Panama & Scenic South America
Panama & Scenic South America
Cruise overview
Cruise ID
VIKINGXPO270322
Cruise Line
Cruise Type
Ship
Duration
17 nights
Departure Port
Destination
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Departure Date
22 Mar 27
From £8,990pp
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Day 1
Valparaiso (Chile)
About Valparaiso
Valparaíso's dramatic topography—45 cerros, or hills, overlooking the ocean—requires the use of winding pathways and wooden ascensores (funiculars) to get up many of the grades. The slopes are covered by candy-color houses—there are almost no apartments in the city—most of which have exteriors of corrugated metal peeled from shipping containers decades ago. Valparaíso has served as Santiago's port for centuries. Before the Panama Canal opened, Valparaíso was the busiest port in South America. Harsh realities—changing trade routes, industrial decline—have diminished its importance, but it remains Chile's principal port. Most shops, banks, restaurants, bars, and other businesses cluster along the handful of streets called El Plan (the flat area) that are closest to the shoreline. Porteños (which means "the residents of the port") live in the surrounding hills in an undulating array of colorful abodes. At the top of any of the dozens of stairways, the paseos (promenades) have spectacular views; many are named after prominent Yugoslavian, Basque, and German immigrants. Neighborhoods are named for the hills they cover. With the jumble of power lines overhead and the hundreds of buses that slow down—but never completely stop—to pick up agile riders, it's hard to forget you're in a city. Still, walking is the best way to experience Valparaíso. Be careful where you step, though—locals aren't very conscientious about curbing their dogs.
Day 4
Iquique (Chile)
About Iquique
Day 7
Callao (Peru)
About Callao
When people discuss great South American cities, Lima is often overlooked. But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors. It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood. But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire. On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca. Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed. Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today. Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was. But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth. A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro. In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically. During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city. Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets. And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
Day 10
Manta (Ecuador)
About Manta
Day 12
Fuerte Amador (Panama)
About Fuerte Amador
Day 16
Cozumel (Mexico)
About Cozumel
It's not another Cancún yet, but Cozumel's days as a rustic divers' hangout are history. Whether arriving by plane or at the island's gleaming ferry terminal, visitors soon realize there's nothing deserted about this island. That has its advantages. It's rare to find such stunning natural beauty, glass-clear aquamarine seas, and vast marine life combined with top-flight visitor services and accommodations, and as a result Cozumel's devotees are legion. Divers sharing stories of lionfish and sharks sit table-to-table with families tanned from a day at the beach club, while Mexican couples spin and step to salsa music in the central plaza. But the elephant in Cozumel's big and bountiful room are the throngs of cruise-ship passengers who take over the countless crafts and jewelry stores along the seaward boulevard downtown any day there are ships in port—which is to say, just about every day. But take just a few steps off the beaten path and this little island offers big rewards. Deserted, windswept beaches, wild and vibrant natural parks, and 600 miles of coral reef are still yours for the discovering. Just 19 km (12 miles) off the coast, Cozumel is 53 km (33 miles) long and 15 km (9 miles) wide, making it the country's third-largest island. Plaza Central, or just "la plaza," is the heart of San Miguel, directly across from the docks. Residents congregate here in the evening, especially on weekends, when free concerts begin at 8 pm. Heading inland (east) takes you away from the tourist zone and toward residential areas of town. Most of the island's restaurants, hotels, stores, and dive shops are concentrated downtown and along the two hotel zones that fan out along the leeward coast to the north and south of San Miguel. The most concentrated commercial district is between Calle 10 Norte and Calle 11 Sur to beyond Avenida Pedro Joaquin Coldwell. Cozumel's solitude-seeking windward side also has a few restaurants and one hotel. Unless you want to stick around your hotel or downtown San Miguel for your whole stay, you'll do well to rent a car or a scooter. Most worthwhile sites, such as the island's Mayan ruins and pristine windward beaches, are only readily accessible with wheels. Taxi fares are astronomical, and after just a few trips a rental car is clearly a better deal.
Day 18
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (United States)
About Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Like many southeast Florida neighbors, Fort Lauderdale has long been revitalizing. In a state where gaudy tourist zones often stand aloof from workaday downtowns, Fort Lauderdale exhibits consistency at both ends of the 2-mile Las Olas corridor. The sparkling look results from upgrades both downtown and on the beachfront. Matching the downtown's innovative arts district, cafés, and boutiques is an equally inventive beach area, with hotels, cafés, and shops facing an undeveloped shoreline, and new resort-style hotels replacing faded icons of yesteryear. Despite wariness of pretentious overdevelopment, city leaders have allowed a striking number of glittering high-rises. Nostalgic locals and frequent visitors fret over the diminishing vision of sailboats bobbing in waters near downtown; however, Fort Lauderdale remains the yachting capital of the world, and the water toys don’t seem to be going anywhere.
Owner's Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 4
- Largest suite on board: 1,223 sq. ft. with a 792 sq. ft. private garden lounge area with badestamp
- All amenities of the Explorer Suite, plus:
- Priority stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Four guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (100 days prior to departure)
- First priority expedition activity reservations (107 days prior to departure)
- First priority booking of spa treatments (100 days prior to departure)
- Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability)
- Large master bathroom, plus one guest bathroom
- Separate dining area/board room that seats six guests
- Private library, wine & music collections curated by Chairman Torstein Hagen
- And more; ask for details
Explorer Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 4
Size including Nordic Balcony & private veranda: 580 sq. ft.
- 11 AM stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Priority expedition activity reservations (97 days prior to departure)
- Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (90 days prior to departure)
- Priority booking of spa treatments (90 days prior to departure)
- Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
- In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
- Laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services
- Welcome bottle of champagne
- Exclusive access to shared Explorer Suite private garden lounge area
Nordic Junior Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 4
Size including Nordic Balcony: 322 sq ft
- 11 AM stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Priority expedition activity reservations (87 days prior to departure)
- Three guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (80 days prior to departure)
- Priority booking of spa treatments (80 days prior to departure)
- Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
- In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
- Laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services
- Bottle of champagne
Nordic Penthouse
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 4
Size including Nordic Balcony: 269 sq ft
- 1 PM stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Priority expedition activity reservations (77 days prior to departure)
- Two guaranteed priority reservations at each alternative restaurant (70 days prior to departure)
- Priority booking of spa treatments (70 days prior to departure)
- Mini-bar with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
- In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
- Pressing & shoe shine services
- Bottle of champagne
Deluxe Nordic Balcony
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 3
Size including Nordic Balcony: 222 sq ft
- 2 PM stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Priority expedition activity reservations (67 days prior to departure)
- One guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant (60 days prior to departure)
- Priority booking of spa treatments (60 days prior to departure)
- Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks, replenished once daily
- In-suite binoculars, coffee & Marius-weave blanket
Nordic Balcony
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 3
Size including Nordic Balcony: 222 sq ft
- 3 PM stateroom access
- Floor-to-ceiling drying closet
- Expedition activity reservations (60 days prior to departure)
- Mini-bar with soft drinks, water & snacks
- In-suite binoculars & Marius-weave blanket
Viking Polaris
First, we invented modern river cruising. Then, we redefined ocean cruising. Now, experience all the comfort and elegance of our award-winning fleet with an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations and allow you to immerse yourself in these regions.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 18 | ||||||
| Width | 21 | ||||||
| Length | 205 | ||||||
| Capacity | 378 | ||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||
| Language | en | ||||||
| Crew Count | 260 | ||||||
| Deck Count | 6 | ||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||
| Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Launch Year | 2022 | ||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 30150 | ||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A |
Deck A
- The Hangar
- Medical Center
- Embarkation
- Lifts
Deck 1
- The Hangar
- The Science Lab
- Manfredi's Italian Restaurant
- Guest Services
- Bathrooms
- The Hide
- The Restaurant
- Lifts
Deck 2
- The Aula
- Hair Salon
- Fitness Center
- The Nordic Spa
- Finse Terrace
- Expedition Central
- Lifts
- Nordic Balcony Staterooms
Deck 3
- The Aula (upper level)
- The Nordic Shop
- Travel Consultant
- The Shelter
- The Bow
- Deluxe Nordic Balcony
- Lifts
Deck 4
- Explorers' Lounge
- Bar
- Deluxe Nordic Balcony
- Nordic Junior Suite
- Nordic Penthouse
- Lifts
Deck 5
- Aquavit Terrace
- The Pools
- Bar
- World Cafe
- Mamsen's
- Promenade Deck
- Bar
- The Living Room
- The Library
- Explorers' Lounge
Deck 6
- Owner's Suite & Garden
- Explorer's Suite & Garden
- Open Deck
- Bridge
- Lifts
Choose from six dining options, all at no additional charge.
The World Cafe
Experience: complimentary
Food: cafe
With live cooking, an open kitchen and premium seafood/sushi choices and a grill, the casual World Café provides a vibrant interactive experience and a wide range of international flavors.
Mamsen's
Experience: complimentary
Food: varies
Named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, this venue offers Norwegian specialties including waffles according to Mamsen’s original recipe, open-faced sandwiches and split pea soup.
The Restaurant
Experience: complimentary
Food: varies
Our elegant dining venue, The Restaurant offers our ultimate onboard dining experience. Regional cuisine and always-available classics are served surrounded by sweeping views.
Manfredi's
Experience: complimentary
Food: italian
Inspired by Italy’s beloved trattorias, Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine as well as a private dining room—a perfect opportunity to have an intimate meal with family or friends.
24-Hour Options
Experience: complimentary
Food: room
Our bakery offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries at any hour. Or enjoy many of our signature dishes in the comfort of your stateroom with 24-hour room service.
Innovative, light-filled spaces where comfort meets discovery.
Explorers' Lounge
A favorite location on our ocean ships, the Explorers’ Lounge is inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Two levels high and surrounded by panoramic windows, this inviting space is the perfect place to relax with friends, while taking in the scenery.
The Pools
This trio of pools, each at different temperatures, including an indoor-outdoor pass-through swimming experience. The heated main pool is a calming oasis in any weather, protected by a retractable roof for year-round use.
Aquavit Terrace & Bar
Settle in to the Aquavit Bar and share stories with fellow travelers while enjoying an Irish coffee or ship-matured aquavit surrounded by “trees” inspired by Yggdrasil, Norse mythology’s tree of life. The al fresco Aquavit Terrace is directly beyond, surrounding The Pools in the aft of the ship and boasts outstanding views.
The Living Room
Located high on the ship to maximize views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, here guests can listen to classical music or a soothing piano sonata. With Nordic furnishings, relevant and engaging books, and a wall mural of a variety of whales represented to scale, guests will find both comfort and enrichment.
The Library
Tucked in a private alcove of The Living Room, the Library is a literary traveler’s dream. Select from a broad range of titles from world histories to biographies—all curated specifically for these journeys by legendary bookseller, London’s Heywood Hill.
Finse Terrace
Named after the village high on the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda, Norway, here you will find an outdoor paradise with comfortable seating, 270° views of nature around you, and two heated lava stone “firepits” to keep you warm.