on a separate, private tour of São Tomé and Príncipe. BI previously reported that the tour ran into issues, and the group missed the ship's boarding deadline .

The group was stranded on the island without cash or medications and with one working credit card, which passengers Jill and Jay Campbell owned. The group found a hotel, contacted the closest American consulate, and planned to meet the ship at its next port in the Gambia.

As all this was happening, Kurt said, Lenkoff was released from the hospital.

Beirão said he was unaware that Lenkoff had a stroke, but he visited her at the hospital, and "she was not totally functional" but "could speak very well." While Lenkoff could communicate, Beirão said she often forgot what she was trying to say mid-sentence.

In Norwegian's statement, the representative said: "We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest."

"In instances such as these," the statement continued, "as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent."

Kurt said there are no phone or WhatsApp records of Norwegian reaching out on her cellphone, and he believes that family members should've been contacted in this instance since the company could not reach Lenkoff to confirm she was in a coherent state.

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After being discharged, Kurt said the tour company connected the Americans with Lenkoff.

"You have people figuring out how they're getting off this island, and they're given the responsibility to take care of an 80-year-old woman who just had a stroke," Kurt said.

At the time, Lenkoff had no way to pay for anything, so the Campbells provided Lenkoff with food and a place to sleep, Kurt said.

"I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman who was left alone. God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here," Jay Campbell told North Carolina's WRAL .

Kurt said Lenkoff was still having trouble speaking and had started to lose her vision.

Using Lenkoff's phone, Jill Campbell called Lenkoff's daughter to tell her what happened. Around the same time, the American consulate called, though Kurt said the family was unsure how the consulate learned about Lenkoff's state.

Kurt said he and Lana attempted to reach Norwegian multiple times but couldn't connect with anyone at the company.

"It was decided that we need to get Julie off that island," he said. "No one at Norwegian was going to take responsibility for it."

The Norwegian representative told BI Lenkoff had been "escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return."

Kurt said all of Lenkoff's travel arrangements were "made by her family" and that it wasn't Norwegian who escorted her, adding that the "airlines took responsibility for ensuring she got safely on each plane segment during her journey home."

He said Lenkoff flew to Lisbon, then to Toronto, and finally to San Francisco.

Thankfully, he said, Lana had sent her mom with an Apple AirTag so the family could watch Lenkoff make the trip back to the US.

The Apple product has become popular for tracking everything from missing suitcases to lost golfing equipment and a magician's sound equipment . Some parents are even using them to keep track of their children . According to Benzinga , Apple sold $1 billion worth of Airtags within two years of releasing the tracking device.

Kurt said he and Lana used the AirTag to follow Lenkoff in Lisbon as she reached her next gate.

"We were able to track her movement across the world as she was coming home, and that was a huge relief for us," he said.

Once Lenkoff arrived in California, Kurt said she was medically evacuated to the Stanford Medical Center.

"They pull her out on a gurney and this huge smile comes across her face as she sees her daughter for the first time," he told BI.

Today, Lenkoff is in critical condition

Since arriving at the hospital in California, Kurt told BI that Lenkoff has undergone numerous tests and scans. He said doctors believe she may have also had a heart attack, and while she was at the Stanford Medical Center, she experienced a second stroke.

Kurt said Lenkoff remains in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, the Gieses have continued to try to reach Norwegian. Kurt said two junior staffers have reached out to learn more about what happened, but he said no one from the cruise line had taken responsibility for not contacting Lenkoff's emergency contacts.

Kurt said the experience has taught him and his family that they should not rely on cruise companies to keep passengers safe.

Kurt heard from the Campbells that the group made it back on the ship on Wednesday. When everyone is healthy and back in the US, he said they plan to meet with the Campbells to thank them.

"We truly believe that our mother would've died had she been left to her own devices," Kurt said. "The Campbells are now members of our family. They are the true heroes of this story."

Do you have an experience to share about cruising? Business Insider would like to hear from you. Email [email protected] .

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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Remembering the Annihilation of Bogdanovka

Among the hundreds of monuments that form the stark and moving Sheepshead Bay Holocaust Memorial – monuments bearing familiar names like Auschwitz, Birkenau, Bergen-Belsen and Babi Yar – one stone, the most recently engraved, stands out. It stands out because you have never heard of the village that it memorializes.

In fact, were it not for the passion and tenacity of a grandchild of one of the victims of the Bogdanovka massacre the memory of this incredible atrocity would have been swept into the dustbin of history.

The village of Bogdanovka was a Jewish collective farm among the huge collectives of the fertile Stavropol region near the Caucasian Mountains. Stavropol, besides being the breadbasket of Russia was also the birthplace of Nobel prize-winning author Solzhenitsyn and first president of the USSR Gorbachev, among other notables.

Small as it was, Bogdanovka was efficient and productive and considered a model farm. In 1943 only women, children and old men inhabited Bogdanovka because all males of military age were enlisted in the battle against Nazi Germany. Utilizing as cruel and demonic a ruse as can be imagined, the Nazis gathered the 472 residents of the town together on Yom Kippur of that year, ostensibly to commemorate the holiday.

Instead, every one of the elderly men and women, mothers, infants and children were thrown alive into an abandoned well by the Nazis and their collaborators. Only two young children managed to escape into the woods. Also saved from this horror was Mrs. Zoya Yusupova who had just married and moved to another village. She learned the fate of her father, mother and sister from gentile eyewitnesses. Still later she learned that her husband had been killed in action.

Years later after immigrating to the United States with her two sons, her older son, Alex, came in contact with Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.), the Chabad-Lubavitch organization devoted to assisting new immigrants from the FSU. In time, Alex Yusupov became very close to F.R.E.E. and Rabbis Herschel and Mayer Okunov who founded the organization at the request of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Inspired by the dedication of F.R.E.E. he became reacquainted with his Jewish roots, which had become a distant memory during the years of Communism, the Nazi nightmare and the upheaval that followed.

Along with this came the mission to memorialize the martyred souls of Bogdanovka. With the creation of the Sheepshead Bay Holocaust Memorial Park and its many monuments it seemed that Alex’ dream would become a reality. “It was not that easy,” according to Alex, “only after five years of negotiating and red tape was permission given to place a monument in memory of the victims of this unspeakable crime.”

“My mom was only 17 at the time,” he continued, “We want to show our kids what happened to our grandfather and grandmother.” On Sunday morning, May 8, as President Bush and Russian President Putin prepared to celebrate the end of World War II in Red Square, a small group, representing the remnant of those with a connection to the tragic victims of Bogdanovka, gathered in Sheepshead Bay to dedicate the new monument and to remember. During a program organized by Mr. Yusupov in conjunction with F.R.E.E., Rabbi David Hollander, spiritual leader of the Hebrew Alliance – FREE Synagogue, declared that the plight of the Jews during World War II was met by a world whose “hearts had turned to stone.”

Surrounded by the hundreds of granite monuments that comprise the memorial, Rabbi Hollander’s words resonated as he proclaimed, “the very stones weep.” Many were brought to tears as Mrs. Yusupova spoke and Rabbi Ephraim Okunov chanted Keyl Male Rochmim. The program continued at the F.R.E.E. Synagogue in Brighton Beach where the group was addressed by Alex Yusupov and many of the older participants.

F.R.E.E. – Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe was founded in 1969 at the directive of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, as the Chabad Lubavitch Russian Immigrant Program, led by a group of young “partisans” and fellow Soviet refugees.

Since then, F.R.E.E.’s unique approach has found a path to the hearts and souls of tens of thousands of Russian-speaking Jewish families, by providing free bar mitzvahs, summer camps, kosher food, Jewish education and circumcisions on boys and men who were forbidden to have them in the former USSR.

F.R.E.E.’s outstanding success has become the worldwide model for aid organizations serving Russian Jewish families around the globe.

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