Today, Auckland welcomes the state-of-the-art 930-guest Viking Sun, marking day-150 of Viking’s extraordinary 245-day Ultimate World Cruise, which is attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the 'longest continuous passenger cruise'.
Bay of Islands marked the first of seven New Zealand destinations on January 27, followed by Auckland on January 28, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Akaroa and Dunedin, plus a day of scenic sailing through New Zealand’s Fiordland.
The epic, record-setting voyage spans six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe. Sailing continuously for eight months and offering 23 overnight stays, the journey is nearly double the length of previous world cruise itineraries.
Upon the return of Viking Sun to London on May 2, 2020, an official Guinness World Record Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation.
In total 56 people – 12 from Australia, four from the UK and 40 from the US and Canada – have signed on for the full 245 days.
Others have joined two extensive segments of the cruise, at 127 and 119-days respectively, disembarking in Los Angeles after covering half the itinerary, where a new group of passengers joined the ship for the second leg.
Up to 930 guests will disembark in each port of call, where they will explore the region while supporting local tourism, retail and hospitality operators by injecting an estimated NZD$1.5 million nationally, through passenger spend alone.
“No true world cruise itinerary would be complete without visiting New Zealand, where stunning landscapes and world class cities go hand in hand. We’re thrilled our intrepid world travellers will have the opportunity to spend over a week exploring both the north and south islands of New Zealand,” says Michelle Black, Viking Cruises managing director, Australia and New Zealand.
“Since launching our very first ocean ship in 2015, demand to sail to New Zealand has grown from strength to strength. In fact, this summer one third of Viking’s fleet of six ocean ships will visit Kiwi waters, demonstrating both the importance of this region to Viking, and the incredible popularity of this country to Viking’s discerning guests,” she says
Ultimate World Cruise fares started at AUD$117,995 in a veranda stateroom, the lowest cabin category available on Viking’s fleet of small, all-veranda ships.
Like all Viking itineraries, guests enjoy an included excursion in each port of call, unlimited Wi-Fi, all meals including alternate dining, beer and wine served with lunch and dinner, 24 hour room service, self-service laundry and complimentary access to the world-class LivNordic Scandinavian spa, featuring Viking’s exclusive snow grotto.
In addition, Ultimate World Cruise guests received return business class airfares along with an extensive list of added-value inclusions in their cruise fare such as transfers, complimentary visa services, Silver Spirits beverage package for unlimited premium beverages and generous shipboard credit allowances to use on optional shore excursions, spa services and onboard shopping.
Launched in 2017, Viking Sun weighs in at 48,000 GRT and measures 228 metres in length. On board, she offers eight destination-inspired dining options, including several specialty and alfresco options such as Manfredi’s for traditional Italian and Chef’s Table, where chefs serve up destination-inspired degustation menus paired with global wines.
Known as 'the thinking person’s cruise', Viking’s Cultural Curriculum ensures guests find plenty to engage them between ports, from enrichment with regional lectures and entertainment, to learning opportunities as part of the Viking Resident Historian program.
Prior to arriving in New Zealand waters, Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise visited the UK, Scandinavia, Canada, the US, the Caribbean, South and Central America as well as Pacific island nations like French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji.
After spending nine days in New Zealand waters, Viking Sun will cross the ditch to Australia before continuing her journey through Asia, the Middle East, the Suez Canal and finally, returning to the Mediterranean.
Viking Sun is joined by identical sister ship, Viking Orion in New Zealand waters this summer. Viking Orion is sailing eight local cruises from her seasonal Auckland and Sydney home ports, where she will be based for three months.
