Vikings guests are embarking on its new Ultimate World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day journey spanning six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports.
Setting sail on September 1 from Greenwich on the 930-guest Viking Sun, the longest-ever continuous cruise will fully circumnavigate the globe taking guests to some of the world's legendary cities, iconic landmarks and far-flung destinations, before returning to London in May 2020.
The cruise line is attempting to set the Guinness World record for the 'longest continuous passenger cruise'. Upon returning to London next year, a Guinness World record adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of the cruise line, said: ?For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travellers to culturally immersive experiences that allow them to explore the world in comfort.
?Our Ultimate World Cruise is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry, nearly double the length of our previous world cruise itineraries. I am pleased to offer such a unique experience for our guests.?
Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of the cruise line UK, said: ?We broke our own Guinness World Record in 2014 when we christened 16 new river ships in one day. We only launched ocean cruises in 2015 so to already be attempting the world record for the longest continuous passenger cruise four years later is remarkable. Everyone at Viking UK is particularly proud and excited that the cruise is setting sail from Greenwich. We can't wait to hear all our guests' stories when they get back.?
Neil Foster, vice president creative consultancy EMEA APAC at Guinness World Records, commented: ?We're very excited to be working with Viking Cruises on what promises to be one of the most exciting commercial cruise itineraries launched to date. Securing a Guinness World Records title is no easy feat and we wish the passengers and crew of the Viking Sun the best of luck with their attempt. Our adjudicators look forward to seeing the Viking Sun return and hope that they will be crowning the voyage as the longest ever continuous cruise.?
Guests will begin the first leg of their cruise close to home with calls to some of the best coastal destinations in the UK and Ireland including Dover, Dublin, Liverpool, Holyhead, Belfast and Edinburgh.
The Ultimate World Cruise offers an eight-month journey, allowing guests to explore Scandinavia, the Caribbean and destinations throughout South America before calling on the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific. The cruise ship will then continue its journey along the coast of Australia and through Asia before returning to the Mediterranean and Europe.
Guests will enjoy an included excursion in each port of call and free unlimited Wi-Fi. They also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees, along with an wide range of added-value inclusions in their cruise fare. Overnight stays in 23 cities allow guests to delve deeper into destinations, and Culture Curriculum offers additional enrichment on board with regional entertainment and lectures, as well as learning opportunities as part of the Viking Resident Historian programme.
