SUMMER 2020 • ISSUE 9
THE CONNECTIONS EDITION Incredible people and places are waiting to be discovered
Introducing Viking Saigon A brand new way to sail the Mekong
Good Friends & Great Adventures Our guide to travelling with friends
SOCIETY NEWS
CONTENTS VIEW
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Explore The
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WELCOME LETTER Welcome to the Summer 2020 issue of Viking Explorer Society News
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EXPLORE THE VIKING WAY You could save up to $5,000 per couple
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VIKING NEWS Find out what’s been happening at Viking HQ
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WE TAKE YOU AROUND THE WORLD In 30 stunning images from Viking guests
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THE STAR THEATRE Get a taste of our enriching performances and lectures
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QUIZ TIME Calling all trivia buffs VIEW
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OUR TOP 10 Small ship destinations VIEW
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ROME, ITALY
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A WINTER MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Sue Bryant discovers the Med in a whole new way VIKING CRUISES
Summer 2020 Issue VIEW
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PLAN YOUR NEXT VOYAGE With our on-demand info sessions
SPANISH CHURROS Savour the �avours of Spain with these sweet treats VIEW
SOCIETY NEWS
THE CONNECTIONS EDITION Incredible people and places are waiting to be discovered
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EXPLORER’S CORNER Journey with Viking guests Eric and Suzanne
SHARE THE JOY OF TRAVEL The Viking guide to travelling with friends VIEW
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SUMMER 2020 • ISSUE 9
FJORDS OF THE WORLD An illustrated map of the world’s most breathtaking fjords
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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO And the people you’ll meet
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GOOD FRIENDS , GREAT ADVENTURES Meeting long-time Viking cruisers Roger and David
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THE REAL RUSSIA Travel through the Volga with Janette Wall
ON THE COV ER: Mekong River, Vietnam A Vietnamese woman repairs a fishing net. Learn more about the unique wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia on page 28.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEXT JOURNEY With our grand voyages
Connect with Viking VIKING.TV
@VikingCruises
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Introducing Viking Saigon A brand new way to sail the Mekong
Good Friends & Great Adventures Our guide to travelling with friends
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#VikingCruises
#MyVikingStory 3
Welcome to
VIKING EXPLORER SOCIETY NEWS
BELGRADE, SERBIA
As saying goes, who you travel with is often is more important than the destination. In this issue of Viking Explorer Society News, we explore the significance of connections. We hope these stories and experiences about the people and places waiting to be discovered around the world inspire your explorer’s spirit and keep you ready to dream and plan as we come to the end of this unprecedented year. Warmest regards,
Michelle Black Managing Director, Viking Cruises Australia & New Zealand 4
VIKING CRUISES
Explore The
NO K IDS | NO C A SINOS | NO COMPA R I SON
The Viking Way of exploration is our commitment to delivering profoundly enriching journeys that immerse you in the history and culture of each destination while fostering the creation of lifelong friendships with your fellow like-minded travellers. Importantly, The Viking Way places your wellbeing and comfort before all else, always. When the time is right to travel again, The Viking Way will lead the way. We look forward to exploring with you. Book before 30 November 2020 and you could save up to $5,000 per couple. Plus, our exclusive Risk-Free Guarantee will give you the freedom to change your plans up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure date. Visit vikingcruises.com.au for more information on offers.
VIEW OFFERS
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VIK ING NEWS Travel might be temporarily on hold but at Viking we never stop planning, dreaming and designing new itineraries, new destinations and new experiences across the globe.
Explore the Viking Way Don’t forget to check out our special offers on 2021, 2022 and 2023 itineraries. Book before 30 November and save up to $5,000 per couple. Plus, our Risk-Free Guarantee gives you the freedom to change your plans up to 24 hours before scheduled departure — valid until 31 October 2020. S E E I N T E R AC T I V E C ATA L O G U E
And the winner is… We have again been voted the Best River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. With the #1 winning score, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking higher than any other river cruise line. Also, after just five years of operating ocean cruises, we were again named one of the Best Ocean Cruise Lines.
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VIKING CRUISES
New Itinerary: Cruise Ancient Trade Routes Explore the colourful tapestry of Southeast Asia and unveil a captivating blend of ancient cultures on this brand-new single departure itinerary — 15-day Secrets of Southeast Asia, from Bali to Singapore, departing March 2023 on board Viking Orion. VIEW ITINER ARY
Christmas on the Mississippi
Planning a Voyage for 2022 or 2023?
Christmas like Elvis on this 8-day December departure when Viking Mississippi debuts in 2022. Explore destinations on the mighty river from New Orleans to Memphis and enjoy after-hours access to Presley’s home, Graceland.
Our 2022 and 2023 cruises are now open for sale across ocean and river. Our digital brochures are online and updated with latest departure dates for your perusing pleasure!
VIEW ITINER ARY vikingcruises.com.au
READ NOW 7
Around The World In 30 Stunning Images Come with us on a visual journey as we celebrate the winning entries from our Around the World in 30 Days Photography competition, where we asked you to share your favourite travel memories, so that we could re-live those memories with you. From Antarctica to Iceland and everywhere in between, these shots showcase your passion and love for travel and discovery. SEE ALL THE WINNERS
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VIKING CRUISES
OUR GR AND WINNER
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AGR A, INDIA
“A man who has taken a vow never to speak and has not uttered a word in 35 years after a family dispute... he lives a very simple life and is very content.”
“This photo is special to me as it reminds me of how travel really does enrich your life. The feeling I had looking at the Taj Mahal, it’s grandure, beauty and history, is something I will never forget. Our trip was cut short due to COVID19 but this photo is my phone wallpaper so always there to remind me of what is to come after all of this passes.”
N. Miller
N. Brown
SARDARGARH, INDIA
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C A P PA D O C I A , T U R K E Y “My wife took this beautiful photo high above the Turkish countryside in a beautiful town called Cappadocia. Famed for the fairy chimneys, we soared high over these in an early morning hot air balloon ride. It was here where I knew I wanted to marry her, we had such an amazing time travelling together that I knew I wanted her to be the one I travel through life with.” J. Russell LEARN MORE
REVELSTOKE, C ANADA B O RG A R FJ Ö R Ð U R , I C EL A N D “On the extreme east coast of Iceland, some 30km from Eiðar, is the tiny fishing village of Borgarfjörður. A colony of puffins live there. In a howling gale, on a cliff top, there I was, scampering up and down for a closer view of these little birds, as they darted in and out of the ocean a hundred metres below, and then in and out of their burrows with their catch for their young.” M. Bowman 12
“This photo was taken at the top of Revelstoke mountain resort in Canada. It is amazing because it is so high up, it is above the clouds and then I got to snowboard all the way down to the bottom! I love the snow and this was just an amazing experience.” G. Cheung LEARN MORE VIKING CRUISES
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M T F UJ I , JA PA N “My photo of Mt Fuji was taken in April 2017 and typifies the beauty and serenity that we found all over Japan.” J. Williams LEARN MORE
LUCERNE, SWITZERL AND “Before starting our Grand Europe River Cruise with Viking in 2016, we visited several countries — Switzerland was among them. This photo was taken of the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. I had heard about this famous bridge and wanted to photograph it at dusk. Tick.” C. Durrant LEARN MORE vikingcruises.com.au
A L A SK A , U N I T ED S TAT E S “Picture was taken on Marsh Lake in the Yukon during the middle of winter in 2019 — ticked off my bucket list of seeing the northern lights. This picture, being so remote — I have never seen so many stars! The temperature was -27°C. One of the best and most unique experiences I have ever had.” P. Hatzidimitriou 15
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A N TA R C T I C P EN I N SU L A “Image taken on the Antarctic Peninsula — stunning scenery and wild life and a bucket list destination. This image of a gentoo penguin mother and her children on their nest was such a beautiful moment.” M. Rainone LEARN MORE
S A H A R A D E S E R T, M O R O CCO
V E N I C E , I TA LY “DFS rooftop in Venice with friends on my most recent overseas trip the day before COVID took over the north of Italy. It reminds me of the great things we see when we travel and what awaits.” K. Tatt 16
“Taken in the Sahara in Morocco. It was over 50°C, and we rode camels through the desert to camp in a Bedoin tent in the middle of nowhere. It was so hot in the tent at night, I ended up laying on the sand outside my tent with a sarong covering my face to keep sand out. This is my favourite travel photo due to the contrasting colours and the contours of the dunes and background.” L. Gordon LEARN MORE VIKING CRUISES
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SHIP FE AT UR E
STAR THEATRE Culturally enriching lectures, performances and shows guaranteed to enlighten, inform and entertain
From informative port talks, cultural enrichment lectures, Destination Performances and themed cabaret-style shows, we offer a stimulating program of events presented with state-of-the-art technology in our spacious and comfortable Star Theater. The multi-use Theater is designed to provide entertainment flexibility and can be configured as one large room with comfortable tiered seating for up to 450 guests for the lecture program, or two smaller movie theater set ups, complete with Candy Bar and popcorn! This allows us to offer a varied evening entertainment program to suit the tastes of all onboard. Beautiful costumes and breathtaking projection, created by the world’s most renown graphic designer, Gilles Papain, embellish Scandinavian legends and characters brought to life onstage, through song, dance and aerial arts. Live concerts by the onboard production team, and insights from our guest lecturers and Resident Historians add an additional level to the entertainment offerings. And for those of you who prefer the sanctuary of your staterooms, you can watch all the shows and performances from the comfort of your stateroom thanks to our in-room viewing system. 18
VIKING CRUISES
CALLING ALL
Trivia Buffs
Do you know how many words make up Pablo Picasso’s full name? Can you name the French Philosopher friends with Catherine the Great? Put your cultural nous to the test with our Thinking Person’s Quiz. With ten brain-busting questions, can you earn full marks? Best of luck – this may just be our hardest quiz yet! TA K E T H E Q U I Z
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V IK ING’S
TOP 10 SMALL SHIP DES TINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
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Here at Viking, we boast a fleet of new, state-of-the-art ocean ships. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” each identical sister ship is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so that we can take you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit, docking where larger ships cannot and providing more time to explore. Here are the top 10 destinations around the world where our unique small ships can get you closer to the heart of oncein-a-lifetime destinations: 20
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FJORDS OF NORWAY & CHILE
The sheer beauty of the fjords of Norway and Chile need little explaining. Shaped over the years by the power of the glaciers, they offer up landscapes that are so unique and beautiful, they are acknowledged as some of the most desirable destinations in the world. 2
LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY
Home to some of Norway’s most breathtaking vistas of jagged peaks and sheltered bays, the Lofoten Islands stretch 118 miles into the Norwegian Sea and are home to postcard-perfect villages that cling to the shorelines or traditional fishing cottages that hover above the waters on stilts. 3
YACHT CLUB, MONACO
The very name brings to mind images of glitz and glamour, privilege and royalty. This seaside treasure has long been a
playground for those with a taste for the finer things in life and the means to indulge them. From car racing to casinos, the opulence of the old Salle Garnier Opera House and some of Europe’s most desirable shopping precincts, Monet Carlo is a wish list destination. 4 STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO With some 30,000 islands and islets, the Stockholm Archipelago is a seemingly endless collection of rocky isles that offer up a wonderland of forests, fields of wildflowers, colourful wooden cottages and bobbing yachts.
THAMES RIVER, LONDON The London of today is a sprawling metropolis, a centre of culture, commerce, media, and tourism. With a population of more than 13 million, London is the most populous city in the United Kingdom, and one of the world’s leading financial centres. It’s the 5
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most visited city in the world, and with excellent reason. 6
MANAUS, BRAZIL
Manaus is the Amazon’s largest city, an urban metropolis in the middle of an immense jungle. It sits at the confluence of the Black and Solimões Rivers, a thousand miles up the Amazon from the Atlantic. Manaus holds tight to its Brazilian tribal roots, reflected in the smalltown culture that endures amid the big-city feel. 7
KOWLOON, HONG KONG
Tsim Sha Tsui is the shopping and nightlife centre of Kowloon. Docking right in the heart of this district gives you access to the casual eateries and eclectic local shops that are packed along neon-lit Nathan Road, with luxury shopping malls lining nearby Canton Road. This is the perfect location to appreciate Hong Kong's skyline views, an unbeatable vikingcruises.com.au
harbour, leafy parks, colonial gems and the most diverse ethnic mix in all of Hong Kong. 8
HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM
Ha Long Bay is home to about 2,000 limestone islands rising from the water to astonishing heights. Legend says they were created by dragons who breathed out jewels into the bay to prevent enemy ships from coming ashore. Cruise the waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site where for centuries, fishermen and merchants have navigated these labyrinthine emerald-green waterways winding among vertical cliffs draped in brush and forest. 9
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Backed by beautiful mountain cliffs and resting on a scenic bay, Kotor is one of the hidden jewels of the Adriatic. Long ruled by Venice, the city is surrounded by a wall erected by the Venetian Empire and
is a medieval maze of museums, churches, cafe-strewn squares and palaces. Sheltered from the open sea by a network of waterways that comprise Europe’s southernmost fjord, this secluded city seems frozen in time. SHETLAND & ORKNEY ISLANDS, SCOTLAND Geographically and historically close to Norway, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost and consist of a group of 100 islands with approximately 900 miles of coastline — a UNESCO geopark home to glens flanked by steep hills, sky-blue lochs and spectacular birdlife. 10
There are about 70 islands within the Orkney archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited. An archipelago of mostly flat, green-topped islands stripped bare of trees and ringed with red sandstone cliffs, its heritage dates back to the Vikings, whose influence is still strong today. 21
E X PER IENCE T HE M ED I N A W HOL E N E W WA Y Reclaim some of Europe’s busiest tourist sites for yourself on a ‘quiet season’ sailing. Sue Bryant is an award-winning writer and editor specialising in travel and in particular, cruising. She is cruise editor of The Sunday Times and also regularly contributes to Cruise Critic, Cruise Passenger and World of Cruising magazine.
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VIKING CRUISES
ROME, ITALY
As cruise editor of The Sunday Times, you must be a very seasoned traveller. Had you travelled in Europe during the off-season previously? Certainly not on a cruise; I’d always thought ports would be rather desolate in winter but as Europe has become increasingly overcrowded, the prospect of fewer people and a week on Viking Star was really appealing. How do you go about choosing an itinerary? Viking’s itineraries have changed since I sailed, with far greater choice in ‘Quiet Season’. I’d recommend picking a voyage with ports that are typically packed in summer: Rome, Barcelona, Naples, Livorno and Venice, for example. My cruise included overnights in Rome and Barcelona, which was a bonus. Aside from the weather, what was the main difference you found about travelling in the winter? Visiting these popular tourist destinations off-season gives you a much more authentic experience. In Rome, only a few tourists milled around the Trevi Fountain and instead of coach parties, the only people at Circus Maximus were families walking their dogs in the pale winter sunshine. vikingcruises.com.au
VALENCIA CITY OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Any stand-out destinations that you enjoyed more than you thought you might? Valencia was a revelation, helped by brilliant blue sky and sun glinting off the dazzling contemporary buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. We sat in a café among locals on their lunch breaks for plates of paella, which is the local speciality. Valencia is wonderful for walking, too. In the 1960s, the Turia river was diverted away from the city because of flooding and today, its former bed is a beautiful green park that snakes right through the centre. How important is it to you to engage with locals when you travel? It’s very important, which is why it was so refreshing to chat to locals who were not harassed and irritable. We felt we blended in more as people went about their daily life. 23
LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, BARCELONA, SPAIN
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VIKING CRUISES
Any tips or tricks for travellers considering a quiet season cruise? Aim to do things that you’d struggle with in the peak of summer. I’d visited Barcelona the previous July and had given up on the Sagrada Familia, as the queue was round the block and I’d failed to pre-book. This time, we swanned straight in and I felt very pleased with myself.
PARK GUELLE, BARCELONA, SPAIN
What were the people you were cruising with like? Why did they choose a quiet season cruise? Our fellow passengers, like us, weren’t bothered about getting a tan and wanted to make the most of every minute ashore. The tours were fully booked in every port. There was a wonderful energy on board; the sultry little cocktail lounge, Torshavn, my favourite spot, was packed every night. Tell us about the on board experience, what did you find to do if pools and al-fresco dining were out? Viking’s ships are perfect for winter cruising. The lounges are flooded with light but are wonderfully cosy at the same time. The main pool is covered by a sliding glass roof, so it’s positively balmy for swimming and the loungers are draped with cashmere blankets. Another big bonus is the spa; we used the pool and sauna most days. As we sailed towards Barcelona on a sunny day, a few hardy souls jumped into the infinity pool on deck, too. Every Viking ocean ship is home to a Resident Historian. Did you find the lectures and port talks added to your understanding and experience? The talks were excellent and were always well attended. When you’re not lazing around on deck as you would in summer, you engage more with the activities on the ship. vikingcruises.com.au
INFINITY POOL, VIKING STAR
And finally – what do you pack for a quiet season cruise? A jacket, as it can be cool. Comfortable walking shoes, as you walk further when it’s not so hot. Something windproof so you can still walk round the deck, and swimwear, as it would be a real shame to miss the fabulous spa. ITALY FRANCE Montpellier (Sète)
MONACO Monte Carlo
Marseille
Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
SPAIN
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Barcelona Mediterranean Sea
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Cruise Overnight in Port
Experience quiet season Mediterranean on our ocean itinerary: ICONC WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SPECIAL OFFER Save up to $1,000 per couple VIEW ITINER ARY 25
FE ATUR ED R ECIPE
Sweet Spanish Churros Savour the flavours of Spain with these sweet treats. Often eaten for breakfast, these delicious morsels should be covered in sugar and cinnamon as soon as they come out of the hot oil. Smooth hazelnut paste makes the chocolate sauce extra special!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
235mL milk 55g butter 4 tbsp sugar Pinch of salt 250g all-purpose plain flour 3 eggs Vegetable oil for deep frying
1. Place the milk, butter, sugar and salt in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
For the cinnamon sugar 70g granulated sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon For the chocolate sauce 250mL whipping cream 250g chopped dark chocolate 2 tbsp hazelnut praline paste 26
2. Add the flour to the pan and mix well to combine, cooking gently and stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough. Take the pan off the heat and beat in the eggs. 3. Heat the oil in a deep fat fryer (or deep saucepan) to 190°C. Test the temperature with a small amount of dough. 4. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle and pipe the mixture carefully into the hot oil, snipping each churro off with a pair of scissors. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Toss the churros in the cinnamon sugar while still hot. 5. For the chocolate sauce, heat the cream in a small saucepan and then pour over the chopped chocolate, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the hazelnut paste and serve immediately with the churros. Serves 4 VIKING CRUISES
V I K I NG V I RT UA L
INFOR M ATION SESSIONS P L A N Y O U R N E X T V O YA G E W I T H T H E E X P E R T S Discover our suite of complimentary on-demand webinars packed with insights on the Viking cruise experience as well as personal tips from experts who live and breathe these destinations. Designed for seasoned travellers who would like to go deeper into the details of a particular destination of interest, you’ll find a tailored session (or more) to suit your taste.
EU ROPE A N SOJO U RN
MEDI T ERR A NE A N ODYSSE Y
From Amsterdam to Bucharest, and everything in between. Discover our 23-day European river cruise.
Learn more about our 13-day journey through the ages to some of the Med’s most magical ports, from Venice to Barcelona.
WAT C H N O W
WAT C H N O W
CHRIS T M A S CRU ISING
ICEL A ND’S M A JES T IC L A NDSC A PES
Join us to learn why a winter Europe river cruise is an enchanting time to travel.
Prepare to witness unparalleled natural beauty in Iceland, land of fire and ice, on our 13-day voyage.
WAT C H N O W
WAT C H N O W
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Introducing
V IK ING SA IGON Setting sail in 2021 and designed to navigate the mighty Mekong River, Viking Saigon has been built to reflect the elegant Scandinavian design principles for which Viking is so well known. Accommodating just 80 guests, Viking Saigon will be the most modern vessel on the Mekong and will feel like a home away from home for guests. Those on board will enjoy exploring one of the world’s most scenic regions in superior comfort, whether they are relaxing on their hotel-style bed in their chic stateroom, or unwinding on the sun-drenched Aquavit Terrace. VIEW DECKPL ANS & STATEROOM FEATURES
VER ANDA STATEROOM
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FRENCH BALCONY BATHROOM
VIKING CRUISES
Explore unique places and cultures Cruising the mighty Mekong River offers up an intoxicating fusion of east and west, as you travel from Vietnam to Cambodia. From ancient pagodas and 12th century temples to dense forests and picturesque Cruise waterfalls, this is a place where natural and manmade Air wonders coexist in peaceful harmony. Motorcoach Shop old Hanoi’s markets, stand in awe of the ancient Angkor Wat where jungle vines embrace the ruins and discover a myriad of fishing villages, temples and monasteries and floating markets.
vikingcruises.com.au
VIETNAM Hanoi
THAILAND
Ha Long Bay Gulf of Tonkin
South China Sea Angkor Wat CAMBODIA Siem Reap Bangkok MEKONG TONLE SAP LAKE Kampong Cham Phnom Penh Cái Be Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Tân Châu Mỹ Tho Sa Ðéc Gulf MEKONG of Thailand
See this on our river itinerary: MAGNIFICENT MEKONG SPECIAL OFFER Save up to $1,000 per couple VIEW ITINER ARY 29
Fascinating Fjords of the World Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska Created to protect Alaska’s precious wilderness, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to the massive Harding Ice Field, from which tidewater glaciers pour, carving the coast into a series of dizzying fjords. VIEW CRUISES
Misty Fjords, Alaska A natural mosaic of sea cliffs, steep fjords and rock walls jutting out of the ocean, with dramatic waterfalls cascading over massive granite shoulders, many regard Misty Fiords at its most stunning when shrouded in layers of fog and mist. VIEW CRUISES
Patagonia, Chile A mystical landscape of snowy peaks, massive glaciers from which waterfalls tumble into the sea and steep-sided fjords, a land of pristine beauty accessible only by ship and a rare treat for the intrepid traveller. VIEW CRUISES
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VIKING CRUISES
Fjords are considered to be the very symbol of Norway, but they are in fact found in locations across the globe. As the small ship experts, we can take you closer to the heart of these geological wonders, docking where larger ships cannot and providing more time to explore.
Westfjords, Iceland This is one of the country’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring regions. The settlements are small and sparse, and between them are untouched landscapes and dramatic features unlike any other in the country. VIEW CRUISES
Geirangerfjord, Norway This UNESCO-listed fjord is on the radar of nearly every visitor to Norway and referred to as the "jewel in the crown" of Norwegian fjords. A region of majestic mountains, wild waterfalls, and the deep, blue of the fjord itself. VIEW CRUISES
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Life Was Meant For Good Friends
Great Adventures &
A journey becomes even more beautiful when you can share it
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VIKING CRUISES
Travel is the perfect opportunity to make new connections and to meet like-minded people from across the globe and quite often these connections can become long term friends. Meet Roger Foenander and David Mutton — two of our most experienced Viking Cruisers who have made connections around the world through their travels. They have been cruising with Viking since 2014 and have clocked up more than 500 days cruising the ocean and rivers of the world.
“You make friends quickly since you see them more frequently than you would if you were spending time in your normal community setting”, said David. “Our friends cover the whole gamut and we are still in contact with the majority of them via email, WhatsApp, and Zoom. We have met so many interesting people from a large array of backgrounds, mostly retirees who come from many different communities and professions, and we have received many invitations to visit and stay. “We have stayed with two sets of friends in California, one set of friends in Florida, one set of friends in Cyprus. We have had a couple from Chicago use our place as a base for their Australian tour for 6 weeks and we have had meals with various Australian and New Zealand people we have met on various cruises. “Hands down, it is the people who make a cruise. We are repeating a world cruise knowing that many people we have met on previous cruises will also be passengers. We are not destination obsessed, or “bucket list” driven. The meaningful relationships we develop have enriched our lives far more than the destinations we have been able to “tick off”.” Aside from the onboard activities presented by the crew, cruising, particularly extended cruising presents, the opportunity for groups to create their own shared moments. “A favourite time was when we organised the Christmas Carol Service on the Viking Sun while we were undertaking the Ultimate World Cruise last year. The service consisted of Nine Lessons and Carols. We held it at 10:30pm on Christmas Eve so that not only guests but interested crew members could attend after the completion of their duties. The service was very well conducted and many attendees thought that the service had been professionally coordinated. It was also good to see crew members, from all cultures and backgrounds, sitting amongst the other guests.” vikingcruises.com.au
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“Travel is better with friends”
THE V IK ING GUIDE TO TR AV ELLING W ITH FR IENDS
“There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – K R I S T E N S A R A H , AC T R E S S
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VIKING CRUISES
VENICE, ITALY
BERGEN, NORWAY
We all travel to explore, to learn, to understand, to seek new adventures and new experiences, but the true beauty of travel is to share those new experiences with a friend. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of a holiday with friends to ensure you travel together again, and again.
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Plan how to share the responsibilities for getting to a destination or finding that special art gallery, museum or restaurant. Let everyone have a chance to plan the activities, that way the load is shared, and all tastes are catered for.
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In saying that, don’t overschedule. Factor in some time when you'll each be free to do your own thing or have some spare time apart to have a break from each other. Just because you are travelling together doesn’t mean you have to spend every minute together. Use a social media group chat to stay in touch on board and ashore, as well as share updates, ideas and plans.
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Be prepared to compromise. You won't always want the same thing, but a little give and take can go a long way.
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Don’t focus on pennies. Everyone will have their own budget and money is without a doubt the biggest cause of disputes among friends. Acknowledge that everyone has their own budget and work with that.
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Come together for at least one meal a day — share experiences, stories and a few laughs. But always — share the joy! Travel is one of life’s great treasures and sharing it with others makes it that much more special.
We Invite You to Share the Joy of Travel Recommend a river or ocean journey with Viking Cruises to a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague and you can both reap the rewards. Receive $100 travel credit for each new-to-Viking traveller you refer. That is $200 for each referred couple. Credits are valid on reservations made within 12 months from issue. Each referred person saves $100 per person on their first trip. Earn a free cruise when you refer your thirteenth new-to-Viking friend within a calendar year. Simply tell your friends about Viking and give them your customer number. When they call to book their trip, they tell us your name and customer number; and you both receive your referral reward LEARN MORE
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EXPLORERS’
CORNER After sailing some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, loyal Viking cruisers Eric and Suzanne share their favourite tips and tricks for fellow travellers.
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VIKING CRUISES
ROCKHOPPER PENGUINS, FALKLAND ISLANDS
TORRES DEL PAINE, CHILE
From Budapest to Buenos Aires, you’ve experienced the world on both ocean and river cruises. Do you have a favourite way to sail? Ocean cruising. We find it more relaxing and enjoy having our sea days to mingle with other passengers and crew. In fact, after an unfortunate mishap in Buenos Aires left me with the blackest eye I’ve ever had, I would say I spoke to about 850 of the 930 people on board – it was a great conversation starter! Throughout your trips, which port has been your favourite? Our most recent cruise was South America & the Chilean Fjords, so our favourite ports were Port Stanley and Ushuaia.
vikingcruises.com.au
PORT STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS
What did you enjoy most about the on board experience with Viking? There are no casinos, no cruise photographers, no kids running around, so it meant we had time to really get to know and speak with our fellow like-minded passengers. The staff were excellent, well trained and great conversationalists. When the time is right to travel again, where to next? We’d love to do the Baltic Jewels & the Midnight Sun cruise from Stockholm to London. We currently have two cruises booked for 2021 and 2022 — to the Mediterranean as well as the North Pacific Passage ocean cruise. Time will tell whether we’ll be able to do these on the dates planned, but it’s safe to say that we will definitely be doing more ocean cruises with Viking! 37
TR AV EL H AS THE POWER TO CH A NGE THE WOR LD 38
VIKING CRUISES
Ask any regular traveller, what is the highlight of their travels. Nine times out of ten the response will be the people they meet. Perhaps it was the Italian Nona who shared her secret ingredient for sublime pasta sauce, or the old man smoking a pipe on the streets of Budapest who shared his stories of the War era, or it the stall owner in Dresden who gave you a tip for where to find the best gluhwein. Travel is all about meeting interesting people, inspiring new adventures and new learnings. In the words of Henry Miller: “the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people.”
Who are the most interesting people you have met on your travels? Perhaps you wandered through the farmer’s markets in Russia, meeting the local producers representing every ethnicity in the region. And even without a word of English you were able to understand the passion and pride these producers have for their product — to sample the honey
fresh from the hives – tasting all the better for the pride with which a sample was so freely given. Or perhaps you joined a trufficulteur and his dog in the woods of France as you hunt for the elusive and much prized truffle, witnessing the language of hand signals and reward between famer and his dog in this age old process. Or perhaps you spent time with one of Norway’s oldest fishing families, breeding and farming Atlantic salmon in the cold, crystal clear waters of Norway — for
generation after generation. Where ever in the world you have travelled, you will have met people who have left a lasting impression, changed your attitude, inspired you to try something new, or even totally changed your life. We would love to hear your story. And this is your chance to do just that. For your chance to win a $10,000 cruise voucher, simply tell us in 30 words or less about the most interesting person you have met on your previous travel journeys….
ENTER NOW
vikingcruises.com.au
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M OSCOW, RUSSI A
Exploring The Real Russia By River
Janette Wall, Team Leader and Cruise Specialist at Travel Associates, Balgowlah NSW. As a cruise specialist, I like to think I’m fairly well travelled — particularly on river cruises. However Russia had been on my bucket list since high school (rest assured that’s a very long time!), so I was thrilled to finally have the chance to sail the Waterways of the Tsars. It’s safe to say I had incredibly high expectations for a cruise that’s billed as a journey into the ‘real Russia’. Before I even set foot in Russia, 40
Viking set the tone with a gift of a beautiful, hard-cover coffee table book dedicated to The Hermitage in St Petersburg, so I had the opportunity to better acquaint myself with the subject matter before we arrived, then really make the most of this truly wonderful museum. The learning opportunities at The Hermitage are just incredible. I came away with a new-found appreciation for art, and Viking’s ‘Privileged Access’ meant that we were able to explore treasure troves of art and artefacts with no other guests around us whatsoever. We had the place all to ourselves — an experience
I continue to recommend to all my clients considering this cruise. Though St Petersburg is stunning, Moscow was definitely my favourite city — even the railway stations are beautiful. At the Red Square, I was so in awe of the scale and majesty of the place, I simply didn’t know where to look. Then that evening, we had dinner at a fabulous little restaurant on the square, which we never would have found but for a recommendation from one of our Viking crew members. I was particularly surprised at how beautiful Russia is in autumn — the VIKING CRUISES
of the destinations we were visiting. The speakers weren’t so much lecturing as sharing their stories with us.
golden colours blew me away, and opened my eyes to shoulderseason travel, which can be such an attractive time to travel, with fewer fellow tourists.
One of the special things about travelling with Viking is the emphasis on local guides, who made sure to introduce us to plenty of local people who were only too happy to share their stories. They were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the destinations we visited. On many excursions, we were very small groups of six or seven, so they got to know our individual areas of interest and knew just what to point out to each of us.
Onboard, the Viking experience was excellent. The ship was very well appointed, the cabins large and the service impeccable, so we wanted for nothing. Dining onboard was regionally inspired, which meant my first opportunity to truly try caviar (I’ve never been very interested before) — and now, I’m a convert. When served with the right condiments, it tastes divine. I’m gluten intolerant which can be tricky in certain parts of the world (sadly no vodka for me), however the ship provided me with my own special menu to choose from throughout, which meant I didn’t need to miss out on the regional Russian dishes.
One experience I highly recommend is seeing a ballet performance in St Petersburg — an included shore excursion with Viking. We enjoyed box seats in the stunning theatre, and of course the incredible performers dancing Swan Lake — an absolute must in Russia!
“Once you cruise with Viking, it becomes obvious why they’re known as ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise’.”
I’m pleased to say, the experience both on the ground and on the ship was exceptional. Viking took care of all the hassle of making individual arrangements in each destination, and provided such a range of choice in shore excursions and lectures that every taste was catered for. This is a cruise I would whole-heartedly recommend for anyone considering a journey to Russia.
The port talks each evening were unmissable. I and my fellow travel companions looked forward to these seminars with subject matter experts, which then enhanced our experience on the ground in such a special way, having a deeper understanding and knowledge of the politics, history, culture and art
Top Tips MUST-DO: Behind the Scenes at The Hermitage. This is an optional Privileged Access shore excursion, and Viking gifts the stunning hardback book pre-cruise to those who take it. PLANNING ADVICE: Consider a hosted land extension at either end of this itinerary. There is simply so much to see and do. And try not to arrive in St Petersburg on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday as some of the main attractions are closed early in the week. PACKING TIPS: If travelling in autumn as I did, a good quality coat, hat, pair of gloves and boots are essential. 10 degrees is considered balmy. vikingcruises.com.au
FINLAND LAKE LADOGA
Kizhi SVIR RIVER
Helsinki St. Petersburg
LAKE ONEGA
Mandrogy
NEVA RIVER
VOLGA–BALTIC WATERWAY
RUSSIA
Kuzino RYBINSK RESERVOIR VOLGA RIVER
VOLGA RIVER
Cruise
MOSCOW CANAL
Yaroslavl Uglich
Moscow
See this on our river itinerary: WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS SPECIAL OFFER Save up to $4,600 per couple VIEW ITINER ARY 41
Put an ocean between you and 2020 with our GR AND VOYAGES 2020 has become a year most of us would prefer to forget. But the world is slowly reopening and soon the time will be right to travel again. Once again we will recapture the essence of travel, to explore, learn and discover once more. If nothing else, 2020 has taught us that time is our most precious commodity, and we don’t want to waste a single moment of it. Now truly is the time to make the most out of your next travel experience, to travel to far horizons, visit new ports and discover new cultures. And what better way to kick off your new travel experience than with an extended cruise — the thrill of an itinerary that will visit not three or four, but scores of ports across the globe.
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VIKING CRUISES
Alaska
RUSSIA
Valdez Seward Kodiak
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
TAIWAN Taipei (Keelung)
Dutch Harbor
Sapporo Tokyo Kobe (Yokohama) Nagasaki Shimizu Hiroshima Beppu Kagoshima VIETNAM
37-day Far East CHINA & Alaska Departs Hong Kong
Sihanoukville
THAILAND
Hong Kong
Bangkok (Laem Chabang)
Ha Long Bay Hue (Chan May) Ho Chi Minh City
MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) SINGAPORE Jakarta Java Semarang Surabaya
Bali (Benoa)
Komodo Lombok
Darwin
USA
Thursday Island
Cairns Townsville
Whitsunday Islands
93-day Grand Pacific Explorer Departs Auckland
Brisbane Newcastle Sydney Auckland Melbourne Tasman Bass Sea Strait
AUSTRALIA
Cruise Overnight in Port
Hobart Tasmania
FA R E A ST & A L A SK A Make an historic Pacific crossing on this 37-day cruise from Hong Kong to Vancouver that takes you from the imperial treasures of China, to cities of Japan risen from ash, to former Soviet ports once closed to the Western world and onto the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. Accompany locals as they reveal what they love most about the varied places they call home — learn about local life in a reconstructed Koryak village on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia; visit the small community of Hoonah in Alaska, the world’s largest Tlingit community; or delve into the lives of Alaskan fishermen as you sail on board a genuine crab-fishing vessel. This Pacific crossing links these diverse cultures and lets you fully explore the unique nuances of the people and the cultures so of the North Pacific. VIEW ITINER ARY vikingcruises.com.au
Vancouver
INDONESIA
Singapore
N
Inside Passage
CANADA
International Date Line
JAPAN
CAMBODIA
Hubbard Glacier Icy Strait Point Sitka Ketchikan
Tauranga Napier NEW ZEALAND Wellington
South Pacific
Christchurch Dunedin
GR A ND PACIFIC E X PLOR ER This 93-day cruise bridges oceans and continents on our most epic Pacific itinerary. From New Zealand to Australia; Indonesia to Vietnam, Hong Kong and Japan; to Russia, Alaska and onto Canada — with overnight stays in 13 ports you will be immersed in a fascinating array of cultures from East to West. And true to an extended cruise this journey includes some incredible scenic cruising days — the unspoiled beauty of Alaska’s Inside Passage; Yakutat Bay fed by the famed Hubbard Glacier; the Bering Sea; the Tasman Sea named for the Dutchman who first set foot on Tasmania in the 1640s; and the narrow Foveaux Strait between New Zealand’s South and Stewart Islands
VIEW ITINER ARY 43
ENGLAND London (Tilbury) English Channel MONACO Rome ITALY (Civitavecchia) Monte Carlo Istanbul Naples TURKEY Barcelona GREECE PORTUGAL SPAIN Mediterranean Ionian Ephesus Sea Sea (Kusadasi) ISRAEL Sicily Lisbon Murcia Rhodes Athens Haifa (Cartagena) Messina (Piraeus) Strait JORDAN Atlantic Suez Canal of Ocean Aqaba Gibraltar Luxor (Safaga) EGYPT
MYANMAR
INDIA OMAN Red Sea
Salalah
Arabian Sea
Gulf of Aden
Mumbai
Goa (Mormugao)
Bay Yangon of THAILAND Bengal
Koh Samui Gulf VIETNAM (Nathon) of Thailand Andaman Ho Chi Minh City Cochin Sea South Laccadive China Sea Phuket Sea Colombo SRI LANKA Malacca Strait INDONESIA Singapore SINGAPORE Java Arafura Sea Sea Indian Java Ocean Semarang Timor Bali Sea (Benoa) Komodo
AUSTRALIA
LIMITED AVAIL ABILIT Y We are thrilled to announce that these grand journeys are almost sold out. Contact us to secure your place today.
BARCELONA, SPAIN
TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
GOA, INDIA
2021-2022 V IK ING WOR LD CRUISE Embark on an epic 136-day journey on-board Viking Star as she cruises across the globe. Explore six continents and dozens of the world’s most preeminent cities and ports including Los Angeles, Sydney, Singapore, Istanbul, Rome and Barcelona. Enjoy a fascinating transit of the “Path Between the Seas” as you traverse the famed Panama Canal; cruise the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the storied Strait of Gibraltar; explore the stunningly picturesque port of Cartagena, a cultural treasure with its scenic setting on the Caribbean Sea; and journey into the ancient world with a visit to Ephesus in Turkey, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world. With stops in the Caribbean, the Americas, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, the breadth of our new world cruise is beyond compare. VIEW ITINER ARY 44
VIKING CRUISES
119-day Viking World Horizons Departs Los Angeles
Pacific Ocean
International Date Line
Santa Barbara
USA
136-day Viking World Cruise Atlantic Ocean Departs Ft. Lauderdale
Los Angeles
Kauai (Nawiliwili), HI Oahu (Honolulu), HI
MEXICO Cabo San Lucas
Gulf of Mexico
Ft. Lauderdale
Cozumel Caribbean Sea
Léon (Corinto) NICARAGUA Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera) COSTA RICA
Cartagena COLOMBIA Colón PANAMA
Panama Canal
Thursday Island Bora Bora (Vaitape) Cairns Whitsunday Islands (Airlie Beach)
NEW ZEALAND
Brisbane Melbourne Sydney Eden
Tahiti (Papeete)
Coral Sea
Bay of Islands (Waitangi) Auckland Rotorua (Tauranga)
Phillip Island Tasman Milford Sound Sea
Hobart TASMANIA
KEY
FRENCH POLYNESIA
N
Moorea (Opunoha Bay) South Pacific
Cruise Overnight in port
Napier Wellington Doubtful Sound
LUXOR, EGYPT
Select cruise & tour destinations
YANGON, MYANMAR
CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
2022 V IK ING WOR LD HOR IZONS Join Viking Star as she departs on a grand voyage of discovery — 119 days from Los Angeles to London, spanning dozes of ports across 22 countries. A South Pacific sojourn showcases French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. Delight in Vaitape on the island of Bora Bora, whose landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano in the shape of two moss-green peaks surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon; and explore Thursday Island in far north Queensland, home to a thriving artistic community. Traverse Asia, from the Komodo Islands in Indonesia to the cultural splendour of Mumbai in India and beyond. Then discover beautiful Istanbul at the crossroads of two continents and explore historically rich locations in Portugal, Italy and Spain. This truly is a culturally rich world discovery. VIEW ITINER ARY vikingcruises.com.au
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NO KIDS | NO C ASINOS | VOTED WORLD’S BEST
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