2021 Viking Cruises in the UK

The UK’s first Viking Venus cruise is on 22 May 2021

Three special cruises along the coast of England will sail from Portsmouth. Available exclusively for UK residents, the new eight‐day ocean itinerary, England’s Scenic Shores, will depart on 22 May, 29 May, and 5 June 2021.

Welcome Back Voyages.

This collection of ocean voyages within the UK, and to Bermuda and Iceland, has been specially curated for past loyal Viking customers, and is only available for vaccinated guests per destinations’ local entry rules. Viking is following all local regulations in accordance with each country’s own health protocols, as well as their own Viking Health & Safety Programme, which was designed to protect guests and crew even while the COVID-19 vaccine rollout moves forward.

England Scenic Shores.

England’s Scenic Shores itinerary will be among the first to featuring Viking’s newest ocean ship, Viking Venus, delivered in April 2021.

Viking has been a trailblazer during this pandemic. Being the first cruise line to suspend operations for their guests, crew, staff, and management teams. The news about Viking restarting came out of the UK government allowing the resumption of domestic cruises beginning in May 2021. All other previously scheduled Viking sailings through to 31 May 2021 remain canceled.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said: “We welcome the UK government’s support for the return of safe domestic cruises as an important component in the travel industry’s recovery. In recognition of this support and celebrating that, we have a British godmother—the esteemed broadcaster and journalist Anne Diamond—we have chosen to name our new ship.

“We can restart operations quickly and start sailing again in May because we have kept our ships crewed during warm lay‐up throughout the past 12 months. We have been implementing our additional protocols, including daily, quick-and-easy non‐invasive saliva PCR tests for our crew, for almost six months. With our new protocol enhancements in place, we believe there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage, and we look forward to welcoming UK guests back aboard very soon.”

Explore the itinerary – jump straight to the facts.

Portsmouth:

This is your embarkation port; if you would like to enjoy some of the amazing maritime sights and sounds, then plan to arrive a night or two earlier.  Enjoy the below excellent tours and experiences by booking online yourself.  Remember to follow each location’s current guidelines and protocols on their websites.

1. Royal Armouries. Fareham Fort Nelson is home to the national collection of artillery. Discover the history of the fort and its big guns by checking out their website, Fort Nelson | Royal Armouries; make sure you book the tour that interests you in advance.
2. Portsmouth Old Town Guided Walk.  Discover the extent of the early town and some of the buildings and personalities that color this area.  Trace the history of Portsmouth from its beginnings to its present day.  Adults £3, Leisure Card holders £1. Accompanied children go free.  Tickets can be bought at the Visitor Information Point at the Hard Interchange and Portsmouth Museum.  Click here for more information: Portsmouth Old Town Guided Walk – Guided Walk in Portsmouth, Portsmouth – Portsmouth (visitportsmouth.co.uk)
3. Stories of WW2 – Portsmouth and Gosport.  This historic tour starts at The D-Day Story, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3NT.  For more information, click here: Tour: Stories of WW2 – Portsmouth, and Gosport – Museum in Portsmouth – Portsmouth (visitportsmouth.co.uk)

Liverpool:

Viking Cruises are offering six tours. None of these tours are included in your cruise, so you will need to book these through the Viking Cruises website:

1. MaritimeCity of Liverpool – walk your way through the heart of metropolitan Liverpool to discover the city’s sights.
2. Arley Hall – Step inside the home of Lord and Lady Ashbrook, a charming stately residence brimming with character. (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
3. Tatton Park – Enjoy privileged Access to Tatton Park, set in acres of serene woodlands where herds of deer roam freely. (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
4. Knowsley Hall – Visit Knowsley Hall, the ancestral home of the Earls of Derby. (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
5. Port Sunlight & Ness Botanic Gardens – Discover delightful Port Sunlight, founded by “Soap King” W. H. Lever in 1888, set amid stunning countryside.
6. The Beatles Experience – Come together for a “Magical Mystery Tour” of Liverpool, the city that produced the Beatles.

For more information, visit Viking Cruises directly: England’s Scenic Shores – Roundtrip Portsmouth – Ocean Cruise Overview | Viking Ocean (vikingcruises.co.uk)

Isles of Scilly (Tresco):

1. Scenic Cornish Drive – Enjoy a delightful scenic journey through the highlights of Cornwall’s rugged landscape. (INCLUDED WITH CRUISE)
2. The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Uncover a genuine secret garden at one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in England.
3. Hike the Beautiful Lizard Peninsula – Head off the beaten track to the scenic southernmost point of the country, named the Lizard.
4. Cornish Villages of Roseland Peninsula – Discover the unspoiled natural beauty of Cornwall and the charm of southwestern England’s bucolic Roseland Peninsula.
5. Pencarrow House – Visit Pencarrow House, a historic Cornish home built, owned, and still occupied by the Molesworth-St. Aubyn family. (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
6. Tregothnan Tea Estate – Gain insight into the art of tea production, from the plant leaf to the teacup, at Britain’s first tea plantation. (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
7. St. Michael’s Mount – Explore one of England’s most famous islands, a tiny offshore community topped by a historic castle and abbey.
8. Trebah Garden – Relax in the natural beauty of a botanical beauty rated among the finest gardens in the world.

For more information, visit Viking Cruises directly: England’s Scenic Shores – Roundtrip Portsmouth – Ocean Cruise Overview | Viking Ocean (vikingcruises.co.uk)

1. Dorset Panorama – Witness the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon as you follow the Jurassic Coast road on a scenic drive. (INCLUDED WITH CRUISE)
2. Miniterne House & Gardens – Visit Minterne House and its stunning gardens in the heart of Dorset’s beautiful countryside.  (PRIVILEGED ACCESS)
3. Bovington’s Tank Museum – Visit Bovington’s Tank Museum and immerse yourself in the world of military machines.
4. Corfe Castle & Scenic Views of Dorset – Discover a medieval gem during a visit to Corfe Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive and romantic ruins.
5. Jurassic Coastal Walk – Set out for a scenic walk along the famed Jurassic Coast, one of Britain’s most stunning shorelines.
6. Sherborne Castle – Explore historic Sherborne Castle, one of Dorset’s finest country estates built by Sir Walter Raleigh.

For more information, visit Viking Cruises directly: England’s Scenic Shores – Roundtrip Portsmouth – Ocean Cruise Overview | Viking Ocean (vikingcruises.co.uk)

Before your cruise:

• It all starts with planning. Viking’s Risk-Free Guarantee allows you to change your cruise date up to 14 days before your planned departure—and Viking will waive any fees.
• Once you book your cruise and have your booking number, complete the digital Health Survey online  MyVikingJourney.com.  The health survey only takes minutes; it verifies your wellness before travel. Depending on when you travel, you may need to submit verification of COVID-19 vaccination status as part of the Digital Health Survey.

Traveling to the ship:

Viking Ocean Cruise ships are much smaller than other lines’ mega-ships, with a fleet of 930 small ships.  All cruise ships will have a reduced capacity of guests.  Viking doesn’t have interior staterooms on any of our ships; guests enjoy expansive views from outside staterooms.

Viking has invested a great deal in health protocols. Here are a few:

Purified air in each stateroom:

With independent air handling units that do not share air with other areas of the ship. The air in the ship’s public areas has also been purified with new short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) lights and high-density filters, which kill 99.99% of all airborne viruses and bacteria.

Frequent PCR testing:

Viking has one of the most robust and adaptable testing programs in preventing the virus from entering a ship and mitigating community spread among guests and crew. Depending on your dates of travel, Viking may require frequent PCR testing throughout your itinerary. These quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests will be conducted in the privacy of your stateroom.

Dedicated PCR laboratories:

Viking was the first cruise line to complete a full-scale PCR laboratory at sea. Each of Viking’s ocean vessels will be equipped with a PCR laboratory, providing Viking with the capability to test all guests and crew every day if necessary.  Aboard each Viking Ocean vessel is a state-of-the-art Medical Centre. Facilities have now been upgraded with more specialized equipment.

Viking staff plan on providing health checks regularly with health monitoring to verify the complete wellness of all guests and crew during the cruise. Depending on travel dates, brief health surveys may be completed daily, and if necessary, temperature checks may be conducted.

All the surfaces on the ship will be cleaned and sanitized continuously with daily scheduled deep cleanings. You will notice more hand sanitization stations throughout the ship.  On the ocean ships, you will see very cool new sanitization robots that utilize UV-C light to treat surfaces in guest and crew public areas—an industry first!

Dining & entertainment:

Will be a spacious affair in airy public areas with abundant options for al fresco dining.  Enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service … dangerous for the waistline. More options for spaced seating in all dining venues will allow for physical distancing.  Self-serve dining stations will be replaced with staff service; there will be additional table service at all bars and lounges. New capabilities will allow you to watch more live events and enriching content through your in-room entertainment system.

Physical distancing & face masks:

Public health experts agree that proper physical distancing and face masks are effective in helping slow the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Like many current local guidelines, physical distancing measures are in place in public areas on board. Face masks may be required for all guests and crew while moving about Viking ships, depending on conditions at the time of sailing. Face masks will not be required for guests when seated in dining venues, bars, and lounges.

Spa & fitness:

On ocean cruises, The Spa will remain open to all guests by appointment only to ensure proper distancing, and all spa staff will wear face masks during treatments. The Fitness Centre is open with a dedicated sanitization staff ensuring all equipment and surfaces are cleaned in between each guest use.

Going ashore during your cruise:

• Shore Excursions: Redesigned land programs will monitor destinations for the prevalence of COVID-19 and further limit group sizes. Depending on conditions at the time of sailing, shore excursions may be limited while in port. Each shore excursion will utilize audio headsets to allow for physical distancing among the group.  All excursion motor coaches will be fully sanitized with spaced seating. Complimentary face masks will be provided for excursions as required by local guidelines.

• Local Partner Training: As part of the Viking Health & Safety Programme, the line regularly tests and trains every local partner, including motor coach drivers and tour guides. While ashore, Viking’s measures will meet or exceed local guidelines for social distancing and other precautions.

• Health Check: Upon your return to the ship from your shore excursion, proceed back on board as you always have. Depending on conditions at the time of sailing, your temperature may be checked quickly and seamlessly.

After your Cruise:

Please note the above is a guide only. Information is updated regularly on the website  Viking Ocean Cruises® | Travel & Leisure World's Best (vikingcruises.co.uk)