Epic New Cruise Now Offers a 5-Day African Safari Experience

Viking has opened bookings for its 2028-2029 World Cruise itineraries, led by a 142-day voyage aboard the new Viking Vesta. The main itinerary departs Fort Lauderdale on December 21, 2028, and ends in London on May 12, 2029. The cruise spans six continents and 31 countries, with 62 guided tours, overnight stays in 16 cities, and visits to up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The route is designed to combine classic ocean cruising with extensive destination experiences. Travelers will sail through the Panama Canal, cross the Pacific, and visit stops across Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Viking says the itinerary is built for guests who want a long-form global journey with a strong focus on culture, history, and immersive sightseeing rather than a simple port-to-port schedule.

One of the biggest highlights is a set of optional overland excursions that take guests away from the ship for several days at a time. The most notable is a five-day guided safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, giving travelers a chance to look for the Big 5 before rejoining the ship later on the coast. Other options include a six-day journey through India’s Golden Triangle, with visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Jaipur, as well as a six-day tour of Australia’s Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.

Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen said the company’s philosophy remains focused on the destination and on travelers who want to experience many places in one seamless trip. The line’s World Cruises are built for guests who have both the time and interest to explore a wide range of countries without managing the planning and logistics of multiple separate vacations.

The voyage also includes onboard educational programming through Viking’s Resident Historian program, which provides historical and cultural context tailored to each destination. For travelers seeking an even longer journey, Viking is also offering a 170-day World Voyage that continues from London to Stockholm and adds 21 more ports across Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

By combining luxury cruise travel with inland adventures such as safaris, landmark tours, and multi-day cultural excursions, Viking is positioning its 2028-2029 World Cruise as a highly immersive global experience for travelers who want both comfort and depth in one extended itinerary.