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Minnesota Vikings Travel Packages

Minnesota vikings ticket & hotel travel packages.

Visit Minnesota for a football game. Elite Sports Tours has Minnesota Vikings vacation packages including guaranteed tickets to the game for your group and hotel accommodations with one of our preferred hotel partners close to the football stadium.

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Minnesota Vikings 2024 Schedule

Home Games:

Sunday, September 15 1:00 PM ET vs San Francisco Sunday, September 22 1:00 PM ET vs Houston Sunday, October 6 9:30 AM ET vs New York Sunday, October 20 1:00 PM ET vs Detroit Sunday, November 3 1:00 PM ET vs Indianapolis Sunday, December 1 1:00 PM ET vs Arizona Sunday, December 8 1:00 PM ET vs Atlanta Monday, December 16 8:00 PM ET vs Chicago Sunday, December 29 1:00 PM ET vs Green Bay Away Games:  

Saturday, August 17 4:25 PM ET at Cleveland (Pre-Season) Sunday, September 8 1:00 PM ET at New York Sunday, September 29 1:00 PM ET at Green Bay Thursday, October 24 8:15 PM ET at Los Angeles Sunday, November 10 1:00 PM ET at Jacksonville Sunday, November 17 1:00 PM ET at Tennessee Sunday, November 24 1:00 PM ET at Chicago Sunday, December 22 4:05 PM ET at Seattle Sunday, January 5 TBD ET at Detroit

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• Ocean Cruise

Niagara and the Great Lakes Viking Expedition Cruise

• Posted on: January 23, 2024
• Airfare Is Additional

Journey from nature to culture

From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the striking waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ compelling shipping history, experience the power of the thundering Niagara Falls and keep watch for scores of migratory birds at Point Pelee. Led by a team of experts, explore sheltered bays and woodlands to uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures.

Travel Dates & Pricing

• Prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated.

What's Included

• Round trip from Calgary ( please ask for other cities)
• 7 night cruise from Milwaukee to Toronto in Deluxe Nordic Balcony stateroom
• One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call
• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• Visits to UNESCO Sites
• Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
• Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.
• Self-service launderettes
• Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
• 24-hour room service
• Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge
• Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)
• All Viking excursion gear needed
• Taxes and port charges

CLICK TO VIEW ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. German, Polish and Eastern European immigrants followed, bringing with them a long tradition of beer brewing. For several decades in the 20th century, Milwaukee became the world’s most prolific beer producer. Today, the city is a vibrant center of art, history and culture. The RiverWalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee, is a popular spot for enjoying relaxing strolls or viewing public art installations.

Day 2 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Milwaukee lies on the shores of Lake Michigan at the confluence of three rivers—the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic. For centuries before the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Potawatomi, Menominee, Fox and Winnebago. In 1647, missionary Jacques Marquette came to Milwaukee’s shores, and fur traders soon followed. The settlement was a secondary trading post until after the Revolutionary War, when Jacques Vieau established the “Milwaukee Outfit” and made the outpost an important stop on the western shores of Lake Michigan.

Day 3 – Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States

Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas are closest and Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, this bucolic haven preserves gilded Victorian-era treasures along car-free streets traversed by horse-drawn carriages. The perimeter road is the only state highway in the US that does not permit motor vehicles. More than 80% of Mackinac is protected as a state park, from its Greek Revival Grand Hotel and British-built Fort Mackinac to its preserved wilderness areas.

Day 4 – Alpena, Michigan, United States

Alpena is in the northeastern region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The town faces Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay and is home to Alpena Light, a brilliant red steel structure built in 1914. After its founding in 1840, fishing and logging were introduced to bolster its economy; today it is home to one of the largest limestone quarries in the world. Two of its architectural gems are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the art deco County Courthouse and the late-Victorian IOOF Centennial Building, once the city’s courthouse.

Day 5 – Detroit, Michigan, United States

Detroit sits on one of the four straits that link the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway and has emerged as a city rich in culture. In 2015, it became the first US city to earn designation as a “City of Design” by UNESCO for its creativity in urban development. Detroit was founded as a fort in 1701 and later grew into the epicenter of the US automobile industry. Today the city is beloved as the birthplace of Motown, a portmanteau of “motor” and “town.” Its waterfront reveals remarkable examples of postmodern and art deco skyscrapers.

Day 6 – Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada

Point Pelee is a pristine area that points into Lake Erie from Ontario, tapering off to a fine point before disappearing into the waters. The peninsula comprises woodlands and the largest freshwater marshes on the Great Lakes. It was proclaimed a national park in 1918 and is further protected by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that protects wetlands. Located at the convergence of two major bird migration flyways, about 350 species have been recorded here. Boardwalks deliver visitors into this unique ecosystem of vast, open vistas and wave-kissed shores.

Day 7 – Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario, Canada

Port Colborne proudly proclaims itself the “Gateway to Navigation.” It is also the gateway to North America’s largest and most powerful cascade, Niagara Falls. Epic in its scope and volume, the falls hurl 42 million gallons of water down 20 stories every minute. Its mile-wide length straddles the Canadian and US borders and is split by islands into three smaller cataracts: Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. Long a storied destination for young honeymooners, today the mighty torrent is a thrill for visitors.

Day 8 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is beloved by many as one of Canada’s boldest and most innovative capitals. Hugging the shores of Lake Ontario and facing the picturesque Toronto Islands, it was founded by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in 1793. Today the city is a pleasure to explore on foot, whether strolling past the Victorian bay-and-gable homes of Rosedale, or the historic enclave of Wychwood Park, an Ontario Heritage Conservation district. The city’s Distillery District is home to North America’s largest preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

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Canada & Greenland Explorer Viking Expedition Cruise from Toronto to Nuuk

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The Meandering Traveler

A Travel Blog with Travel Tips and Interesting Facts

Close to Home for Viking Fans! Highlights of Viking Mississippi

Many travelers have enjoyed a Viking cruise in Europe or other global regions. But for those seeking a Viking small-ship cruise close to home, well, there are two great options. Viking offers new expedition ships sailing the Great Lakes , and also the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi on the Mississippi River.

Did you know that this modern American river ship routinely carries a high complement of “repeat” Viking guests? Yes, that’s the case. In fact, 85 percent of all guests aboard The Meandering Traveler’s “America’s Heartland” sailing from St. Louis, MO,  to St. Paul, MN, this week are Viking “repeaters.”

So, if you’re a loyal Viking fan, check out this vacation choice. Give Pavlus Travel a call to discuss itineraries, accommodations and other details. 

Meanwhile, here’s our initial, brief look at three spaces on this ship. Since we’ve only been aboard for a short time, we’re providing several photos and a bit of detail about these onboard spaces. But much more is coming in an upcoming blog.  

Deck 1’s Explorers’ Lounge – Drinks & Socializing

Located fully forward, the two-level Explorers’ Lounge is a top venue for socialization aboard. On Deck 1, the lounge is adjacent to both the gangway entrance and the guest services desk.

In the evening, it’s a great spot for socializing and sipping a cocktail, mocktail, wine or beer. And during the day, it’s also a meet-up spot for guests heading out on tour. Shore excursion tickets will tell guests where to meet about 15 minutes prior to the tour, and often Deck 1 of the Explorers’ Lounge is the spot!

The lounge has large expanses of glass for great views of the scenery outside. Plus, guests can walk outside to a few exterior seats on the ship’s bow. The reward? It’s a space for great views.

Inside, of course, there are many comfortable seating areas, ringing a full-service bar. During our cruise multiple bartenders/servers provided guests with friendly, prompt service. The lounge’s bar is typically open between noon and 11 p.m.

If you’re ambling into the Explorers’ Lounge in late afternoon, here’s a plus. Just look for a table outside the lounge. There, Viking offers light snacks. Typically, that occurs around 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Deck 2’s Explorers’ Lounge – Enrichment & Lectures

A stairway also leads up to the second level of the Explorers’ Lounge; guests can also take a nearby elevator up to that second deck. Frankly, this seems akin to a totally separate venue.

How so? Recently, the line outfitted the upstairs portion of this lounge with theater-style seating (see photos above and below). Now, it’s more of an event space. As a result, Viking conducts many enrichment presentations here on a daily basis.

Typically, the talks are themed around the area of sailing. For example, today’s Viking Daily menu on our cruise listed a 3:30 p.m. time for “Nautical Locks and Dams” talk. That’s being conducted by Cruise Director Tim and Captain Cory Burke.

Also, today at 6 p.m., Assistant Cruise Director Gabby is doing a talk about “European Influences on the Midwest.” Also, at 8:15 p.m., Senior Bartender Chris is doing a “Spirits of the Mississippi” whiskey tasting seminar in this Deck 2 space.

The Casual River Cafe

Guests on Viking Mississippi can dine in the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the River Cafe is definitely a hot spot for tasty casual fare. On the day the ship called at Dubuque, IA, for example, this was the River Cafe’s schedule; it may vary slightly day to day, depending on the port schedule.

Breakfast: It’s open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for continental breakfast. Plus, a full breakfast buffet is served from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

We dined here one morning and enjoyed robust choices. For instance, guests could select from pastries, croissants, muffins, scrambled eggs, sausage links, hash browns, bacon, oatmeal, fruits (including berries), and much more.

Lunch : The cafe welcomes guests for a full lunch spread from 11:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Coffee and Snacks:  Guests can saunter up to the cafe for coffee and snacks between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Yum, yum…. pizza is available between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Dinner: Today, for instance, the cafe is open from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

As explained previously, The Meandering Traveler has only been aboard for a very short time. So, this is just a brief snippet about these three spaces on board. Definitely watch for much more about Viking Mississippi in an upcoming blog.

There, we’ll talk about our accommodations, the fine dining aboard, and other venues including the Aquavit Terrace, plunge pool and much more. Here’s a link to Viking’s 360-degree tour of spaces on board Viking Mississippi .

If you’re interested in “rolling on the river,” give Pavlus Travel a call. Just follow the contact information below.

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• If anything tweaks your interest in this blog above, and you DO have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us at  800-528-9300. 
• Or  visit us online at Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site;  t here you can “live chat” with us online too!
• This blog site provides “basic, general information” about travel. It’s not staffed by travel advisors.
• Any price examples and included vacation features in blogs are subject to change. They also don’t represent the full range of options; a travel advisor can assist with additional information.
• Please don’t use the Reply Section below if you are asking for pricing, travel dates, accommodations, brochures or other specific requests. Please use the 800 number or online link. 

Susan J. Young

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Universe Unriddled

The Sea Routes of the Norse: Tracing Viking Voyages Through Astronomy

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Universe Unriddled

Imagine sailing across vast, mysterious oceans with nothing but the sky above to guide your way. Long before GPS or smartphones, the brave Viking explorers, those daring adventurers of the sea, embarked on incredible journeys across the waves. They were the masters of the sea routes, venturing far and wide from their northern homes, reaching out to distant lands with their sleek, swift ships. But how did they find their way? How could they navigate without getting lost in the endless blue?

The secret, my curious friends, lies in the stars above and the sun that lights our days. Yes, the Vikings were not just fierce warriors but also skilled astronomers. They looked up to the celestial bodies, the sun during the day and the sparkling stars at night, to guide their paths across the sea. These ancient sailors read the sky like a map, using the movements of the sun and stars to explore new lands and connect distant places with their sea routes.

Now, let’s embark on a thrilling voyage back in time to discover the sea routes of the Norse. We’ll trace the Viking voyages through the lens of astronomy, uncovering how these ancient explorers used the sky to navigate the vast oceans. Hold tight to your imagination, as we set sail into a world of adventure, mystery, and the incredible ingenuity of the Vikings. Are you ready to explore the stars and seas with the Vikings? Let’s dive into the journey and uncover the secrets of their astronomical navigation!

The Vikings: Seafarers of the North

Long ago, during a time called the Viking Age, which lasted from about 793 to 1066, the Vikings set sail from their homes in Scandinavia, a place we now call Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They were like the superheroes of the seas, embarking on thrilling adventures across the vast waters. These weren’t just any sailors; they were Vikings, known for their bravery, strength, and incredible sea skills.

Imagine the Vikings as the ultimate explorers, kind of like the astronauts of their time, setting out into the unknown. Instead of rocket ships, they had their own super vehicles: the Viking ships. These ships were their tickets to exploring new worlds. Built to be tough and flexible, they could dance across the waves of the open ocean and sneak into shallow rivers without a hitch. Their sleek, powerful design made them faster than nearly anything else on the water. Each ship was like a giant wooden dragon, gliding through the sea, with a fierce dragon head carved at the front to scare off any sea monsters or enemies.

The Vikings used these amazing ships for everything. They were like the pickup trucks of the Viking world, carrying warriors to battle, transporting goods for trade, and exploring new lands. Imagine loading up your family car with everything you need for a big adventure—that’s what the Vikings did with their ships. They packed up their tools, weapons, and even animals, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Now, let’s talk about why the sea routes were so important. For the Vikings, the sea was like a giant highway system connecting different countries today. Just as we use roads to travel to different cities for trade, to see our friends, or go on vacation, the Vikings used the sea. They traveled far and wide, from the chilly shores of Greenland to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean. The sea routes helped them trade goods like furs, timber, and silver, making them quite wealthy and well-connected.

These sea paths were also crucial for their famous raids. Like superheroes on a mission, they’d zoom across the sea in their ships, sometimes to take treasures from other lands. But it wasn’t all about taking; these routes also helped them find new places to settle, where they could farm, trade, and live. Places like Iceland and Greenland owe their beginnings to these adventurous Vikings and their trusty ships.

So, the Viking ships weren’t just boats; they were the keys to the Vikings’ way of life, helping them become some of the most legendary explorers in history. Just like how we rely on cars and planes to explore and connect with the world today, the Vikings had their sturdy, swift ships to take them on incredible journeys across the seas.

Astronomical Navigation: Guiding the Norse Across the Seas

Imagine being in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight, just water all around. How would you find your way? Today, we have GPS and maps on our phones, but the Vikings had to use the sky. Yes, the sky! The stars, the sun, and the moon were like their map and compass rolled into one. This method of finding one’s way is called astronomical navigation. Let’s dive into how the Vikings became masters of the sea, using only the sky above.

The Basics of Ancient Astronomical Navigation

Astronomical navigation is like using the night sky as a giant dot-to-dot puzzle. Long ago, sailors noticed that certain stars always stayed in the same place in the sky. The most famous of these is the North Star, which always points towards the North. By knowing where the North Star was, Vikings could tell which direction they were heading. It was their guiding light in the dark.

During the day, the sun was their guide. They watched how it moved across the sky, rising in the east and setting in the west. By measuring the angle of the sun at noon, they could figure out how far north or south they were. This was crucial for long voyages across open water where there were no landmarks to guide them.

Viking Navigation Instruments

You might wonder, did the Vikings have any tools to help them? While they didn’t have telescopes or compasses as we know them, they had some pretty clever devices. One such tool was the sun compass. It used the shadow of the sun to find direction. Another ingenious device was the sunstone, a special crystal that helped them locate the sun on cloudy days. Though we don’t have a Viking GPS to look at today, these tools show how smart the Vikings were about using what nature offered to navigate.

The Celestial Guidebook

The Vikings knew the night sky like the back of their hand. They recognized patterns of stars, which we call constellations, and used them to navigate. The stars didn’t just help with direction; they also told the Vikings when to set sail. For example, the appearance of certain stars meant it was a good time to go fishing or start a voyage.

Evidence of Astronomical Navigation

So, how do we know the Vikings used the stars to navigate? Well, there are stories and sagas that mention these methods. Plus, archaeologists have found tools like sun compasses with the Vikings. The layout of Viking settlements also hints at their knowledge of astronomy. Some were aligned with celestial events, like the rising of the sun at certain times of the year.

Navigating Like a Viking

To navigate like a Viking, you’d need to be part astronomer, part adventurer. Imagine looking up at the night sky, finding the North Star, and knowing exactly which way to steer your ship. Or using a simple shadow on a sunny day to guide your course. The Vikings’ ability to read the sky was not just smart; it was essential for their survival and success as explorers.

The Vikings’ use of astronomical navigation is a testament to their ingenuity and deep connection with the natural world. It allowed them to sail across vast oceans to discover new lands, long before the invention of modern navigation tools. Their legacy reminds us that sometimes, looking up at the stars can provide the answers we need to find our way.

Tracing Viking Voyages Through the Stars

The Vikings, known for their daring explorations, didn’t just sail blindly into the unknown. They had the stars, the sun, and their clever minds to guide them. Let’s jump into our time machine and trace some of their most famous voyages, seeing how they might have used celestial navigation to chart their courses.

The Voyage to Greenland

One of the most awe-inspiring tales is the Vikings’ journey to Greenland. Led by Erik the Red, they sailed from Iceland to Greenland around the year 982. But how did they navigate such treacherous waters without getting lost? Enter the sun compass. The Vikings likely used this ingenious device to find their direction during the day. By tracking the shadow cast by the sun, they could maintain a steady course, even when land was out of sight.

Imagine sailing on a vast, open sea with nothing but the sky and your sun compass to guide you. It was like playing a giant game of connect-the-dots, but instead of drawing a picture, you were charting the course to new lands.

Reaching North America

The Vikings’ journey to North America, also known as Vinland, is shrouded in mystery and legend. How did Leif Erikson and his crew navigate their way to a land unknown to Europeans before Columbus? Scholars believe the stars were their guide. The Vikings might have used the positions of the stars to find their way westward across the Atlantic.

Think of the night sky as a giant map, with the stars as landmarks. Just as you might use landmarks to find your way to a friend’s house, the Vikings used the stars to reach the shores of North America. This celestial navigation required a deep understanding of the night sky and the patterns of the stars.

Archaeological Evidence and Historical Records

So, where’s the proof? While we don’t have a Viking GPS or a selfie of Erik the Red with a sunstone, we do have archaeological finds and historical sagas that support these theories. For example, fragments of what could be a sun compass were discovered in Greenland, suggesting that the Vikings used such tools for navigation.

Furthermore, the sagas—stories passed down through generations—tell of voyages guided by the sun, the moon, and the stars. These tales, while not scientific evidence, provide insight into the Vikings’ navigational skills and their understanding of astronomy.

Imagine you’re a Viking setting out on a voyage to unknown lands. You have no modern technology, just the sky above and the sea below. By observing the sun’s shadow or the position of the stars, you chart your course, driven by the same spirit of adventure that guided the Vikings.

The Vikings’ ability to navigate vast oceans using the stars and other celestial bodies is a testament to their ingenuity and bravery. Their voyages to places like Greenland and North America, guided by the stars, are not just stories of exploration but also of the remarkable human capacity to understand and use the natural world to embark on extraordinary journeys.

The Legacy of Viking Navigation

The Vikings were like the trailblazers of the seas, setting the stage for all the explorers who followed. Their skills in navigation didn’t just vanish with their era; they left a lasting legacy that influenced sea travel and exploration for centuries to come. Let’s dive into how the Vikings’ way of navigating the vast oceans shaped the future of exploration.

Guiding the Future of Exploration

Think of the Vikings as the original teachers of the sea. They showed the world that with the right skills and knowledge, vast and unknown oceans could be crossed. Their daring voyages to places like Greenland and North America were like the first spark of curiosity that led to the Age of Exploration, where explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama took to the seas to discover new lands. The Vikings’ use of stars and celestial bodies for navigation was an early form of the techniques that would later guide these explorers across the globe.

From Stars to Sextants: The Evolution of Navigation

As time went on, the simple tools and methods used by the Vikings evolved into more sophisticated forms of navigation. The transition from relying on the stars and sun compasses to using instruments like the astrolabe and sextant allowed sailors to navigate with even greater precision. These tools could measure the angles of celestial bodies above the horizon, making it possible to calculate one’s location on the vast ocean with much more accuracy.

Imagine trading in an old, beloved bike for a shiny, new one with all the latest features. That’s a bit like how navigators felt as they moved from ancient methods to more modern tools. But just as the bike taught you the joy of riding, the Vikings’ methods laid the foundation for these advancements in navigation.

Charting New Courses: The Impact on World History

The sea routes and navigation techniques developed by the Vikings had a profound impact on European and global history. By connecting distant lands through trade and exploration, they helped to weave the first threads of our interconnected world. The Vikings’ journeys contributed to the exchange of cultures, goods, and ideas, setting the stage for the global interactions that are a key part of our world today.

Think of the Vikings’ sea routes as the early internet, connecting people and places that were previously isolated. Just as the internet has transformed how we communicate and learn, the Vikings’ explorations opened up new possibilities for cultural exchange and understanding.

Navigating into the Future

The legacy of Viking navigation is a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to explore the unknown. Their techniques and daring voyages not only paved the way for future explorers but also inspired the tools and methods we use for navigation today. From the stars to the sextant, and from ancient sea routes to the global shipping lanes of the modern world, the Vikings’ spirit of exploration continues to guide us as we navigate our way through the vast oceans of the planet.

FAQ / People Also Ask

How did vikings navigate without modern tools.

Imagine you’re in a giant, open-air museum with only nature to guide you. The Vikings used the world around them as their guide. They paid attention to landmarks, like mountains and coastlines, when close to land. At sea, they observed ocean currents and wind patterns, which are like invisible roads and signs in the water and air. Most impressively, they looked to the sky, using the sun during the day and the stars at night to find their way. This was their ancient GPS system.

Did Vikings really use the stars to navigate?

Yes, they did! Think of the night sky as a giant map with the stars as its landmarks. Archaeological finds, like a possible sun compass, and stories from the Viking sagas, suggest that the Vikings were skilled at using the stars to guide their voyages. They were the night sky’s best friends, understanding its patterns and using them to explore the unknown.

What celestial bodies were most important to Viking navigators?

The North Star was like the Vikings’ North Pole, a steady beacon in the sky that always pointed home—north. Constellations, which are groups of stars forming patterns, were like the signs along their sky-high highways, helping them know which way to go. The sun was their daily clock and compass, telling them the time of day and direction.

How accurate was Viking astronomical navigation?

Imagine trying to hit a bullseye with a dart blindfolded; that’s how challenging navigation was without modern tools. The Vikings’ methods were surprisingly effective, but not always pinpoint accurate. They could face difficulties with cloudy skies or the changing positions of celestial bodies through the seasons. Yet, their deep knowledge of the sky’s patterns made them remarkably successful explorers.

Can modern sailors learn from Viking navigation methods?

Absolutely! Think of it as learning to cook using traditional methods instead of a microwave—it’s about understanding the basics. Modern sailors can benefit from the Vikings’ deep connection to nature, learning to read the sea and sky in ways that complement today’s technology. It’s a blend of old and new, proving that ancient wisdom still has a place in our high-tech world.

The Vikings’ use of astronomical navigation was not just a tool but a testament to their remarkable courage, skill, and knowledge. They ventured into uncharted waters, guided by the stars, the sun, and the sea itself, marking their place in history as extraordinary explorers. This blend of bravery and brains is what made their voyages successful and their legacy enduring.

As we look up at the night sky, we’re reminded of the vast world the Vikings navigated and the incredible journeys they undertook. Their story encourages us to explore the fascinating intersection of history and astronomy and to continue seeking out the mysteries of our world and beyond.

Dive deeper into the starlit world of Viking explorations. Let their courage and curiosity inspire you to learn more about the ancient art of navigation and the incredible history that shaped our understanding of the world.

References and Further Reading

For those eager to navigate further into the world of Viking voyages and astronomical navigation, here’s a treasure trove of resources:

• “The Viking’s” by Ben Raffield and Neil Price: a concise but comprehensive introduction to the complex world of the early medieval Scandinavians.
• “Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga” by William W. Fitzhugh and Elisabeth I. Ward: An exploration of Viking voyages and settlements in the North Atlantic.
• “The Norsemen in the Viking Age” by Eric Christiansen: Insight into the daily life, including navigation techniques, of the Vikings.

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Where Kamala Harris Stands on the Issues: Abortion, Immigration and More

She wants to protect the right to abortion nationally. Here’s what else to know about her positions.

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By Maggie Astor

• Published July 21, 2024 Updated Aug. 24, 2024

With Vice President Kamala Harris having replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket, her stances on key issues will be scrutinized by both parties and the nation’s voters.

She has a long record in politics: as district attorney of San Francisco, as attorney general of California, as a senator, as a presidential candidate and as vice president.

Here is an overview of where she stands.

Ms. Harris supports legislation that would protect the right to abortion nationally, as Roe v. Wade did before it was overturned in 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

After the Dobbs ruling, she became central to the Biden campaign’s efforts to keep the spotlight on abortion, given that Mr. Biden — with his personal discomfort with abortion and his support for restrictions earlier in his career — was a flawed messenger. In March, she made what was believed to be the first official visit to an abortion clinic by a president or vice president.

She consistently supported abortion rights during her time in the Senate, including cosponsoring legislation that would have banned common state-level restrictions, like requiring doctors to perform specific tests or have hospital admitting privileges in order to provide abortions.

As a presidential candidate in 2019, she argued that states with a history of restricting abortion rights in violation of Roe should be subject to what is known as pre-clearance for new abortion laws — those laws would have to be federally approved before they could take effect. That proposal is not viable now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe.

Climate change

Ms. Harris has supported the Biden administration’s climate efforts , including legislation that provided hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits and rebates for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“It is clear the clock is not just ticking, it is banging,” she said in a speech last year , referring to increasingly severe and frequent disasters spurred by climate change. “And that is why, one year ago, President Biden and I made the largest climate investment in America’s history.”

During her 2020 presidential campaign, she emphasized the need for environmental justice , a framework that calls for policies to address the adverse effects that climate change has on poor communities and people of color. She has emphasized that as vice president as well.

In 2019, Ms. Harris, then a senator, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced legislation that would have evaluated environmental rules and laws by how they affected low-income communities. It would have also established an independent Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Accountability and created a “senior adviser on climate justice” within several federal agencies. In 2020, Ms. Harris introduced a more sweeping version of the bill. None of the legislation was passed.

Ms. Harris was tasked with leading the Biden administration’s efforts to secure voting rights legislation, a job she asked for . The legislation — which went through several iterations but was ultimately blocked in the Senate — would have countered voting restrictions in Republican-led states, limited gerrymandering and regulated campaign finance more strictly.

This year, she met with voting rights advocates and described a strategy that included creating a task force on threats to election workers and challenging state voting restrictions in court.

She has condemned former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In a speech in 2022 marking the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said that day had showed “what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful.” She added, “What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we the people, all the people.”

Economic policy

In campaign events this year, Ms. Harris has promoted the Biden administration’s economic policies, including the infrastructure bill that Mr. Biden signed, funding for small businesses, a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped the cost of insulin for people on Medicare and student debt forgiveness.

She indicated at an event in May that the administration’s policies to combat climate change would also bring economic benefits by creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. At another event , she promoted more than $100 million in Energy Department grants for auto parts manufacturers to pivot to electric vehicles, which she said would “help to keep our auto supply chains here in America.”

As a senator, she introduced legislation that would have provided a tax credit of up to $6,000 for middle- and low-income families, a proposal she emphasized during her presidential campaign as a way to address income inequality.

Immigration

One of Ms. Harris’s mandates as vice president has been to address the root causes of migration from Latin America, like poverty and violence in migrants’ home countries. Last year, she announced $950 million in pledges from private companies to support Central American communities. Similar commitments made previously totaled about $3 billion.

In 2021, she visited the U.S.-Mexico border and said : “This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families, we are talking about suffering.”

More recently, she backed a bipartisan border security deal that Mr. Biden endorsed but Mr. Trump, by urging Republican lawmakers to kill it , effectively torpedoed. The legislation would have closed the border if crossings reached a set threshold, and it would have funded thousands of new border security agents and asylum officers. “We are very clear, and I think most Americans are clear, that we have a broken immigration system and we need to fix it,” Ms. Harris said in March .

Israel and Gaza

Ms. Harris called in March for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza and described the situation there as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” She said that “the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated” but also that “too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”

In an interview later that month , she emphasized her opposition to an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the city in southern Gaza to which more than a million people had fled. “I have studied the maps,” she said. “There’s nowhere for those folks to go, and we’re looking at about 1.5 million people in Rafah who are there because they were told to go there, most of them.”

She has said on multiple occasions that she supports a two-state solution.

Racial justice

Racial justice was a theme of Ms. Harris’s presidential campaign. In a memorable debate exchange in 2019 , she denounced Mr. Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and opposition to school busing mandates.

She has called for ending mandatory minimum sentences, cash bail and the death penalty, which disproportionately affect people of color.

Amid the protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, she was one of the senators who introduced the Justice in Policing Act, which would have made it easier to prosecute police officers, created a national registry of police misconduct and required officers to complete training on racial profiling. It was not passed.

Her record as a prosecutor also came into play during her presidential campaign. Critics noted that as attorney general of California, she had generally avoided stepping in to investigate police killings.

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

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Tourist Dies After Replica of Viking Ship Sinks Off Norway Coast

A tourist has died after the replica of a Viking ship she was sailing on hit rough seas this week, capsizing the vessel about 60 miles off the west coast of Norway. The ship's five other passengers were rescued, and the woman's body was later found near the scene.

The unnamed woman, whom Agence France Presse reports was an American citizen in her 20s, was part of an expedition from the Faroe Islands to Norway, in an attempt to recreate a voyage similar to one that Vikings embarked on more than 1,000 years ago. However, during the fourth day of the trip on Tuesday evening, the 30-foot Naddoddur, powered only with sails and oars, hit waves up to 16 feet in height with winds as much as 40 knots, prompting the crew to send a distress signal.

The mayday call was initially dismissed as a false alarm after boats and a helicopter arrived at the scene and found nothing, but a wider rescue operation was launched after the boat's occupants sent a second call just an hour later. The ship's five survivors were able to climb aboard an inflatable life raft, and were later airlifted to safety by helicopter.

On Wednesday morning, a woman's body was recovered from the area near where the ship sank.

Norway’s Sea Rescue Society posted a video of the area where the ship sank on Tuesday, showing the high waves and choppy waters.

"The rescue boat 'Idar Ulstein' is now at the place where the Viking ship capsized west of Stad," the agency wrote. "We keep an eye on the ship, and do what we can to assist with the salvage, but the weather conditions make it very demanding."

The the expedition had reportedly already been postponed for several days due to the inclement weather.

Bergur Jacobsen, chairman of the Naddoddur boat club on the Faroe Islands, told the BBC that the ship had previously made the journey to places such as Iceland, Shetland, and Norway without incident. "It's not a Viking boat, it's a Faroes fishing boat without a motor but with sails," Jacobsen explained, but declined to comment further amid a pending investigation.

Prior to the trip, Livar Nysted, a crew member from the Faroes, said that "you just try to do the best you can" when sailing through a storm. "It's an open boat. You sleep under the stars and when it's raining or windy you can feel the elements," he noted.

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Tourist on Viking voyage dies after boat capsizes off Norway coast

American archaeologist karla dana has tragically died after the boat she was on capsized.

Joshua Nair

A tourist on a reenactment of a Viking voyage has died after the vessel capsized in the North Sea.

Karla Dana was an American archaeologist who was part of a voyage that attempted to recreate the journey that the Vikings underwent to go from the Faroe Islands to Norway in the ninth century.

The area started to get cloudy and an unforgiving storm hit on Tuesday (27 August), and with just sails and oars used to control the ship for the brutal 680km journey, the crew members were ultimately left helpless against the brutal environment .

The replica fishing vessel disembarked on Saturday (24 August) and eventually capsized on Tuesday, just one day short of their final day of travel , where they would have reached Norway.

With the trip being delayed by a number of days because of bad weather , they set sail, but sent out a distress signal on Tuesday as conditions worsened, but a helicopter determined it was a false alarm, according to the Norwegian media.

Dana's body was found yesterday morning (28 August), just a few hundred metres away from the ship's wreck and only 60km from Norway's coastal island of Måløy.

The 29-year-old was the only person that died following the encounter with the rough North Sea, while the remaining five sailors survived on an inflatable life raft before being rescued by a helicopter.

Three men and one woman on board were from Switzerland while another man was from the Faroe Islands.

The replica ship was later found by the Coast Guard, as police have launched an investigation into the sinking, with the cause of sinking yet to be determined, though Norway's Sea Rescue Society reported stormy conditions in the area.

The vessel was named 'Noddoddur', after the Norwegian navigator that is believed to have discovered Iceland in the eighth century and its owner, Bergur Jacobsen, revealed to the BBC that this boat had been on Viking voyages in its past, such as to Iceland, Norway and the Shetland islands but added: "It's not a Viking boat, it's a Faroes fishing boat without a motor but with sails."

Just 10 metres long and made of wood, the ship had two masts and was built in Faroese tradition - aiming to reach Alesund in Norway from Suðuroy island in the Faroe Islands.

None of the five survivors were injured, but they were treated for psychological treatment following the traumatic event.

The trip was promoted heavily on social media channels, with one poster on Facebook describing it as an 'unforgettable event that takes you back to the time of the Vikings'.

Dana was a member of an explorer's club, and wrote entries for a voyage blog, documenting her preparation and thoughts going into the expedition, revealing how excited she was to be making the trip.

The archaeologist wrote: "It’s hard to keep excitement from turning into fear when you see those waves casually tossing around huge modern boats like toys.

"But there’s a wild beauty in the North Sea, a reminder of nature’s raw power, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this adventure."

Livar Nysted, the Faroese member of the crew aboard the doomed vessel, said before the expedition that if you run into a storm, 'you just try to do the best you can'.

"It's an open boat. You sleep under the stars and when it's raining or windy you can feel the elements," he concluded.

Topics:  Travel , Environment , World News

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

@ joshnair10

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LOS ANGELES--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Viking® ( www.viking.com ) (NYSE: VIK) today announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025. The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore iconic destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang), as well as Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will continue to highlight rarely seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access. Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine. Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun —formerly the Viking Sun —a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.

"We are proud to open our second season of these unique itineraries featuring exploration of the China coast—something that is entirely exclusive to Viking,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. "For centuries, these phenomenal destinations in Asia have inspired travelers with ancient history and rich culture. Our guests are curious travelers who travel as a way to broaden their minds, and we look forward to introducing more of Asia to them in 2025.”

New Asia Voyages in 2025:

• NEW Jewels of Japan & China (15 days; Beijing to Tokyo) — Embark on a 15-day voyage to discover the history, culture and cuisine of the Far East. Guests will immerse themselves in the German heritage of Qingdao and marvel at Shanghai, a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. Admire the natural beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and take in majestic views of Mt. Fuji in Shimizu. Overnight stays in vibrant Hiroshima and Osaka offer guests more opportunities for exploration.
• NEW Classic China Discovery (20 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Join Viking for a fully escorted sojourn as guests deepen their understanding of China’s culture, customs and traditions. Explore classic treasures, tracing timeworn steps along the Great Wall of China, and marvel at Xi’an’s Terra Cotta Warriors, each distinctly carved. Enjoy overnights in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao, Xi’an and Beijing; admire unique architecture, presenting a world of ancient times and forward-thinking modernity; and immerse yourself in local life during calls to quaint locales, with meaningful encounters along the way.
• NEW Pearls of Japan & China (22 days; Tokyo to Beijing) — Set sail with Viking, delving into the vibrant history, multifaceted cultures and delectable cuisine of Asia and beyond during a fully guided journey. Gaze upon majestic Mt. Fuji from Shimizu and enjoy overnight stays in Osaka and Hiroshima. Relax in the natural splendor of Miyazaki and Jeju and immerse yourself in the dynamic cityscape of Shanghai. Cap the memorable voyage discovering the legendary wonders of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing.
• NEW Gems of China & Japan (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Join Viking for a fully guided exploration of the rich history, diverse cultures and enticing cuisine of Asia and beyond. See the influence of German settlers in Qingdao and take in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Revel in the beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and admire Mt. Fuji looming grandly over Shimizu. An included land package reveals the iconic treasures of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing, immersing guests further into the captivating Eastern world.
• NEW 2025 Wonders of China (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Embark on a grand voyage to China on a fully guided sojourn. Be captivated by bustling Shanghai and delve into diverse landscapes, from the isles of Pingtan to modern Shenzhen, with overnight stays that allow guests to fully explore. Immerse yourself in nature in the mountains of Tibet (Xizang) and view the impressive Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Discover Beijing and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China.
• NEW 2025 Best of China (22 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Guests will immerse themselves in a fully guided cruise tour to see all the highlights China has to offer. Sail China’s scenic eastern coast and delve into the diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes of this unique nation. View the iconic giant panda and journey into the Himalayas, where ancient traditions infuse every aspect of life in mountainous Tibet (Xizang). Admire the Terra Cotta Warriors and explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China during guests’ memorable sojourn.

Pre and Post Land Extensions

For additional immersion in Asia, Viking is also offering a variety of pre and post land extensions for its 2025 China itineraries, including:

• Beijing — Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future.
• Hong Kong — Delve into one of the world’s foremost metropolises with a three-night extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast.
• Hong Kong & Guilin — Explore two versions of China – the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves.
• Spirit of Mongolia — Immerse yourself in rich traditions and revel in the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert. Explore Ulaanbaatar, an eclectic mix of the ancient and the 21st century. At your desert lodge, admire striking landscapes and enjoy a range of activities curated to bring insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
• Tokyo — Unravel the mysteries of Tokyo, Japan’s neon-lit capital steeped in imperial history. Zen-like gardens and Shinto shrines mingle with towering skyscrapers in this bustling metropolis, all while the perfectly symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over.

The Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

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Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure . No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com . For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv .

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10 Night Alaska & The Inside Passage

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

• Destinations

Viking Russian River Cruise: The Ultimate 13 Day Guide

September 24, 2019 //  by  Linda Malys Yore

Does the idea of a Russian river cruise intrigue you? Are you thinking of taking a Russia river cruise and looking for first-hand information from someone who already has? Well, look no further because I sailed Viking River Cruise’s impressive 13-day Waterways of the Tsars river cruise and I readily admit it was the ultimate trip of a lifetime. 

From the moment we began working with the Viking liaison in the comfort of our home until boarding our international flight home in Moscow, Viking made every step of the way, every decision as easy as possible for us. Here I will share with you just how simple and effortless it was to book and plan for a Viking river cruise,  and how unbelievably extraordinary the cruise was.

Viking Russian River Cruise: The Planning Stage

My daughter Victoria from Follow Me Away accompanied me on the Waterways of the Tsars Russia river cruise. As soon as we selected our cruise we were assigned a Viking consultant who handled everything. She was our “go to” person when we had questions or concerns.

We created a personalized online account at MyVikingJourney.com . There we could see the specific tours, excursions, and decisions we had to make for our trip. Thirteen days was a long trip and there were many options to consider. At MyVikingJourney.com everything was accessible online at one convenient location. There was a question and answer section that had tons of information right at our fingertips that saved us a lot of time and angst. We were sailing on the Viking Ingvar.

After we decided on our specific Russian river cruise and dates, we needed flights to Russia . Be sure to check with your travel agent or Viking directly about packages which include airfare, or discounted airfare. Amenities like this may change frequently. Our Viking rep, Cathy, took care of booking our flights and they were very reasonably priced.

Traveling to Russia involved obtaining a Russian visa . It was a very easy process and Viking River Cruises has specific detailed information on how to fill out the paperwork correctly and where to send everything. Our passports and documents were sent to Generations Visa in Washington DC, the company Viking works directly with. (Russia does not do online visa applications yet.)

Next decisions were about selecting excursions while on our Russia river cruise. At every city along the Waterways of the Tsars, there were included tours offered free of charge. Optional tours are also offered, and there is an additional fee for them.  I signed us up for all the included tours and several optional ones. 

On Viking Cruise’s website, most day’s explanations included videos of the areas we were scheduled to visit. They really helped a lot in the planning process and to heighten the anticipation.

We decided to purchase the Silver Spirits Package for our Russian river cruise with Viking. Victoria loved mocktails, and I could not resist the Russian vodka! However, Viking Cruises is generous with house wine, beer, and soda, which are all complimentary during lunch and dinner, beginning at the daily cocktail hour.

At long last, the day had arrived for us to begin our travels to Russia!

Days 1-4: Waterways of the Tsars, St Petersburg

After passing through customs and immigration at the St Petersburg airport, and retrieving our bags, we were warmly greeted by Viking staff members. Once we exited the secure area of baggage claim, Slava and Philip in their bright red Viking shirts were there to meet us. 

We were taken by Viking coach to our home away from home for the next 13 days, the Viking Ingvar docked on the River Neva. Named after Grand Prince Ingvar, born in 875AD, the Ingvar has 5 decks. There is one main restaurant, two bars, a library, and a sun deck. You will also find an onboard boutique selling all things Russian, along with Viking merchandise. With a crew of about 114, our sailing was at full capacity with 200 passengers. 

The Viking Ingvar docked in St Petersburg waiting to welcome us aboard.

Once we arrived we were warmly greeted b Viking Ingvar staff and the program director Sasha Danilov.  After settling into our verandah room with a balcony, we headed down to the main dining room for dinner. 

Dining as a vegetarian and vegan duo can be challenging sometimes. But not with Viking. Immediately head chef Joachim Moeller came to meet us and discuss our dietary restrictions. From that moment on, Victoria and I knew we would not have to worry about our meals! If you have dietary restrictions, they are carefully addressed on Viking cruises with the culinary staff. 

We met with Chef Joachim on our first evening on board the Ingvar to discuss our dietary restrictions: one vegetarian and one vegan.

St. Petersburg Russia is an ornate and lavish city built on the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great. He toured Europe extensively for architectural insight and the Russian Baroque influences are evident to this day. The city is opulent and elegant. St Petersburg is often called “The Venice of the North” due to the abundance of canals that connect the many islands that are the city.

During our four days in St Petersburg, we learned about the history and soul of the city. Strolling through the Hermitage , (second largest art museum in the world, surpassed only by the Louvre), witnessing an authentic Russian ballet and taking a walking tour of St Petersburg , our days and nights were as busy or as relaxed as we desired. 

Walking through the Church of Our Savior on Spilt Blood and learning of its history and its multicolored brilliant mosaics covering the entire inside was definitely a highlight of St Petersburg. The tour of the Faberge Museum was unbelievable and we ended our time in the city by touring St Petersburg from the Water . We rode along the canals and under iconic bridges in a comfortable barge-like boat. Sailing past ornate palaces and historical Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral was amazing and a unique way to explore.

Our time in St. Petersburg was at an end and the Viking Ingvar set sail. 

The Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood in St Petersburg. As sumptuous on the outside as it was on the inside.

Life Onboard The Viking Ingvar During Our Russia River Cruise

What I especially enjoyed about this specific Viking Russian river cruise itinerary was there was a nice mix of shore excursions and sailing days. When sailing, there was always a full schedule we could participate in. Or not if we so chose. 

There was a cocktail party every evening before dinner in the Sky Bar that included live music. Sasha, the program director, hosted a daily port talk about the next day’s excursions and events. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were scheduled according to the itinerary. After dinner, there was live music and dancing in the Sky Bar.

We are ending an evening onboard the Ingvar with cocktails and friends in the Sky Bar. Sasha joined us as well.

The onboard guides hosted a series of Russian history lessons which were extremely enlightening and informative. At the end of the trip, they hosted a question and answer session about Russia where no question was off-limits. 

These lectures and talks were streamed live into our staterooms rooms, which was very convenient so we did not have to miss out on any activity.

Day 5: Waterways of the Tsars, Mandrogy

Viking Ingvar arrived in Mandrogy after lunch. This charming Russian village is more of an open-air living history museum that visually keeps the traditions of the Russian inhabitants of the area alive.

We meandered around at our leisure and saw brightly colored houses. My favorite, of course, was the Vodka Museum . There is a literal wall of vodka. Here one learns of the history of Russian vodka and is fortunate to sample a few of the 2,800 bottles in stock.

The lovely 18th century recreated village is dotted with craftsmen/women crafting their wares, and selling them as well. Lovely authentic Russian souvenirs were for sale. 

We were able to paint our own Matryoshka (nesting) dolls and learned the history of them. Others indulged in the banya ritual, the traditional Russian sauna. There were several of us who decided at the last minute we wanted to try the Russian banya, but we were too late as this optional excursion had sold out. Be forewarned: if you do not sign up for your excursions early enough, you run the risk of being disappointed as we were when they sell out. 

Mandrogy, a lovely open-air historical and crafts village on the Svir River

Mandrogy was a great place to purchase authentic Russian souvenirs directly from the artisan!

The Food And Where To Find It On The Viking Ingvar

Breakfast:  Breakfast could be found in three locations during my Russian river cruise aboard the Viking Ingvar. The coffee stations , located outside the main dining room, had coffee and pastries every morning. Self-serve coffee of every variety was available 24/7, as well as my favorite, hot chocolate. Some sort of pastry, or regional cookie (with an explanation of its history) was also always accessible there.

There was a continental breakfast every morning at the Panorama Bar with beverages and breakfast items. And a full breakfast buffet was served every morning in the Restaurant . Hot dishes cooked to order were available as well.

Lunch:  A lighter buffet lunch was served in the Panorama Bar and the main Restaurant served a generous buffet and dishes to order every afternoon. We had lunch in the Restaurant every afternoon. Chef Joaquim was around serving at the buffet and explaining the regional dishes to all passengers. 

Dinner : Dinner began every evening at 7:00 PM most every evening in the elegant Restaurant . There were always several dishes that were available every night of our Russia river cruise. However, the culinary staff made a great effort to serve historical and regional dishes every evening that originated in the area we visited that day.

Continental breakfast was available every morning in the Panorama Bar.

Day 6: Viking Russian River Cruise, Kizhi Island

The Ingvar docked at Kizhi Island on the shores of Lake Onega. I was very excited to begin the Kizi Island Walking Tour because I wanted to see the huge wooden church that was built in 1714 without a single nail.  

Kizi Island is famous because it is an open-air Museum of Architecture . Wooden barns, farmhouses, bell towers, and banyas and even windmills were relocated there to preserve them and their history. The island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We toured a period farmhouse and the inside of the Russian Orthodox Chruch of Intercession . The scenic beauty of Kizhi Island was absolutely stunning and a perfect backdrop for the Russian architectural lesson it provided!

Wooden Transfiguration Church alongside The Church of the Intersession on Kizhi Island located on Lake Onega

Entertainment Onboard The Viking Ingvar

There was always something to do or nothing at all to do. The choice was absolutely up to each passenger during our Viking Russia river cruise how busy they wanted to be. 

Each evening during turndown service, our cabin steward left us a copy of the Viking Daily . It was the ship’s daily newsletter that contained everything we needed to know to be in the know and organized for the next day’s events. 

On sailing days, there were Russian language lessons, Russian history lessons, and cooking/baking demonstrations. There was a sommelier led wine tasting, and a vodka tasting event led by our cruise director, Sasha that led to much hilarity. One of my favorite onboard events was the galley tour!

Every evening after dinner there was live music and dancing in the Sky Bar with Eduardo and Sonia. Several evening, Sasha led games which were a great way for us to get to know our staff and fellow passengers.

Victoria with Sasha, the Viking Ingvar Program Director, at the vodka tasting event. There is a secret, you know, how to down vodka shots and not get drunk!

Victoria, along with other passengers,  is dancing while Sasha leads us during a music trivia game.

Day 7: Viking Russia River Cruise, Kuzino

The tiny port town of Kuzino holds the entrance to the amazing Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , one one of the largest Orthodox monasteries in northern Russia. From the ship, we boarded a comfortable coach and headed to the monastery.

As we walked to our busses though, we passed through a mini-market of sorts. Many locals had set up and were selling their wares. It was a great place to barter as it seemed everyone had the same kind of Russian souvenirs for sale.

Founded in 1397 by two monks, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Silverskoye. The entire monastery complex is surrounded by white walls and towers for protection.

From the outside, it is rather deceiving, because inside the monastery is quite large. There are at least eleven preserved churches, with impressive exterior frescoes. The icons were remarkable as well. Today the monastery is a museum, but there are a few Russian Orthodox monks who live there. 

After some free time to meander around, we boarded our Viking coaches and headed to visit a school in Kuzio.  It was enlightening, revealing and thought-provoking. We toured a school, interacted with students and were entertained. We learned about the Russian education system. It was certainly NOT what I expected. It was much more!

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery on the shores of Lake Siverskoye.

Scenic Cruising Onboard The Viking Ingvar

Our cruising days were far from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns.  But they were filled with as much history as the open-air museums and small villages we visited along our way. Each waterway, lake, river or reservoir had a history that helped shaped the Russia of today.

Just over 40 miles, we departed St Petersburg on the Neva River, one of the deepest and shortest in Europe. Once out of town we passed sumptuous summertime villas used by the wealthy,  along with wildlife and calm waters. Soon we entered Lake Ladoga , the largest lake in Europe at a whopping 7,000 square miles. It is not very deep and it freezes during the cold Russian winters.

Imagine ending your Russian river cruise evenings with a sunset like this!

The Svir River connects Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. Here we passed small villages with cute houses. There are many sawmills and stacks of logs from the Karelian forests. Once sailing on Lake Onega , we learned it is the second-largest European river, covering an area of 4,000 square miles. Over 50 Russian rivers empty into Lake Onega making their way into the Svir River.

The Volga River , “Mother Volga,” is the national river of Russia. At a commanding 2,300 miles long, she is the longest river in Europe and the main waterway in western Russia. There is a lot of boat traffic on the Volga because it carries two-thirds of Russia river freight. On our journey, the Viking Ingvar passed through sixteen Volga River  “locks” leveling out the river’s height permitting us to progress. 

Finally, as we approached Moscow, we sailed the seventy-nine-mile man-made waterway called the Moscow Canal . Where the Moscow Canal meets the Volga River there is an eighty-foot statue of Vladimir Lenin.

Much commerce takes place along all of Russia’s waterways. We viewed wildlife, quaint villages, locks, dams and reservoirs. We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather and the ability to meander outside on the decks to gaze as the small towns passed by and learn first hand some of the histories of Russia’s scenic waterways.

Viking Rusia River Cruise sunset!

Day 8: Viking Russian River Cruise, Yaroslavl

We arrived at Yaroslavl after lunch, around 3 PM. Over 600,000 people call Yaroslavl home and we headed out on our walking tour: Yaroslavl Up Close .  

One of the eight Golden Ring cities, Yaroslavl is a very significant and beautiful city along the Volga River. Yaroslavl is an extremely important shipping port along the river.

We stopped into the iconic and stunning Church of St Elija and strolled the city. There are over 70 churches in Yaroslavl, with almost half of them in use today. Another stunning church we visited was the Assumption Russian Orthodox Church. The gleaming gold onion domes on the outside and the amazing frescoes inside were all magnificent.

Stunning Russian Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Yaroslavl , Russia, on the River Volga

Tech Amenities Onboard The Viking Ingvar

Yes, there is FREE wifi during the Russian river cruise aboard the Ingvar. You will receive the login information once you board. Most of us want to post pictures on social media or be in some kind of contact with our family and friends back home. 

Now the bandwidth varied, and sometimes the connectivity and speed were less than what we were used to at home. No big problem though, because we stopped at so many villages and towns along the way that had stronger wifi reception. With a little planning, much of our online work was done when we were docked in port. That’s when the balcony came in very handy!

If you wanted to check your email but did not bring along a laptop, or did not wish to use your phone, there was a computer station onboard. There were two computers with printers we were able to use at any time.

There were both American and European outlets in the Ingvar’s staterooms. Victoria and I brought along some European converters because we had a lot of devices to charge and did not wish to ‘take turns.’ If you don’t plan to bring along lots of electronic devices, you will be fine with the outlets.

There is a computer station onboard for passengers.

Day 9: Viking Russia River Cruise, Uglich, Russia

A dreary rainy day did not sabotage our morning in Uglich. The second of Russia’s Golden Ring cities we explored on our Waterways of the Tsars  Russian River Cruise, Uglich was such a quaint town along the water.

We began with a walking tour and headed to the Kremlin of Uglich. It was merely a ten-minute stroll from the Ingvar. We began by visiting the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Our Saviour’s Transfiguration. 

Every small village or town, and every large city had the loveliest and most ornate Russian Orthodox churches and cathedrals. All have interesting histories and tragedies. Uglich holds the end of a dynasty as one of its tragedies. 

Young Dimitri was only 8 years old when he died. Murdered or accidental we will not know. We do know that his death, this son of Ivan the Terrible, ended a dynasty, sparked civil unrest, and gave rise to the Romanov dynasty. 

Next, we toured the beautiful Church of St Dimitry on the Blood . It was built in the 1690s on the spot where young Dimitry’s body was found. Through frescoes inside the church, the story of Dimitry along with Bible stories are seen. Dimitry’s grave is also inside, and it is very small (because he was a child when he died.)

A visit to a local family followed where we were transported by Viking coaches. There we shared a light meal, a cup of tea and toasted with vodka shots! We had free time to shop for souvenirs along the way back to our ship if we so desired. 

Beautiful Uglich, Russia looking towards the Russian Orthodox Saint Dimitry on the Blood Cathedral.

Viking Russia River Cruise: Staterooms 

102 outside staterooms make up the Viking Ingvar. Sizes range from the two 400 square foot Suites to the 160 square feet Deluxe staterooms. Most staterooms feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that lead out onto a large verandah. Some categories have a large picture window (4 feet X 3 feet) that opens instead.

There is a twenty-six inch flat screened TV in each room that offers live news shows, along with a variety of ship information, like positioning and live streaming of any lectures and demonstrations happening in the Sky bar. 

All rooms are furnished with both 110/220 volt outlets, a telephone, safe, hairdryer, and air conditioning. We used our safe every day. I kept my passport and credit cards in there whenever I was not using them. 

Our verandah stateroom onboard the Viking Ingvar during our Russia river cruise.

Cushy fluffy white spa-like robes and slippers are available upon request. All rooms receive servicing twice daily, when bottled water is replenished and the Viking Daily newsletter is delivered. 

Victoria and I thought there was plenty of storage space for all of our belongings for the two of us on a 13-day cruise. With our luggage easily stored under our beds, there was ample space to walk around. 

We used our desk to house our laptops and camera equipment.

Our spacious verandah. We spent many a morning or afternoon, depending on our itinerary, outside relaxing and watching the countryside sail by.

We leisurely sailed and enjoyed the stunning views from the ship all morning. At 1:30 PM we arrived in Moscow, one of the world’s most iconic and fascinating cities. Over twelve million people live in Moscow. It is Russia’s political and cultural epicenter.

Three days was a great amount of time to explore Russia, yet not enough time at all! There were unbelievable included tours to participate in, and exquisite optional tours that offered privileged access to some of Russia’s most beloved locations.

Moscow is famous for its legendary ornate underground subway stations . Victoria and I elected to take an included walking tour of Moscow , where we visited several of the iconic and elaborate stations. 

One of the elegant subway stations we visited in Moscow on our Viking walking tour.

We also attended a special concert of Russian music and dance that was extraordinary. Tours of the Cosmonaut Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the sumptuous Treasures of the Kremlin Armoury were offered. 

I was most interested in touring Red Square and the Kremlin. Household words to me growing up during the rise and fall of Russian communism, I was very excited to experience them. And of course, seeing the world-famous and iconic St Basil’s Cathedral.  

And Viking Russia River Cruises did not disappoint. I enjoyed the mixture of tour time and free time to explore Moscow on our own. The Ingvar was docked thirty minutes out of town next to a beautiful green lush city park. It was very conveniently located less than a ten minute walk from a subway station. And then it was a straight shot to the city center of Moscow. 

Moscow did not disappoint either. Not one bit. From walking around Red Square, which was barricaded when we visited due to state horse shows and concerts, to visiting St Basil’s Cathedral, it was so exciting.

St. Basil Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. YES, it is that brilliant and beautiful in real life!

We spent time in the GUM Department Store (much more like a mall) which was the most ornate and exquisite shopping center I have ever visited in the world, anywhere!  We chose NOT to visit Lenin’s Tomb (and see his corpse) in Red Square.

Our visit inside the Moscow Kremlin walls was unforgettable. Long considered the symbol of Russian power, most people, including me, think of the Kremlin as one building. Actually, it is a walled city. Inside are numerous government buildings and home of the Russian president. Also, we saw unbelievably beautiful palaces, cathedrals, and museums mostly congregated in Cathedral Square.

Kremlin (meaning ‘fortress’) walls adjacent to Red Square in Moscow. The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Probably one of the most popular optional excursions was Moscow By Night . It was amazing seeing Moscow all lit up and glittering while riding in our coach. Then we transferred to a boat and admired Moscow from the water!

 Viking River Cruise Staff: The Backbone of the trip.

The food could be the absolute best. The excursions could be the most captivating. The staterooms could be the loveliest ever. But none of the experiences we had on our Viking Russian River Cruise Ingvar would have been as special if it were not for the extraordinary staff.

The staff of the Viking Ingvar definitely exemplified what it means to offer unparalleled service. Every single staff member, from the captain himself to the kitchen staff working behind the scenes, put forth extreme effort to make the trip so very special. From the extraordinary cabin steward, the servers during our meals, to the bar staff, there was nothing that they could not do for us. The  

Finally, I must add that I spoke with several members of the staff and crew and one major theme emerged. And that was how much they enjoyed their jobs and were blessed to be working for Viking.  

One of the onboard activities was a Galley tour where we met the unsung heroes of the kitchen!

Reymond made the best cocktails! He instructed me on Russian vodkas.

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Packing Tips For Your Viking Russian River Cruise

I think that using these useful packing tips will enhance your trip to Russia:

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you to Russia. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the RFID protection,  these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. 

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter to Russia.  This worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact  one I carry with me on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod  for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use . It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight and easy to carry. I love mine and I think you will enjoy it too!

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.  You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.  I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble  filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well. 

You will be walking more than usual on your Viking Russian River Cruise. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes  is a must-have. These  waterproof all-season shoes  are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.  Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these   Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

You may be visiting Russia in warmer weather, and you may want a pair of sandals  to wear exploring.  I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.  I have several pairs of these  exact  Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my  Vionic Tides flip flops.  The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable. 

Please be advised : on your Viking excursions, I advise you to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. The excursions can cover a lot of distance. Also, cobblestoned streets can be difficult to negotiate in sandals or flip flops, even if the weather is warm.

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe, And Russia is no exception. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm. This cotton   unisex lightweight  scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. And here’s another option to consider: this  lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf   would do double duty to protect you from the sun in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece.

Also, in most Russian churches, women’s heads and shoulders must be covered. So the scarf can be used for that purpose as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. I like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare and help you to see things more clearly. This will be very helpful in Ireland.

If you are in need of  new luggage,  this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set better. Both sets come with TSA approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Russia. 

Truthfully, before I visited Russia, all I knew was what I learned as a child during the Cold War: communism, KGB, and that the Russian people do not smile much. Viking’s Russia River Cruise did an *exceptional* job of introducing me to Russia as she is today. After spending 13 days with Viking Cruises I feel we were expertly guided to every monument and museum and well-known church in each and every city or village we visited.

We were informed about every part of Russian life and its extraordinary history as a country and introduced to the dazzling opulence of her architecture. Not only DO Russian people smile, but they are also warm and friendly. A surprising number of them spoke English. Viking Cruises’ Waterways of the Tsars 13 day Russian River Cruise was an outstanding and unforgettable experience, one I think you would love as much as I did.

Have you ever traveled to Russia? Were you as surprised and impressed as I was? Please share your experiences in the comment section below!

Please note: I was provided with a complimentary Viking Russian River cruise for myself and a guest, and a stipend, by Viking Cruises in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

Linda On the Run  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Reader Interactions

Kristina Hensley

November 14, 2019 at 6:43 pm

Hi there, I enjoyed your review. It was very detailed and will help us on our cruise. My sister and I will be traveling to Russia in May 2020 with Viking. Just to give us idea, how much cash in Russian ruble did you spend while on your 13 day cruise? I know we can use our credit card in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but I’m guessing not in the small towns. Thank you!

Linda Malys Yore

November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

You are correct. The major metropolitan cities accept credit cards. The small rural villages do not. Plus you will want to have rubles on hand in case you wish tip the local tour guides. I can not recommend an exact amount of rubles. We used an ATM machine upon arrival at the airport. There are other ATMs along the route as well should you find you require more rubles. Please be advised, the ship you sail on will not not change currency into rubles for you. I am wishing you the absolute best experience ever with Viking as you explore and discover Russia!

December 22, 2019 at 9:47 am

Going next September! Can you tip and purchase small items in more rural locations in USD?

Phyllis Newman

January 23, 2020 at 8:33 am

Great job telling your story & sharing pictures about your Viking Russian River Cruise, very helpful!! We are going in July, I read they frown on sandals being worn in churches, museums & other areas. Croc flip flops probably out the question? How strict? In St. Petersburg, how far are we from the City Centre? Viking proves transportation if you would like to walk around town on your own? Thank you.

January 23, 2020 at 11:24 am

Hi Phyllis. So excited for you? I would not suggest wearing flip flops when touring any European city. Crocs will be ok. Sturdy closed-toe shoes would be ideal. When entering a lot of the churches in Russia your shoulders/head must be covered. I always had a scarf tucked into my purse for such an occasion. In St Pete, the city center is a bit far from the ship. We secured an Uber and it was very reasonable! In Moscow, the Metro is within walking distance. My Viking Russian River Cruise was *extraordinary* and so far surpassed any expectations I had. I wish safe journeys and a spectacular cruise for you as well.

Kathleen Reilly

January 10, 2021 at 3:04 pm

Thank you for providing such a detailed review. Can you please say what month you cruised? We are deciding now between May and July and are unsure of conditions. Thank you!

January 10, 2021 at 6:01 pm

Hello Kathleen. I sailed in mid-September.

January 10, 2021 at 6:32 pm

We actually had our Russian Cruise rebooked for July 2021. I called Viking today for updates due to Visas, hate to put money out for Visas if Cruise is canceled. We heard all positive reviews for the Russian River Cruise in July, weather is beautiful & temps in high 70s during the day, evening 60s. We start in St. Petersburg, so many say how much they like St. Petersburg, if you have extra time spend it there.

January 12, 2021 at 2:42 pm

We started our cruise from St. Petersburg as well. The optional excursions in that magnificent city were spectacular!

January 13, 2021 at 4:19 am

Hi Phyllis, what did Viking say about your July cruise and about obtaining a Visa. My sister and I are scheduled for September 2021 and have the same question. Our May 2020 Viking cruise was cancelled and we had already obtained our Visas, which are no longer good, so yes the additional cost to get new ones. Thank you!

January 15, 2021 at 10:14 am

Viking Rep., told me to contact GenVisa directly to answer my questions. On Monday I called, they told me to allow 8 weeks for processing, cost $632 per couple , for everything including 3 yr Visa. They advised me to get paperwork started, mail it to them, once borders open our applications can be processed quickly, basically we would be ahead. It was worth the call, found them resourceful.

January 10, 2021 at 6:53 pm

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world's major rivers.

That's notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking's fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you'll find Viking's nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line's voyages, there's everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking's most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company's founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers "Viking country" — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line's most popular route in the region, "Viking Homelands," is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway's west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It's unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed "Into the Midnight Sun," the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland's remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking's Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line's 14-night "Mediterranean Antiquities" routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line's nine-night "Empires of the Mediterranean" voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent's rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night "Rhine Getaway" from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night "European Sojourn" from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking's Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night "Pharaohs and Pyramids" tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking's Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don't always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship's exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it's something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking's first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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