A hit everywhere the ship has been, Viking Star is on the way to North America, first sailing an interesting In The Wake Of Vikings itinerary from Bergen to Montreal.  We’re joining that sailing in progress when Viking Ocean Cruises makes their first stop in Iceland.  Just back from New York yesterday, I go back on Thursday to catch an overnight flight on Icelandair and begin a number of firsts. My first time joining a sailing in progress, a new airline and new country start the list on what looks to be quite an adventure.  In preparation, let’s take a look at each day of the sailing, starting when I board Viking Star and the expectation set by Viking Ocean Cruises for each day.

 

Reykjavík, Iceland

Explore Reykjavík, one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly cities in the world. Vikings settled here in 870 AD, and today Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. You will see the city’s highlights up close, including the charming cathedral. And admire the cityscape from the Perlan, a hilltop, glass-domed landmark offering spectacular city views. Alternately, you may venture farther afield to take in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to blue thermal springs.

 

Cruise the Irminger Sea

Cruise coastal Greenland today, taking in the splendid views from your ship. During your day at sea, you might indulge in a massage or facial or take a sauna in The Spa. Find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, try some food and wine pairings at The Chef’s Table.

 

Nanortalik, Greenland

Take in the natural beauty of Nanortalik. This “place of the polar bears,” as its name translates, is spread over a small island in a splendid setting on the shores of the Labrador Sea. Like in much of Greenland, the lack of trees here lends a stark and pristine beauty. You will learn about the city’s seafaring history, rich culture and colorful customs during your stay, visiting the open air Nanortalik Museum to learn how Vikings were among the first, and the Inuit among the last, to settle here.

Due to the remote nature of this destination, organized excursions will not be offered in Nanortalik.”

 

Qaqortoq, Greenland

Visit the small village of Qaqortoq today, located within its namesake fjord. This simple seaside town relies on fishing, fur production and ship repair and also has a brisk local arts scene, as you will see in its 30 “Stone and Man” sculptures in town. Your self-guided walking tour leads you along inviting streets lined with Inuit stone-and-peat houses, the 1832 Old Church and the Mindebrønden fountain.

Due to the remote nature of this destination, organized excursions will not be offered in Qaqortoq.

 

Cruise the Labrador Sea

Trace the route of Leif Eriksson today as you sail from Greenland to Canada. Perhaps you will swim in the Infinity Pool or mingle with newfound friends over tea in the Wintergarden. This evening, enjoy soft piano music in the Living Room or lively jazz in Torshavn.

 

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada

Step back 500 years before the days of Columbus, to the late 10th century, when Viking Leif Eriksson led the first European landing on American soil at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site’s beautiful seaside setting on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland boasts millennium-old remains, including a Viking sod longhouse. You will explore village reconstruction or, if you prefer, follow Newfoundland’s scenic coastline and view marine animals in their natural habitat.

 

Cruise the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Today you will make your way toward the St. Lawrence River via the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As you sail, you might attend an illuminating enrichment lecture in the theater. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers’ Lounge.

 

 

Stay tuned.

 

Coming Soon– Live Day By Day Reports From Viking Star

Travel Day To Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland
Cruising the Irminger Sea
Nanortalik, Greenland
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Cruising the Labrador Sea
L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada
Cruising the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Arriving In Montreal, Quebec, Canada
New York City- getting there, transfer to the ship, sightseeing along the way, embarkation
At Sea- Exploring the ship and what to do on board
At Sea- Dining detailed
At Sea- Enterainment available onboard
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Road Town)
St. John’s, Antigua
St. Lucia (Castries)
Bridgetown, Barbados
Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre)
St. Kitts (Basseterre)
St. Martin (Phillipsburg)
St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands  (Charlotte Amalie)
San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

Coming Soon- Daily Flickr Photo Albums Posted Live From Viking Star

Reykjavík, Iceland
Cruise the Irminger Sea
Nanortalik, Greenland
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Cruise the Labrador Sea
L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada
Cruise the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Montreal, Quebec, CanadaNew York City
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Road Town)
St. John’s, Antigua
St. Lucia (Castries)
Bridgetown, Barbados
Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre)
St. Kitts (Basseterre)
St. Martin (Phillipsburg)
St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (Charlotte Amalie)
San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

 

Enjoying the Viking ocean cruise experience in the Baltics or Mediterranean was easy for us to compare; we have sailed in that part of the world before on multiple cruise lines. Still, the bulk of our cruise history is tagged to the Caribbean, from a variety of angles.  We sailed there as a family when the “kids” were in high school.  We returned later as a couple and I’ve done the Caribbean by myself too as a solo traveler.  As a travel agent, I booked a thousands of travelers just like us as well as group cruises ranging from celebrations like high school graduations, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays to neighborhood groups, multi-generational families, business incentives and at-sea training sailings.

This is the part of the world many of us know best and for Viking, the stakes are high.