In July, I return to Viking Ocean Cruises for a particularly interesting sailing of first-ship Viking Star. The 15-day Into The Midnight Sun itinerary stops in Scotland and Denmark on the way to Norway, bookended by overnights in London to Bergen. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store on the Viking Midnight Sun itinerary:
Like the itineraries of many other cruise lines, this one can be run London to Bergen as we are doing or sailed in the reverse, beginning in Bergen then ending in London. Choosing which way to sail is something to be carefully considered for some very subjective reasons;
Travel Time- The flight plan from this sailing our home in Orlando is a bit more complicated than sailing some other itinerary that begins and ends in the same place. If direct flights are a total win, flights with one connection come next in popularity followed by flight plans with two connections. Bergen (BGO) to Orlando (MCO), either way, is two connections no matter how it is done. Orlando to London though is one stop along the way, maybe non-stop on a lucky day. I like doing the Orlando to London version of this itinerary because it puts the more complicated flight plan on the back side of the actual reason for traveling, the cruise. Should something go wrong with that air plan, I’ll be affecting days back home of which there will be (hopefully) many many more. Time on the ship is limited.
Itinerary Check- Because the Viking Midnight Sun itinerary sails from London to Bergen or from Bergen to London does not guarantee that the same places will be visited. I bring this up here because many Viking ocean travelers first sailed with on a Viking river cruise. On any cruise line, river cruises between the same two endpoints often do have slightly different itineraries. That’s because river cruise ships sail faster going downstream than upstream. This concern does not apply here. The tip here is to carefully check the itineraries in both directions before checking the box that both are the same. More than once I have heard a traveler on a cruise comment that we seemed to be ‘skipping a port’. No, you did not read the itinerary.
Budget & Time Available- Like any other potential travel experience we might be considering, it may need to fit the time we have available and the budget amount we have to spend. This one works for both.
Now, let’s take a look at the itinerary via the expectation set by the cruise line:
Viking Midnight Sun
A Global Look
Viking Midnight Sun
Day By Day
Continuing with the expectation set by Viking, each of the 15 days on the itinerary are detailed below. This is an important part of our review process. The video above or itinerary below may very well be the reason you might choose this particular sailing. We’ll compare the actual experience to the promise later. Today we embrace the cruise line description, the promise of what is coming our way, in Viking’s own words.
London (Greenwich), England
Embark today in the celebrated Royal Borough of Greenwich—part of which, Maritime Greenwich, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to settle in to your veranda stateroom and get to know your ship, perhaps having a bite in Mamsen’s gourmet deli, with open-faced sandwiches and delicious sweets inspired by the cuisine of Scandinavia.
London (Greenwich), England
London is just a short drive away, so you can take in the regal city and all its splendor. See the Tower of London, Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Alternately, step off the ship to tour Greenwich, its excellent National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory from where the world’s clocks are set.
Cruise the North Sea
Enjoy another day on board as you cruise the North Sea. Attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef’s Table.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Today, you’ll take in the medieval and neoclassical beauty of Scotland’s capital, gracefully set among rocky hills and gracious green ribbons of park. On an included tour, browse the Royal Mile—the famed avenue connecting the hilltop Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You might elect to explore Edinburgh Castle more closely, including a visit to the Crown Jewels. Or, venture to medieval St. Andrews, birthplace of golf.
Kirkwall, Scotland
Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Orkney Islands, ruled by the Vikings from the 9th to 13th century. See the Standing Stones of Stenness, a 5,000-year-old circle of stones, and explore this ancient monument. Visit the well-preserved Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae, or for a true taste of Scotland, take a trip to the world’s most northerly whisky distillery.
Lerwick, Scotland
Admire the rugged beauty of one of Scotland’s remote island outposts today. Set out to explore the island and meet its famous residents—Shetland ponies. Perhaps visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof—evidence of a thriving Viking presence. Or, sail the seas on board a replica Viking longship and try your hand at rowing for a true Viking travel experience.
Cruise the Norwegian Sea
As you cruise to our next port, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Scandinavia and watch a movie beneath the stars at the Main Pool.
Lofoten, Norway
Experience the distinctive beauty of the Lofoten Islands today, where the sculpting power of nature comes into sharp focus. Soaring, jagged peaks overlook sheltered bays in this remarkable archipelago of six main islands. Traditional rorbus, charming fishing cottages, seem to hover over the waters on stilts, and the streets of its capital, Svolvær, are stunning and scenic, a delight to explore.
Honningsvåg, Norway
Pay a rare visit to the remote port of Honningsvåg. From this tiny outpost town on the island of Magerøya, journey to the top of North Cape, or Nordkapp, on an included tour. This dramatic rocky plateau looks over the Barents Sea from a height of 1,000 feet. Alternately, set out on a wildlife expedition to the Gjesvaerstappan Nature Reserve, or spend time with the local Sami people and enjoy a warm welcome.
Tromsø, Norway
Enjoy the lovely setting of Tromsø’s historic center, spread over a scenic island. On an included tour, admire its blend of wooden structures and neoclassical buildings. You’ll visit the stunning Arctic Cathedral with its striking triangular shape, the city’s most recognizable symbol. You might also learn about arctic exploration and dogsledding. Meet the owners and residents of the Tromsø Wilderness Center and hear about their exciting expeditions.
Scenic Cruising: The Inside Passage
Today you cruise the magnificent Inside Passage; its waters are glass smooth and there is spectacular scenery all around. Your ship’s small size allows navigation of this pristine region of coastal Norway. You can also take advantage of onboard amenities: an enrichment lecture and Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa. Tonight, cruise under the tranquil light of the midnight sun.
Molde, Norway
Take time to explore Molde today, a city that charms with its natural beauty. Known as the “City of Roses” for its well-tended flower gardens, Molde is surrounded by over 200 partially snowcapped mountains. You may choose to visit the fascinating open air Romsdal Museum, which offers 40 examples of old Norwegian architecture, from log houses to a small chapel.
Geiranger, Norway
Cruise into the tiny village of Geiranger via the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. If you would like magnificent bird’s-eye views of this magical setting, join an included tour to Eagle’s Bend, perched 2,000 feet above the village. It is a thrilling drive marked by 11 hairpin turns and incredible panoramas. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors on an optional tour to witness spectacular waterfalls or journey through the fjords by kayak.
Bergen, Norway
Take in more of Bergen’s Norwegian charms today. In the city’s Old Town, explore narrow cobblestone lanes and peer into shop windows. You’ll find this Hanseatic haven to be a walker’s delight. You might also spend time on the ship today, perhaps indulging in a treatment at The Spa or settling in with a good book in the Explorers’ Lounge.
Bergen, Norway
Awake in Bergen, where you will be departing your ship. If you wish, you may explore more with Viking: Stay on in this fascinating old mercantile city, visit Norway’s cosmopolitan capital of Oslo or journey to Iceland.
Check back here for more information about our Viking Midnight Sun itinerary. For now, some photos reflecting previous sailings with Viking Ocean Cruises
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