Viking Cruises to operate in the Mediterranean also on winter 2015-16

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 02 October 2013 02 October 2013

Viking Cruises (www.vikingcruises.com) yesterday announced the full slate of 2015 Mediterranean itineraries for the new Viking Star, as well as select 2016 sailings. The move will keep Viking Star in the Mediterranean, offering additional sailings to some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities, from Rome to Barcelona. Responding to the overwhelming demand for Viking Star’s maiden voyages in the Mediterranean offered earlier for the spring and summer of 2015, the new winter cruises will allow guests to explore the vibrant cultures and sites along the Mediterranean in the quiet season, in keeping with Viking’s promise to provide guests with a unique cruise experience. Due to the popularity of the nearly-sold out 2015 maiden voyages, select 2016 itineraries for Viking Star are now also available for booking.

"We are pleased to announce additional cruises in the Mediterranean that will allow guests to experience some of the most beautiful cities in Europe during the quiet season the way the locals do," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. "Our Mediterranean ocean itineraries have sold at an unprecedented rate; consumers are responding enthusiastically to this attractive region and the carefully-designed itineraries that offer our guests the opportunity to explore this historically fascinating region by letting them get closer to the historical sites, people and traditions in ways they have never experienced before."

New Mediterranean itineraries

The overwhelming popularity of Viking Star’s maiden voyages resulted in the addition of the winter 2015 Mediterranean itineraries. By highlighting more unique locations, such as Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, and Algiers – and crafting experiences that take advantage of the post-tourist season – the new itineraries showcase the Mediterranean in a way that many travelers have never witnessed. By sailing in the winter months, Viking Star’s guests will see an entirely different Europe – quieter and more contemplative, all while soaking up the splendor of the region during this special time of year.

– Romantic Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – While sailing along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of glamour, rustic pleasures and memorable landscapes with visits to Toulon, Corsica and Monte Carlo, France; the Tuscan region of Italy; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Mediterranean Getaway (8 days; Rome – Barcelona) – Explore historically significant sites and vibrant cities of the southern Mediterranean with destinations that include Rome, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia (and Carthage); and Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona in Spain. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Mediterranean Explorer (15 days; Barcelona – Barcelona) – Combining the Romantic Mediterranean and Mediterranean Getaway, this itinerary features fabled ancient cities, medieval wonders and iconic sites that include Toulon, Monte Carlo and Corsica in France; Tuscany, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia (and Carthage); Palma de Mallorca and Valencia in Spain; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Grand Mediterranean Tour (15 days; Barcelona – Barcelona) – Sun-kissed shores and new places to discover await on this voyage that begins with an overnight in Barcelona and includes an overnight in Rome. Stops include Monte Carlo, Toulon and Corsica in France; Tuscany and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia and Valencia, Spain; plus off-the-beaten path visits to Valletta, Malta and Algiers, Algeria. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

Viking’s Ocean Cruises

In May 2013, Viking Cruises announced the launch of its ocean cruise product line, which will begin sailing in May 2015 with the brand-new Viking Star embarking her maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and then she will also sail in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. The launch affirmed Viking Cruises’ continued commitment to providing unique cruising journeys for the experienced traveler. Viking’s ocean cruises offer a small-ship experience via an intimate, custom-designed vessel that allows travelers to get closer than ever to their destinations. As well, the line offers itineraries highlighting history, art and culture while giving maximized time in port, privileged-access excursions and onboard experiences that truly immerse guests in the local culture. Since announcing itineraries for the 2015 Viking Star maiden voyages, cabins have sold at a rapid rate, due to overwhelming interest in Viking’s small-ship, destination-focused ocean cruises.