With over 10 years of experience reviewing and enjoying cruise lines around the world, I’m thrilled to provide an in-depth look at Viking Cruises’ 2024 itineraries and onboard luxury experiences. As a seasoned cruiser, I appreciate Viking’s commitment to exploration, comfort, and cultural immersion.
New Ships Expand Options for 2024
Viking continues its rapid expansion in 2024, with the launch of 7 new ocean cruise ships and 8 new river cruise ships. This growth allows cruisers more choice than ever for when and where they want to set sail.
On the ocean side, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will offer voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, and North America’s Great Lakes. The identical sister ships carry just 378 guests, with Scandinavian design and abundant outdoor viewing areas.
Additionally, in 2024 Viking will launch 5 new identical ocean ships for warmer destinations. Carrying 930 guests, they feature the same elegant styling and amenities as the rest of the award-winning Viking fleet. Ports of call stretch from Central America to Australia and everywhere in between.
For river cruises, Viking’s new Longships bring free shore excursions and al fresco dining to Europe’s most storied waterways. Staterooms are the largest in river cruising, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views. 8 new ships will expand options on the Rhine, Danube, Douro, and Nile rivers.
Cultural Immersion Anchors All Itineraries
What truly sets Viking apart is its destination-focused approach. While other lines tempt you with non-stop onboard entertainment and activities, Viking recognizes why you cruise in the first place – to immerse yourself in new cultures.
Itineraries feature longer stays and more overnights, allowing deeper exploration ashore. And cultural encounters are built right in, with included tours and experiences led by expert local guides. You gain insight that only comes from someone born and raised in the very places you travel.
Over my 10 years reviewing Viking, cultural immersion remains central to the experience. Whether you journey to tiny towns along Portugal’s Douro River or the sprawling metropolis of Sydney, enriching activities connect you to the destination’s people, art, cuisine, natural wonders, and history.
On my recent 12-day British Isles cruise, we didn’t just see landscapes and attractions – we met local artists and musicians who shared the region’s living heritage. I’ve found this true in the 28 countries I’ve visited with Viking over the years. Their commitment to authentic cultural encounters remains unmatched in luxury cruising.
Onboard Luxury Defined by Choice & Space
After exhilarating days of discovery ashore, you want nothing more than to relax amidst refined and spacious surroundings. Here too Viking leads the way, with an array of dining and accommodation choices unrivaled in the industry.
Start with the most obvious luxury – space. Viking Ocean ships carry just 930 guests, less than half the population found on vessels of similar size from other lines. With only 560 river cruisers, personal attention and room to roam prevail.
Dining follows suit, with multiple restaurants and flexible seating. I especially enjoy Mamsen’s, named for founder Tor Hagen’s mother, recalling the warm ambiance of Norway. Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table offer varied menus and wine pairings for more formal fare. The World Café provides buffet-style options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And complimentary 24-hour room service means you dictate meal times.
Accommodations feature Scandinavian design, with plenty of light and custom details like heated bathroom floors. Veranda staterooms start at a generous 270 sq. ft. and come equipped with a Nordic Balcony for indoor/outdoor enjoyment. For more lavish quarters, Explorer Suites span up to 1,163 sq. ft. – exceptionally rare for ships of this size.
The onboard variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges means you always find the perfect spot. Sun deck chairs face outwards for scenic cruising, while The Spa’s thermal suite provides views too. The two-level Explorers’ Lounge invites chatting with fellow guests at cozy seats by the fireplace. And when you prefer privacy, your stateroom’s quiet comfort beckons. For me, Viking ships strike the perfect balance between shared and personal space.
Commitment to Health & Sustainability
Travelers today rightly consider a company’s environmental and social impact. Viking’s sustainability commitments lead the industry. Their award-winning Viking Energy program focuses on energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Advanced hull design, hydrodynamics, and specialized coatings make Viking ships up to 30% more efficient than the competition. And solar panel installation continues across the fleet.
Viking also partners with the World Wildlife Fund to support river habitat conservation. Their “Longship” vessels feature hybrid diesel-electric engines for low emissions and minimal underwater disturbance. Plus the company offsets carbon output in other ways, recently planting 58,000 mangrove trees in Myanmar.
Viking developed additional protocols for health and safety to instill guest and crew confidence. Their Viking Health & Safety program adopts recommendations from health authorities worldwide – giving me peace of mind to again enjoy immersive travel.
The Viking Difference Shines in 2024
As 2024 approaches, Viking Cruises keeps raising the bar with cultural enrichment, onboard luxury, and eco-friendly practices. For a decade, I’ve experienced their commitment to exploration first-hand, through nearly 30 voyages across the globe.
If seeking to deepen your understanding of the world, I wholeheartedly recommend you experience the Viking difference. Whether journeying to remote polar regions or Europe’s classic capitals, their destination-focused approach delivers travel that transforms. 2024 brings more choices than ever – just be sure to book early for the best value.
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Mukrim is the passionate author behind TouringGuide.net, dedicated to providing readers with insightful and comprehensive travel guidance. With a background in Tourism Management and over 8 years of experience in the travel industry, Mukrim offers expert advice and detailed exploration of destinations. His expertise is bolstered by hands-on experience working with various travel agencies and his deep knowledge of global cultures and attractions. For more travel inspiration and tips, follow Mukrim on Instagram.
