Time Warner Cable News' Valarie D’Elia takes a deep dive into the Caribbean, with a cruise that starts and ends in San Juan, in this Travel With Val report.
Viking Star came steaming up the Hudson River recently paying a visit to New York City for the very first time.
The 930 passenger ship was enroute from Europe to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it will homeport for a series 11-day Caribbean cruises through February.
Viking Star will visit eight ports of call as far south as Barbados, an itinerary designed to get passengers out of the cold weather fast.
"For New Yorkers you might as well just hop on a plane and go to San Juan, and then go with us and you are right in the middle of the Caribbean," says Torstein Hagan, chairman of Viking Cruises.
Before repositioning to San Juan, the non-revenue sailing from New York was an opportunity for media and travel agents to become familiar with the Viking brand, one that a devoted clientele knows more for its river cruises.
The Viking Star and its sister Viking Sea typically appeal to mature couples 55+, with no kids and no casino on board. The mostly-inclusive nature of the ship covers shore excursions and beer and wine at meals.
From now through October 31st, save up to $1,000 off cruise fare and another $1,000 on air.
For more Travel With Val, visit travelwithval.com.