Viking Cruises to launch first winter Arctic Circle cruise in January 2019

Viking Cruises is to launch its first-ever winter Arctic Circle cruise in January 2019, offering guests the chance to see the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

The 930-guest Viking Sky will depart London, UK for the 13-day ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise in January 2019, making Viking one of only a few cruise lines to offer a full-length itinerary in the Arctic Circle in the winter season. “Our Nordic heritage is evident in all that we do, from our spirit of exploration to the serene, understated elegance of our ships. Scandinavia is Viking territory, and no other cruise line can show guests this part of the world like we can,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “Norway’s landscapes in the winter are truly magnificent, something few people get to witness. I am pleased to offer this exclusive opportunity for our guests to explore my homeland.”

Viking Sky will sail to seven destinations in Norway and overnight in Tromsø, Alta and Bergen. Guests will be able to enjoy a complimentary excursion in each port, including visiting the archaeological museum and the Swords in Stone monument in Stavanger. Other shore excursion highlights will include a visit to the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, and a panoramic tour of Bergen that includes a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen wharf and a gondola ride up to Mt. Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s famous Seven Mountains. Meanwhile in Alta, guests will be able to see the Northern Lights and visit the native Sami community of Máze for a traditional meal and a ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.