Viking has announced that its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, has been officially named in a traditional ceremony in Venice, Italy. Accomplished attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson served as ceremonial godmother.

The Viking Mira will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking and he said “We are proud to welcome the new Viking Mira to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships.”

“We are also very honored to have Rebecca as our newest Viking godmother. Her lifelong commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding is an inspiration to all of us.”

Rebecca Webb Wilson is the Godmother of the Viking Mira

During the traditional naming ceremony, Rebecca used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to split apart on the ship’s hull.

During the ceremony guests enjoyed a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and the godmother of the Viking Jupiter.

Rebecca Webb Wilson’s Distinguished Career

Rebecca Webb Wilson graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law. She began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways, where she developed a lifelong passion for travel and learning about the world.

Wilson has dedicated her career to public service, philanthropy and cultural engagement. Rebecca served as an Assistant United States Attorney and has held leadership roles within the educational, healthcare and civic spheres.

She is an avid traveler and accomplished nature photographer and has founded youth leadership initiatives to bridge social and cultural divides.

For example, she developed Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program which focuses on overcoming prejudice and fostering meaningful connections among a diversity of students. Thus far Bridge Builders has had over 20,000 participants.

The Viking Mira

The Viking Mira is classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships. The Viking Mira has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests.

The newest ship in Viking’s award-winning fleet of ocean ships features elegant Scandinavian design, veranda staterooms, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet

Viking continues to earn top honors from leading travel publications and industry organizations around the world, including being named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.

Viking was also rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and named “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure, a simultaneous accomplishment no other travel company has earned.

Recently, the Viking Vesta® was also named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List and the cruise line was ranked #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Additionally, the groundbreaking company earned top honors from Southern Living for its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings, and received eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards.

For the fifth year in a row Viking received top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.”

Finally, Viking was named AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and it continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

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Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club receieved the coveted Condé Nast Traveler’s exclusive Triple Crown distinction, 2026. Notablty, other five-star properties with decades of history didn’t make the cut. Read on to find out what it means and why the Dominican resort now wears a crown within the elite global travel destinations.

The 2026 Announcement

The Triple Crown designation isn’t lightly dished out. According to an update shared via PR Newswire this week, the prestigious award flags excellence on the three most influential platforms: the Hot List, the Gold List, and the Readers’ Choice Awards.

Tortuga Bay Puntacana achieved all three, a feat achieved by only a limited number of resorts.

Per Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveler:

The list includes nearly 400 properties from among the thousands that have appeared on CNT’s Hot List in their first year of opening and have also gone on to feature in our Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards at some point over the past 30 years.

She added that the distinction now serves as the brand’s new “Storefront” feature. And she said, that they’re “marking the beginning of a broader evolution.” In normal speak, basically, they are changing the way they do things.

A Legacy of Excellence

Previous reports about Tortuga Bay revealed its already impressive reputation. For starters, it holds the distinction of being designed by Oscar de la Renta.

The plantation-style architecture brings a minimalist feel to the property while retaining Caribbean elegance. Last year, we carried the news that the property remains the only member of Leading Hotels of the World in the Dominican Republic.

Forbes named the Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club the best hotel in 2025.

Renovations To The original

Per Leading Hotels of the World, the resort underwent interior renovations. They noted that the redesign thoughtfully reinterprets de la Renta’s aesthetic legacy through a contemporary Caribbean lens.

Their coverage went on to note that:

 All have balconies and feature Frette linens, Oscar de la Renta amenities, and concierge service.

So it seems that guests to the are guaranteed really nice sheets.

Others things in favor of the Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club is easy access to golfing, “tennis, and non-motorized water sports.”

As the PR newswire update clarifies: the goal was to preserve “the hotel’s timeless character while elevating guest comfort, privacy, and sophistication.”

Why Recognition Matters

The Triple Crown distinction is viewed as a combination of editorial endorsement and traveller feedback that helps validate long-term standards. So it is not a one-year popularity contest.

The criteria include recognition for outstanding hospitality, design, consistently strong management, and service.

As one industry observer put it, “Only a small number of properties have succeeded in appearing simultaneously across all three platforms.”

Did you ever stay at the resort? Do you agree that it deserves the recognition of Condé Nast Traveler’s exclusive Triple Crown distinction? Let us know in the comments, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

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Viking has announced its 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries, including the 142-day Viking World Cruise on board the striking Viking Vesta. It departs Fort Lauderdale on December 21, 2028, and reaches 31 countries on six continents.

The cruise features 62 guided tours in individual ports of call plus overnight stays in 16 cities, before ending in London on May 12, 2029.

The Viking Vesta was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List.

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking and he said “Our approach has always been to focus on the destination. Our World Cruises are thoughtfully designed for curious travelers who have the time and desire to experience dozens of phenomenal destinations around the globe in one seamless journey.”

Viking’s 2028-2029 World Cruise Itineraries

Viking’s 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries blend many of the world’s most celebrated cities with lesser-known destinations and culturally significant ports of call across one seamless global journey.

For example, guests can transit the famous Panama Canal, venture along the West Coast of North America and journey across the Pacific Ocean to explore exotic destinations including Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. Along the way, guests have opportunities to visit up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Viking’s 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries call on ports throughout Southeast Asia and Africa—with exciting opportunities for wildlife safaris—before ending in Europe.

All along the way, Viking guests have access to iconic cultural capitals and smaller destinations that provide a deeper connection to local life.

Viking Makes Cruise History With Europe’s First Fully Electric River Tour Motor Coach

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Guests on Viking’s World Cruises enjoy overnight stays in legendary ports such as Cape Town, Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, and Casablanca, with time for in-depth exploration.

Viking guests who wish to extend their journey have the choice of several options, including the 170-day Viking World Voyage III, which continues from London and includes 21 additional ports of call across Northern Europe and Scandinavia before concluding in Stockholm.

Viking also offers two additional cruise options, the 153-day Viking World Voyage IV, which sails from Los Angeles to Stockholm and visits 37 countries, plus the shorter 125-day Viking World Discoveries voyage, which departs from Los Angeles, visits 27 countries and concludes in London.

The Viking Resident Historian Program

Guests have access to an extensive array of cultural enrichment opportunities such as onboard lectures and entertainment. The Viking Resident Historian program is part of this package and offers guests a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey.

Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in a vibrant array of world cultures during included excursions that present unparalleled insights into daily life via opportunities to connect with local culture, traditions and communities.

Guests who desire a deeper understanding of their destinations can take advantage of optional excursions that provide in-depth experiences ranging from behind-the-scenes access to Local Life and the Working World, as well as Privileged Access® experiences at cultural institutions that are not offered to the general public.

Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet

Viking also offers its World Cruise guests the unique chance to experience optional multi-day overland excursions to explore a region further inland before rejoining the ship at a later port.

These immersive overland excursions include the six-day Uluru & Great Barrier Reef Overland excursion to Australia’s natural wonders; the six-day India’s Golden Triangle Overland excursion that includes the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the “Pink City” of Jaipur; or the five-day Kruger National Park Overland excursion.

Viking continues to receive elevated honors from leading travel publications and industry organizations around the world, such as TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.

Viking was also rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards as well as being named “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received these honors.

In addition, Viking was ranked #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards and received eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards. For the fifth year in a row the cruise line earned top honors from Southern Living for its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings.

U.S. News & World Report named Viking as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean Viking, it earned AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025, and it continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Viking Booking Details

From now through May 31, 2026, Viking is offering North American travelers special savings on 2028-2029 World Cruises, including a $4,000 per couple shipboard credit for returning guests, free business class airfare and transfers, a $4,000 per couple shore excursion credit, complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package and more.

Guests can also enjoy a limited-time reduced deposit of 10% as well as one complimentary shore excursion in each port, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center, free Wi-Fi and more.

Viking guests who pay in full early may also enjoy additional savings; call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

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Let’s be honest, the jet lag after travel across continents sometimes feels crushing, but there don’t seem to be many travel hacks for it. You arrive at your destination full of anticipation, only to spend the first couple of days feeling like a zombie. However, that ghastly feeling could become a thing of the past in 2026. Read on to find out why – and how.

Bio-Hacking Works

2026 brings some cool travel hacks to fool your body into thinking it never left home. It’s even got a name: bio-hacking. And, it’s probably the best thing ever for those who take long haul flights. Seemingly, the future is here folks. And, it’s been a long time coming.

A report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently noted that passenger numbers would reach 4.7 billion in 2026. Actually, those numbers surpass the pre-pandemic figures. So, more folks need to think about dealing with jet lag. After all, that’s a lot of extreme fatigue to think about.

Tech To The Rescue

These days, some tech stuff comes riding to the rescue. Did you ever hear about the Oura ring? Of course, it’s not brand new, but the innovation now comes on a different level. No longer do they simply track your sleep functions; for example, it’s on a totally different level.

In fact, they offer optimal light exposure times. Notably, you can figure out your consumption of food to help adjust your body clock. Additionally it suggests stretching exercise to help keep your circulation going during your flight.

Glucose Monitoring

Besides that, meet continuous glucose monitors (CGM). If you’re diabetic, you might already know about them. However, as a flyer avoiding jet lag, you might find them useful as well. Did you know that figuring out which foods affect energy levels and sleep habits can work? Well, they help you keep those horrible feelings away.

Knowing what’s good or bad for you at high altitude on those trying long haul flights helps combat fatigue stress. Maybe a banana seems like a rather mundane fruit. But, they might change your alert or sleepy levels.

Smart Apps

Furthermore, Apps become smarter as well. In tandem with your wearables,  they give you step-by-step advice. For example, “Expose yourself to bright light for 30 minutes at 7 AM local time.” Or, “Have a protein rich snack now, avoid carbs.” So, there’s no more guesswork. Instead, you find personalized instructions for that feel-good feeling in the new time zone.

There’s more good news for travelers as in-flight entertainment systems evolve. You won’t find it on every airplane, but perhaps in time, it becomes more common. Certain carriers tested out lamps that change colors slowly in the direction of the destination’s time. It helps you slowly and gently to adjust the new rhythm.

Tell Us Your Experience

Next time you’re preparing for an amazing adventure somewhere in another time zone, consider your biology optimization as well as your packing list. The 2026 wellness tech innovations become more than fads and these travel hacks become important tools for discerning travelers.

Did you ever try the ring, the CGM, Apps, or experience the slow-changing lighting on flights? Did Bio-Hacking help you with jet lag? Shout out in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your travel hacks and news updates.

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Disneyland Paris was great, but it’s about to get a lot better as plenty of changes arrived. First, the entertainment center was rebranded from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World.

Most likely, Europe soon sees an uptick in visitors. Read on for more details.

A Change For The Better

Naturally, kids of all ages already know that many of the parks bring an elaborate “behind the scenes” movie set vibe. Well, the latest news suggests a big move away from that to something more immersive.

Grabbing the news front and center, is the expansion involving World of Frozen. According to PRNewswire, the project brings a “new era of immersive storytelling” and stands as a major milestone for the resort.

Betting Big On Immersive Themes

Clearly, Disney bets big on the Arendelle crew as legit crowd baiting. Who can resist the idea of a replica of the North Mountain, a scenic lake, and other attractions that lets folks step right into Anna and Elsa’s story?

Recently, the grand opening for Disney Adventure World went down, and people seemed keen to engage in the concept. So, both upgrades hype interest.

But wait! There’s much more to the story. Josh D’Amaro, the Disney Parks chief, explained more about it. Recently, while at the Paris event, he noted that the goal is to move away from the “studio” look and toward actual adventure.

Night Shows & More

Remember, while people always loved Paris and Disney, the second park seemed a bit at sea as to their brand identity. However, a massive lake called Adventure Bay should pretty much be a standout for the entertainment company. Not just for kids, the Bay will also bring night shows and tons of water-based entertainment.

Disney’s Frozen expansion isn’t limited to Paris. Since the franchise’s debut in 2013, other parks climbed aboard the demand by fans. Other themed parks elsewhere already made the transition. For example, Hong Kong launched World of Frozen in late 2023.

Global Changes

Meanwhile, Japan isn’t being left out and Tokyo DisneySea also adds a Frozen-themed section as part of the larger Fantasy development.

Creating newly themed fantasy lands takes time and loads of creativity. For instance, imagineers spent years figuring out the logistics of it all. Notably, it’s not easy taking a fictional world and then turning it into something with a real-feel to it.

In Demand

When you book your Paris trip, it might be worth placing Disneyland on your itinerary. That’s because you’ll see and experience a village that resembles a genuine Norwegian town.

As to the why? Well, it’s often a planned and saved for trip. Watching the budget for a new experience seems very important when laying out the cash on a theme park visit.

Viewers React

When folks saw the @DPL launch on YouTube, many of them went to the comments section to have their say. One of them penned, “And thus, a new park arises in Europe!!!”

Others more fortunate went there, and rather proudly, a follower admitted, “I was here today!”

Of course, that made other people really wish that they were also there. Well, save up those spare dollars, because it seems that soon, visitors will be lining up at the gates to get in.

What are your thoughts on the changes? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

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Viking has announced that it has taken delivery of the Viking Mira, the company’s newest ocean ship. The delivery ceremony took place when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

The Viking Mira is classified as a small ship, with 499 staterooms accommodating 998 guests, the same as with Viking’s other ocean ships. The Viking Mira joins the company’s growing fleet of award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Leah Talactac is the President and CEO of Viking

Leah Talactac is the President and CEO of Viking and she said “We are delighted to welcome the Viking Mira to our elegant fleet of small sister ships.”

“Our guests are curious travelers, and the arrival of a new ship allows us to offer them even more opportunities to explore the world in Viking comfort. We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Mira during her inaugural season and for many years ahead.”

The Viking Mira

The delivery of the Viking Mira represents another Viking milestone as the company expands its award-winning ocean fleet. The company is also advancing next-generation propulsion technologies with its next ocean ship, the Viking Libra®.

The Viking Libra is the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions. The groundbreaking vessel is now under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.

The Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in November 2026 and features a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. Viking’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered.

The Viking Mira has been carefully designed with the future in mind, ensuring that she can be retrofitted to incorporate these new technologies as they become available.

Viking Continues to Expand

Viking remains committed to its well-defined, long-term growth plans and is dedicated to its strategy as it remains an influential global leader in experiential travel.

Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 24 additional river ships by 2028, nine additional ocean ships by 2031 and two additional expedition ships by 2031.

With these orders, Viking will have 114 river ships in 2028 and 26 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

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Secluded cottage rentals on an island roll into our social media feeds. Sometimes, they offer ridiculous promises that if you stay there alone, you could win a million dollars. Well, you won’t win any cash, but there are more realistic tiny islands where you can feel like a castaway, albeit with some comforts. Read on for more details.

Five Sweet Spots Include The St Lawrence River

We checked it out and there are at least a few really secluded cottage rentals, of varying sizes that you might enjoy. Narrowing down our search, we found five of them that certainly seem to be available in 2026. And, if you live anywhere near the Thousand Islands area that straddles the border of New York and Ontario, you don’t need to go very far.

A humorously named island in the St. Lawrence River is known as the “Just Room Enough Island.” The Washington Post, cited many times by travel outlets, noted, “one misstep and you’re swimming.” Unfortunately, that island’s got a private residence. However, you don’t need to look much further for a tiny cottage rental or something bigger nearby.

Numerous islets dot the area, offering charming cottages for rent. The rentals often bring visitors to the area a taste of history alongside relaxing waterfront living. Of course, you will need to transfer there by boat. Imagine swimming, fishing, reading, watching vessels go by from your temporary little slice of paradise.

The Caribbean

Next up, there’s a spot in the south of the Caribbean. There, in Belize, you’ll find the Little Harvest Caye. Exclusively yours while you stay there, it sits on a property about 1.5 acres in size. And, it’s not far from Placencia village. The main villa and a few other suites come with the exclusivity of island living. So, that makes it ideal for family groups. Rustic and elegant, let the staff pamper you and see to any of your needs.

Far away from Belize, the Maldives, noted for brilliant diving also brings a “one island, one resort” concept. More than one of them offer little patches of land like Vilamendhoo. Why not rent one of their standalone beach villas directly on the shore. Really, can you think of anywhere better to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean packed with wild marine life?

Moving East

Moving east, adventurers should check out Docastaway options which offer comfortable accommodation on small islands in places like the Philippines and Indonesia. Notably though, if you look for solitude and uninhabited areas nearby, then that’s exactly what you’ll get. Mostly, the cottages are rustic and basic. Or you can go full survivor mode.

The appeal lies in living that real-life castaway experience. In fact, the chances are that nobody else will be around. Still, it’s an awesome way to connect with nature and take a massive break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Europe Also Has Secluded Spots

Perhaps on social media, or documentaries, you heard about the lighthouse of Bishop Rock near Ireland. No, you can’t stay there, but other small islands around the British Isles and Scandinavia offer similar hone and cottage rentals.

Accessible only by boat, could you handle a wooden cabin on an islet in Norway or Sweden?

Did you ever stay in a cottage all by yourself, or with a close loved one? Let us know your experiences in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

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New York City hit it big as a 2026 destination this year and thanks to feedback from travelers, the best three things to do that folks enjoy the most are now officially recognized.

Tours used to be so 1990s but they come back into favor in The Big Apple this year. Rather than wandering around solo, most travelers selected guided versions of famous landmarks instead of buying a basic entry ticket. Read on for more details.

Pedicabs In Central Park

The “Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours” scored a big win this year. If you don’t know, you hardly need to lift a finger to enjoy yourself. A local and knowledgeable guide does all the work for you. Mostly, folks enjoy the fun of cruising around the lovely gardens.

It’s not just us saying that either, because the activity made it to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do this week.

The NYC tour earned plenty of thumbs up in the ratings on the website. One of the biggest things that folks liked about the New York City tour was the availability of Insta-ready pics just waiting to be snapped. Also, it’s safe, and the guides add a lot of history to the experience.

https://youtu.be/GHa-Cs_O_XM?si=tGVHQ2I6t40fQTAN

Liberty And Ellis Island

Next up was the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry. You can’t do New York City without seeing the famous historic site.

The ferry’s not only fun, but it also saves time. The tour that 97 percent of  folks loved so much includes walking around Liberty Island and checking out the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Tour guides know their stuff, and while it might sound boring, it isn’t like that at all. Per reviews, the storytelling brings many immigrants to life. And of course, the view of the Manhattan skyline from the pedestal remains a highlight for anyone visiting the city.

Remembering At Ground Zero

The third best thing to do came from folks who went to the downtown “9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum Ticket.” While it was a massive tragedy and changed much of the world as folks knew it, many people don’t remember the day. So, the experience left a big impression on many younger visitors.

Those who visited the major New York City site felt that a guide helped them grasp the whole thing a lot better than just wandering around alone. That’s because they could fully grasp the meaning behind the memorial and the reflecting pools. Most folks also went on and visited the museum with its artifacts.

While listening to recorded messages from that day might seem a bit of a downer, the fact remians that people rank it as a good experience because of the incredible way the city bounced back after such a shocking moment in history.

Did you ever go on any of the tours mentioned above? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your travel news and updates.

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Viking has announced the debut of its first fully electric motor coach, a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Viking is the first river line to operate a 100% electric motor coach for guest transportation in Europe.

The vehicle is in use for Viking guests in Vienna, and additional electric coaches will be deployed across Europe in the coming years.

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking said: “We have always been deliberately concerned about the environment, which is why we design our ships thoughtfully to reduce fuel consumption. As we begin to introduce electric motor coaches to our land operations, we are proud to extend our environmental commitment even further.”

“Electric motor coaches are quieter and offer a zero-emission solution, and we look forward to operating them in many more Viking destinations in the coming months and years.”

Viking Introduces Its First Fully Electric Motor Coach

The Viking-branded coach is used exclusively for Viking guests and can accommodate up to 49 passengers.

The fully electric motor coach joins Viking’s current fleet of motor coaches which facilitate its famed destination-focused shore excursion program across Vienna.

Viking Opens Bookings for 2028–2029 Expedition Voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica & The Great Lakes

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Viking is the First River Line in Europe with a 100% Electric Motor Coach

The debut of Viking’s first fully electric motor coach supports the company’s established record of environmentally minded innovation.

For example, in 2009 Viking became the first river cruise line to use hybrid diesel-electric engines. And, with the debut of the Viking Longships, the award-winning cruise line introduced an innovative ship design to Europe’s rivers.

The Viking Longships showcase onboard solar panels and a patented square bow. The fleet of Viking Longships also feature an asymmetric corridor layout and diesel-electric engines.

Continuing its tradition of environmental stewardship, in 2025 the company announced plans for the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship—the Viking Libra.

The Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in fall 2026 and will welcome guests shortly thereafter.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

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Viking has announced that its 2028–2029 expedition voyages, across the company’s most popular itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes, are now open for booking.

The voyages are designed for immersive exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions, and expanded offerings include additional sailings of Viking’s ground-breaking Longitudinal World Cruises, voyages between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, plus the unique Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary.

The Into the Antarctic Circle voyage offers guests the exceptional opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle, an honored tradition among polar explorers.

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he stated “Our guests are curious travelers who seek meaningful experiences and a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.”

“Our expedition voyages are designed to bring them closer to the natural world through immersive exploration and discovery, alongside scientists and destination experts. We are pleased to offer even more opportunities in the years to come.”

New 2028–2029 Adventures

The 2028–2029 offerings expand Viking’s expedition offerings in the polar regions on the Viking Octantis and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris.

The sister ship’s exciting itineraries include:

Into the Antarctic Circle, 15 days Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) cruise which introduces guests to the rare “White Continent” as they sail across the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle.

The pristine, untouched polar region teems with beautiful wildlife and the experience is open to only a select few.

Guests explore narrow channels by Zodiac as they kayak among the ice floes and take part in meaningful scientific projects with resident experts from partner organizations such as the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute.

Viking Named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 List of the Most Influential Companies Around the World

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This eye-opening voyage is full of thrilling discoveries, and unexpected wonders await Viking’s guests.

The Arctic to Antarctic Explorer (81 days; Nuuk – Ushuaia) allows guests to re-trace the shores of Greenland, the Americas and Antarctica in search of untouched wilderness as they float past icebergs and the towering mountains of the Canadian High Arctic.

Other natural wonders include the opulent isles and turquoise waters of the Bahamas, as well the western coast of South America where guests witness the “White Continent” of Antarctica.

Viking’s Great Lakes Treasures is a 10-day adventure, roundtrip from Milwaukee. Viking guests sail on the majestic waterways of the Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater system. Along the way are the scenic islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve,

Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park, and the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamin Islands. All guests may participate in on-board lab studies as they explore coastal wetlands and discover the rich traditions of the Great Lakes’ Native cultures.

Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; roundtrip Nuuk) offers the raw and robust landscapes of the Arctic Circle. Guests learn about Inuit customs and traditions as they venture through towns dotted with colorful wooden houses.

Via kayak, guests get up close and personal with the towering peaks of Greenland and the blue-tinged glaciers of the Canadian High Arctic. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to immerse the soul in remote territories and among natural wonders.

The Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) takes guests to the Antarctic Peninsula where azure-hued icebergs, immense glaciers, and snow-covered shores wow all those who come upon them.

Each day brings unexpected wonder as guests walk in the footsteps of great explorers and participate in meaningful science on board their state-of-the-art expedition vessel.

The Great Lakes Collection is a 15-day journey from Toronto to Duluth which offers guests the chance to experience each of the five majestic Great Lakes. Scenic shorelines contrast with fabled cities and the power of Niagara Falls is on full display.

Guests sail along Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks, study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes, and journey into the thick boreal forests lining the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

Finally, the Longitudinal World Cruise IV is a mammoth journey encompassing 62 days from Milwaukee to Ushuaia. In addition to Viking’s state-of-the-art vessel, guests may also journey by kayak, Zodiac and submarine. This exceptional longitudinal voyage encompasses Chile’s untouched fjords to North America’s bustling cities.

Viking’s Award-Winning Expedition Ships

The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each host 378 guests in 189 staterooms on vessels built specifically for exploration. All of Viking’s ships are optimally designed for comfort in remote destinations.

Viking vessels offer more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, which means that guests are closer than ever to the most impressive scenery that Earth has to offer.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

The post Viking Opens Bookings for 2028–2029 Expedition Voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica & The Great Lakes appeared first on Tourist Meets Traveler.