Viking Star is coming across the ocean in 2016, making its way from Europe, where it has been sailing since it debuted in early 2015.
Viking Cruises announced the itineraries for its first ocean ship, and the long cruises will bring the ship to San Juan for a series of 11-day "West Indies Explorer" cruises starting October 28, 2016.
The 930-passenger Viking Star will make roundtrip sailings from San Juan with stops in St. Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, all wonderful playgrounds for adventure.
But before Viking Star makes it to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the ship makes a series of long cruises over from its first season in Europe and down the east coast of North America.
Check out these itineraries. Viking Ocean Cruises says it is offering 2-for-1 introductory pricing discounts on all these cruises for U.S. residents who book by December 31, 2015.
The ship starts its journey in Bergen, Norway, and makes a 15-day voyage to Montreal, starting September 18, 2016.
Next, Viking Star sails for 13 days from Montreal to New York, sailing the St. Lawrence River and stopping in Boston, starting October 2, 2016.
From New York, the ship sails 15 days to get to San Juan. On the way, Viking Star visits Baltimore, Norfolk, Virginia, and Port Everglades, Florida, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and St. Thomas. This cruise begins October 14, 2016.
I thoroughly enjoyed my two cruises on Viking river ships -- a Rhine River Cruise and Danube River Cruise -- and the line has a strong heritage on Europe's rivers. Viking Cruises offers top-notch service, good food and an excursion and enrichment program that appeals to travelers who like to immerse themselves in the historic aspects of the destinations.
The river ships have a sleek Nordic design and an intimacy I also enjoy. I expect that to translate to the ocean ships, which, at just over 900 passengers, will be an attractive alternative for cruisers who have grown weary of the crowded mass-market cruise experience.
Viking Star offers balconies in all cabins, two pools, including a true infinity pool that cantilevers off the aft of the ship, and a Nordic spa with a Snow Grotto (yes, flakes fall from the ceiling in the chilled space).
The ship also features multiple fine-dining and alfresco eateries.
I'm working on scheduling a sailing now that Viking Star will be on my side of the world, so I can give you a full review of this exciting new ship.
Stay tuned and thanks for reading,
JR
Travel fit! Travel happy! Travel often!