More offerings in the Caribbean

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Viking Ocean Cruises will make its first transatlantic crossing in September 2016, launching three new Caribbean cruise itineraries.

After several stops around North America, Viking Star will sail down to San Juan, Puerto Rico – which will serve as her homeport for the winter – before finally returning to Europe in February 2017.

“We have always had a vision to reinvent ocean cruising – to bring destinations back to the forefront of the itinerary and to build ships that are designed to help our guests better explore their destinations,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises.

“We launched our ocean cruises in Europe earlier this year, and just as the Viking explorers before us, we are now looking across the Atlantic for new discoveries,” Hagen said. “Our new itineraries in North America and the Caribbean will offer travelers experiences that broaden their horizons both on and off the ship.”

Viking will first offer a 15-day “Eastern Seaboard to the West Indies” cruise from New York to San Juan, which will sail down the East Coast to Port Everglades, then to Turks and Caicos, Antigua, and St. Thomas.

Next, the 11-day “West Indies Explorer” cruise, departing from San Juan, will sail to Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Martin, and St. Thomas.

Finally, the 18-day “West Indies to Iberia” cruise will depart San Juan, stopping at St. Martin before the six-day trans-Atlantic crossing to the Portuguese island of Madeira, and subsequent stops at Casablanca, Cadiz, Valencia, and Barcelona.

The ship features a variety of accommodations, with five stateroom categories, and 14 Explorer Suites.

Other amenities include the LivNordic Spa, two pools, The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s Gourmet Deli, and a plethora of dining and entertainment options.