Viking Cruises has unveiled a new world cruise, a 136-day itinerary visiting 27 countries and 56 ports in 2021-22.

The local highlights include two new Australian destinations, Phillip Island in Victoria and Eden in NSW.

The epic journey on the 930-passenger Viking Star will depart Fort Lauderdale on December 24 2021 and explore Central America, North America, Hawaii before heading to Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean and conclude in London.

Guests can choose a shorter 119-day itinerary which departs Los Angeles on January 10 2022 and visit 22 countries and 49 ports.

Details of Viking’s World Cruise for 2021-22 were revealed as the line cancelled its 161-day World Cruise for 2020-21 because of travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The World Cruise for 2020-21 was scheduled to depart Miami in November this year, visiting 33 countries including Australia and New Zealand.

“This has been an unusual year for all travellers but we remain focused on the future and are pleased to offer our guests a new destination-focused World Cruise that allows for extensive exploration in 2021-2022,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking.

When Viking Star arrives in Australia in February and March 2022, she will visit Sydney and Eden in NSW, Melbourne and Phillip Island in Victoria, Hobart in Tasmania, Brisbane, Cairns, Thursday Island and Airlie Beach in Queensland

“It is encouraging to see the itinerary including so many of our spectacular regional destinations which offer the opportunity to showcase our country’s fascinating history, natural beauty and iconic wildlife,” said Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association.

Highlights of the World Cruise include a visit to Phillip Island where passengers will be experience some of Victoria’s dramatic scenery and wildlife including the island’s famed little penguins. At sunset, guests will gather at Summerland Beach and watch the little penguins waddle in procession safely to shore.

Captain Sponge, an oyster producer in Eden that has welcomed cruisingIn NSW, the ship will call at Eden and explore the former home to Australia’s whaling industry. They will discover Twofold Bay and the Sapphire Coast which is now famous for its conservation efforts to protect the whale population.

In Asia, for the first time Viking Star will visit Yangon in Myanmar and guests can explore Shwedagon Paya, one of the Buddhism’s sacred sites, the country’s magnificent temples, floating villages of Inle Lake and the royal city of Mandalay.

The ship will also call at Komodo Island in Indonesia where guests will experience Komodo National Park and Tamarind Woods, home to the famous Komodo dragon. Guests will also visit Pink Beach, renowned for its rose-coloured coral sand.

Viking Star has 465 staterooms, two pools, the LivNordic spa with its famous Snow Grotto and Scandinavian sauna, eight restaurants including fine dining at The Restaurant and Italian cuisine at Manfredi’s.

Prices for the 136-day World cruise start at $75,995 per person and for the 119-day itinerary at $69,995 pp. This includes business class airfare, all gratuities and the Silver Spirits beverage package.

Guests booking before 30 September will receive an additional US$2000 pp shore excursion credit and US$1000 shipboard credit.

For more information visit vikingcruises.com.au