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Viking Opens 2028–29 World Cruise Bookings on Newbuild Viking Vesta

Viking Opens 2028–29 World Cruise Bookings on Newbuild Viking Vesta
Cruise · 2026
Photo · Isabella Rocha for Travelmao
By Isabella Rocha Cruise & Maritime Jun 4, 2026 3 min read

Viking has officially opened reservations for its 2028–2029 World Cruise itineraries, headlined by a 142-day circumnavigation aboard the new Viking Vesta. The flagship voyage departs Fort Lauderdale on 21 December 2028, crossing six continents and 31 countries before concluding in London on 12 May 2029. Guests will enjoy 62 guided tours and overnight stays in 16 cities, including Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town, and Casablanca.

According to Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen, the voyage is designed for “curious travellers who have the time and desire to experience dozens of phenomenal destinations around the globe in one seamless journey.” The route transits the Panama Canal, sails the West Coast of North America, and crosses the Pacific to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia, with opportunities to visit up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From there, the ship continues through Southeast Asia and Africa, offering optional wildlife safaris and cultural deep dives, before concluding in Europe.

Extended World Voyages and Shorter Options

For guests seeking even more time at sea, Viking has introduced three additional world-length itineraries:

  • Viking World Voyage III – 170 days from Fort Lauderdale to Stockholm, adding 21 extra ports across Northern Europe and Scandinavia, including the Baltic, British Isles, and Nordic calls.
  • Viking World Voyage IV – 153 days from Los Angeles to Stockholm, visiting 37 countries on a westbound path across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
  • Viking World Discoveries – 125 days from Los Angeles to London, covering 27 countries while preserving the highlight ports and enrichment programs of the longer routes.

All four itineraries are designed to link seamlessly with pre- and post-extension packages and can be booked in full segments for those who prefer a specific region.

Enrichment, Overland Adventures, and Onboard Life

World Cruise guests benefit from Viking’s hallmark destination-focused enrichment, including the Viking Resident Historian® program, which provides lectures and context tailored to each leg. Every port includes at least one complimentary shore excursion, with additional optional tours offering behind-the-scenes access through Viking’s Privileged Access® partnerships.

For deeper immersion, Viking offers multi-day overland excursions that temporarily take guests off the ship. Signature options include a six-day Uluru & Great Barrier Reef Overland in Australia, a six-day India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), and a five-day Kruger National Park Overland focused on Africa’s “Big 5.” Onboard, guests enjoy access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center, free Wi-Fi, and a refined, adults-oriented atmosphere.

For North American travellers, Viking is offering special savings on 2028–2029 World Cruises booked through 31 May 2026. The offer includes free business class airfare and transfers, a US$4,000 per couple shore excursion credit, a complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package, and a reduced 10% deposit for a limited time, plus potential extra savings for guests who pay in full early.

Viking’s Inclusive Value also adds one free excursion in each port, Wi-Fi, spa and fitness access, and more, helping simplify budgeting for months-long voyages. To learn more or book, visit viking.com or speak with your preferred travel advisor.

This announcement follows Viking’s recent expansion of its Alaska season for 2026, as reported in Viking Launches 2026 Alaska Season with Extended Trans-Pacific and Regional Itineraries. Meanwhile, the broader cruise industry continues to see growth, with Princess Cruises expanding its Europe operations with a record 2028 season and Holland America Line committing to year-round Europe cruises from late 2027.

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