Viking expands its “Welcome Back” Cruises

May 13, 2021

With a great deal of pride, Thorstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, announced that “The Thinking Person’s Cruise Line” is bringing not one–but two–of their cruise ships to homeport in Malta starting July 1^st. Viking Sea will inaugurate the season and will be joined by Viking Venus, the 7^th Viking ship and its newest. The ships will serve up two 11-day itineraries through October 2^nd.

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The Chairman lauds Malta

“We thank the government of Malta for its support and enthusiasm as we continue restarting operations,” Hagen said. “Malta is a fantastic destination, with ancient history, rich culture and a central location in the Mediterranean. We began calling in Malta in 2016 and look forward to welcoming guests back to some of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful areas of the Med—in both the Maltese archipelago, as well as along the Croatian coast, and around Greek islands this summer.”

Viking Cruises in Malta

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Viking Also Announced Additional Sailing Dates for both Bermuda and Iceland

Demand for Viking’s “Circumnavigation” of both island countries was so intense, the Iceland sailings sold out in days. Viking Jupiter and Viking Sky will remain homeported in Iceland until September offering an additional eleven opportunities to explore this fascinating destination. And in Bermuda, Viking Orion will undertake ten Eight Day voyages that include two sea days to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

Viking Cruises in Santorini

Viking’s Malta Offerings Feature the Line’s Newest Ship

Delivered in April 2021, Viking Venus is Viking’s newest ocean ship and will be named in England on May 17, 2021 by ceremonial godmother and iconic British broadcaster Anne Diamond. She will join identical sister ship Viking Sea on voyages from Malta.

Guests choosing “Malta and Adriatic Jewels” will first overnight in Valletta and then sail to Montenegro and Croatia. Calls will be made at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Sibenik, before the ship returns to the Maltese archipelago, with a stop in Gozo, Malta, before returning to Valletta. Seven included shore excursions are planned for each port of call. Optional excursions allow passengers to customize their explorations. Two sea days allow passengers to enjoy the remarkable offerings aboard ship—including two swimming pools one of which is an infinity pool at the stern of the ship.

Guests on Viking’s “Malta and Greek Isles Discovery” will overnight in Valletta and then said to Greece calling in Kalamata, spending two days in Athens, before heading to Santorini, Rhodes and Souda Bay, Crete, before returning to Valletta. Two sea days are also included.

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Viking Requires Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

Mandatory Vaccinations are just part of Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.