Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Travel Adventures

Just Released Departure Dates Now Available for Viking’s Most Popular Itineraries and a
New Antarctic Circle Expedition

Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced that its 2027–2028 ocean and expedition voyages are now open for booking. With destination-focused journeys on all seven continents, additional departures are now available across Viking’s award-winning ocean and expedition fleet, including the company’s most popular itineraries. The new sailing dates include voyages on Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Lyra®, which is scheduled to join the fleet in 2028 and will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. As part of today’s announcement, Viking also unveiled a new expedition itinerary, Into the Antarctic Circle, which will offer travelers the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude, which marks the Antarctic Circle, while exploring the “White Continent” – an honored milestone among polar explorers.

“Our guests are curious travelers who like to connect with the destinations they visit in a meaningful way,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We have always crafted journeys that are designed to bring our guests closer to history, culture and nature in each destination—and we are pleased to offer an even wider selection of itineraries and departure dates in the years to come.”

With a fleet of small, all-veranda sister ships designed specifically for ocean voyages and state-of-the-art Polar Class expedition ships, Viking offers more than 100 itineraries across all five oceans and on all seven continents. The 2027–2028 deployment expands the company’s offerings on its most popular and new voyages, including:

NEW for 2027 Into the Antarctic Circle (15 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) – Enter the pristine world of the “White Continent” and sail across the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle. Venture into this untouched polar region that teems with remarkable wildlife and is visited by only a rare few. Navigate narrow channels by Zodiac, kayak ice-laden waters and participate in meaningful science with resident experts from partner organizations such as the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute. A voyage of discoveries and sheer wonder on this extended itinerary that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

South America & the Chilean Fjords (18 days; Buenos Aires – Santiago) – Soak in the eclectic mix of Latin and European influences in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango. Visit Port Stanley, home to more than one million penguins, and explore the scenic surroundings of Ushuaia, the city at the “End of the World.” Sail through the Strait of Magellan, passing rugged mountain peaks and blue-tinted icebergs and experience Chile’s vibrant capital city, Santiago.

Viking Homelands (15 days; Stockholm – Bergen) – Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day voyage. Delve deeper with overnight stays in the refined capital of Stockholm, the culturally rich city of Oslo and the picturesque coastal city of Bergen. Discover the charming historic center of Tallinn and marvel at the Gothic brick cathedrals in Gdańsk. Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture in Stavanger and Eidfjord and view breathtaking scenery from your ship as she glides through majestic fjords in the legendary homelands of the Vikings.

Australia & New Zealand (15 days; Sydney – Auckland) – Gain a deep understanding of the native and European influences that shape Australia and New Zealand. Learn about Australia’s penal past from a descendant of its first settlers. Admire the Victorian treasures of Dunedin, the fragrant English gardens of Christchurch and the art deco glories of Napier. Enjoy the sounds of the didgeridoo from Indigenous Australians and watch the captivating dances of the Māori. With Viking, every moment is designed to immerse you in the rich heritage of these southern lands.

British Isles Explorer (15 days; Bergen—London) – Journey through the storied landscapes of the British Isles and explore Norway’s charming city of Bergen. Discover the legendary Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland and its capital, Edinburgh. Visit the Shetland and Orkney Islands and contrast modern Belfast with traditional Dublin. Experience Welsh culture in Snowdonia. In England, visit Liverpool, home of the legendary Beatles and the “World Capital of Pop,” see historic Dover and its dramatic white chalk cliffs and overnight in Greenwich, a borough of London and home to several iconic maritime institutions.

Great Lakes Collection (15 days; Toronto – Duluth) – Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Sail scenic shorelines, explore storied cities and admire the awesome power of the thundering Niagara Falls. Navigate the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

Far Eastern Horizons (15 days; Hong Kong – Tokyo) – Unravel the mysteries of one of the most captivating corners of Asia. Browse the lively stalls at Hong Kong’s renowned Stanley Market. Gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through the perspective of a local guide. In Japan, hear firsthand accounts from residents of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Uncover the vibrant contrasts of Shimizu and Tokyo with insights from those who live there. With overnight stays in four ports, you will have the time to explore each destination in greater depth.

Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; roundtrip Nuuk) – Discover the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring nature of the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself in Inuit customs and traditions while exploring towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. See the towering peaks of Greenland and the blue-tinged glaciers of the Canadian High Arctic, as you kayak pristine fjords, or partake in a Zodiac shore landing. Join Viking on a once-in-lifetime voyage to remote territories and stunning natural wonders.

Alaska & the Inside Passage (11 days; Vancouver – Seward) – Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Sail a pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old and hear tales of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive.

Classic Panama Canal Passage (11 days; Ft. Lauderdale – Panama City) – Immerse yourself in nature and discover the colonial gems of Central America. Set sail and relax in the serene surroundings of Cozumel on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Discover the ancient Mayan civilization in Belize and explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Embark on a crossing of Panama’s famed canal, an engineering marvel, and witness centuries-old tribal life as you experience the traditions of the Emberá people.

Empires of the Mediterranean (10 days; Venice – Athens) – Ten days. Nine magnificent destinations. One epic journey. Sail the Adriatic and Aegean, taking in all the riches of this fabled region. On an exploration bookended by iconic Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar and Dubrovnik and admire the famed whitewashed villages of Santorini. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and be captivated by Koper, the gateway to picturesque Slovenia.

Iceland’s Natural Beauty (8 days; roundtrip Reykjavik) – Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and see cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjords. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid Norse explorer Leif Eriksson, widely regarded as the first European to set foot in North America. Or observe the remarkable diversity of wildlife, from puffins and Arctic foxes to seals and whales. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.

Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea.

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 2025 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications. In the 2025 World’s Best Awards, Viking was once again named #1 for Expeditions, a position it has maintained since its first year of eligibility in that category. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.

Designed for curious travelers, Viking’s river, ocean and expedition voyages bring guests to the heart of enriching destinations on all seven continents. From Europe’s iconic waterways and the storied shores of the Mediterranean to the Canadian High Arctic and Antarctica, the Viking experience is singular. To learn more, visit www.viking.com/OneViking.

From now through August 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers the Summer Sale, with reduced fares on all-inclusive voyages, with up to free international airfare and a $25 deposit.

Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

Fun Afternoon Cruise to Benefit Puerto Vallarta Families of Children with Cancer

Saturday, October 11, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (check-in 3:00 - parking on Cabrillo or in Harbor lot). City of Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee will mark the 5^th Annual Cruise for a Cause to benefit Puerto Vallarta Families of Children with Cancer aboard the Condor Express for a fun and entertaining afternoon cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline.

The charitable Santa Barbara/ Puerto Vallarta Committee afternoon cruise for 2025 will include great DJ music and dancing, a no-host bar (ID required), lunch by Mayo, valuable silent auction items include valuable gift baskets and certificates, also an exciting prize opportunity gift of a one night Fall Escape with sunset dinner for 2 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

In 1990 Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities, Puerto Vallarta Rotary Club, and Santa

Barbara Rotary Club North raised needed funds and built a rehab center in Puerto Vallarta that is currently a valuable asset and rejuvenating space available to the needy families of children with cancer in Puerto Vallarta for their ongoing care. These groups contribute annually to a fund supporting the care given there.

SB/PV committee members have all participated in visits to this special rehab center in Puerto Vallarta and fully understand the important part it plays in the needs of these needy families.

Members of the 2025 Cruise for a Cause event committee including board members Sebastian Aldana and Norma Aldana, Alicia Sorkin, Mike Hernandez, Claudia Alvarado, Bonnie Carroll and a collection of kind volunteer mates will be ready and able sailors to help with this highly anticipated charity cruise event, and welcome all to support the cause while having a fun memorable oceanfront experience with old and new Sister Cities Committee members and friends.

All proceeds from the cruise will be donated to Families of Children with Cancer in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee members are all pleased to present this 5^th annual event to support the important work being done to help the families of children with cancer in Puerto Vallarta. Tickets $75 each. Please call 805-965-1573 or information visit sbpvsistercity805@gmail.com.