Last week, Viking Cruises announced the launch of a series of new ocean voyages for travelers eager to resume cruising, particularly those looking to sail on small Viking ships. Known as Welcome Back Voyages, these trips are exclusively for vaccinated guests, in compliance with the entry regulations of various destinations.
The Welcome Back Voyages will navigate through three distinct destinations, with more locations to be included as deemed suitable.
Malta, A Unique Island Destination:
Malta, with its capital Valletta, is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean situated between Sicily and the North African coast. The country boasts significant historical sites reflecting various rulers over the centuries, including Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, the French, and the British. Malta’s history is rich, with influences from Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. St. Paul was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D., introducing Christianity to Malta. The nation has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground complex dating back to approximately 4000 B.C.
Art and culture in Malta have been shaped by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Mattia Preti, and Favray, who were commissioned by the Knights to adorn churches, palaces, and inns.
Moving forward to modern times, Malta became a Republic in 1974, joined the EU in 2004, and adopted the Euro in 2008. Apart from Malta, the Welcome Back Voyages will also explore destinations like Kalamata, Athens, Greece, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini.
Iceland: A unique destination of the Welcome Back Voyages.
Iceland’s history began with Viking settlers predominantly from Norway and the British Isles in the late 9th century. The rapid settlement by Norwegians led to the advent of Christianity by the late 10th century, influenced by King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway.
Geographically isolated, Iceland has been spared the conflicts of European wars but has faced challenges like the Black Death and the Protestant Reformation enforced by Denmark. The island is relatively young, formed around 20 million years ago through volcanic eruptions in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, continuously growing due to ongoing volcanic activities.
The Welcome Back Voyage from Reykjavik includes stops at various towns such as Isafjordur, Bolungarvík, Akureyri, and Seydisfjordur, each offering a glimpse into Iceland’s rich history and natural beauty, including the famous Dynjandi waterfall and the Westman Islands.
Bermuda: The popular destination of the Welcome Back Voyages.
Bermuda was initially settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists en route to Virginia. Over the years, the island’s economy evolved from fruit cultivation to a focus on tourism and international business, making it a successful offshore financial center.
Visitors to Bermuda enjoy a visit to Hamilton, the capital, St. George’s, the historical second town, and Kings Wharf, a significant area with a rich history. These locations provide a glimpse into Bermuda’s past and present.
In a message to all Viking travelers, Torstein Hagen, President and CEO of Viking, expressed hope for a new era of travel as the long period of COVID restrictions comes to an end. The new voyages offer a chance for travelers to embark on fresh journeys with a sense of excitement and renewal.
Image Source: PR Newswire
