Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large…
Luxury cruisers seeking unique ports-of-call will have a wealth of new choices for exploring new destinations in 2026 and 2027. Viking, the world’s most award-winning fleet of small ocean ships, is introducing 10 new itineraries with 12 new ocean ports across Europe.
Culturally engaging sailings to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Northern Europe are now available for booking in 2026 and 2027. The new itineraries range from eight to 22 days and feature ports that are new for Viking ocean voyages: Fowey, England; Bordeaux, France; Limerick (Foynes), Ireland; Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Londonderry, Northern Ireland; Haugesund, Norway; Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, Spain; Fort William and Tobermory, Scotland; and Karlskrona, Sweden.
“We are pleased to introduce new voyages that have been thoughtfully planned for curious travelers,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Every Viking itinerary is focused on the destination, and our state-of-the-art ships, with no children and no casinos, allow guests to explore the world in elegant Viking comfort.”
With a fleet of small sister ships, Viking offers more than 100 different itineraries across all five oceans. Viking’s new international ocean voyages visit iconic cities—as well as lesser-known destinations. Pursuitist names these five luxury cruise itineraries the best new small-ship ocean voyages for 2026 and 2027:
Iberia, France & England Explorer
12 days, Lisbon – London
Embark on a wide-ranging sojourn to historic cities in Europe. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the wine-rich region of Bordeaux, discover destinations that are rich in history, culture and gastronomy. Explore Bilbao with its majestic Guggenheim Museum, quaint old town and delicious pintxos—displays of which are truly works of art. Experience regal London as you sail the iconic Thames River, the beating heart of the capital.
15 days, London – Belfast
Traverse the coast of the British Isles and the stunning shores of Cornwall and Scotland. Call at the historic Scottish ports of Greenock and Tobermory, and visit Fort William to behold the splendor of Ben Nevis. Discover Ireland’s rugged coastline and visit the ancient city of Limerick, with the iconic King John Castle on the banks of the River Shannon. Your voyage is bookended with overnight stays in London and Belfast, allowing you to explore more.
15 days, Oslo – Copenhagen
Trace the shores of the Baltic Sea to discover magnificent fjords and bustling cities. Call at UNESCO-listed cities and get a glimpse into the area’s medieval past in the old towns of Tallinn and Riga, and Karlskrona’s historic port. Witness the natural splendor of the Åland Islands, an archipelago of more than 6,500 isles. With overnights in the vibrant capitals of Sweden and Denmark, delve deeper into the region’s rich heritage and Viking legacy.
Scenic Scandinavia & Baltic Jewels
15 days, Bergen – Stockholm
Delve into the maritime heritage of Scandinavia as you trace the dramatic coastlines of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Witness stunning natural landscapes as you sail amid pristine fjords and the Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Explore more of Oslo and Stockholm with overnight stays, allowing you to fully experience two of Europe’s capitals. Sample New Nordic Cuisine and stroll historic towns as you spend time mingling with friendly locals.
22 days, Bergen — Copenhagen
Circumnavigate the Baltic Sea as you sail through the homelands of the Vikings. Explore the deep-rooted cultural ties of Scandinavia, calling at iconic capitals in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Sail the picturesque Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 isles. Immerse yourself in the customs, traditions and fascinating history of the Baltic states, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town of Tallinn and the historic center of Riga.
Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards.
Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor at Large for Pursuitist and a founding editor for Holiday Goddess, the online destination for chic women travelers from the editors of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Conde Nast Traveler, and BBC. Her travel and lifestyle reports can also be been seen in Atlas Obscura, The Awesomer, DaySpa, The Chicago Tribune, CNN Travel, JustLuxe, Lonely Planet, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Toronto Star, WellSpa 360, WestJet Magazine, Where Traveler, Where Guestbook, Yahoo News, and dozens more. She's co-author of the bestselling Holiday Goddess books (HarperCollins and iTunes) including 'The Holiday Goddess Guide to Paris, London, New York, Rome,' a travel Top 10 staple. As editor, Vicki's other books include 'Sinatra' (DK), 'Inside Mad' (Time-Life) and 'Virgin Los Angeles' (Virgin Books). She is one of the Usual Gang of Idiots for MAD Magazine, an entertainment reporter (Daily Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, CREEM), and authorized biographer for pop culture icons from the Beach Boys to Beastie Boys, Paul McCartney to MC Hammer.