Over the weekend, guests of the Viking Sun embarked on the cruise company’s Ultimate World Cruise itinerary — a 245-day journey spanning six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports.

Sailing from London, the 930-guest ship will fully circumnavigate the globe, bringing guests to legendary cities, iconic landmarks and far-flung destinations, before returning in May 2020.

Viking will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the “longest continuous passenger cruise” upon the return of Viking Sun to London next year.

“Connecting travellers to culturally immersive experiences”

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking commented: “For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travellers to culturally immersive experiences that allow them to explore the world in comfort. Our Ultimate World Cruise is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry, nearly double the length of our previous world cruise itineraries. I am pleased to offer such a unique experience for our guests.”

The Ultimate World Cruise is an eight-month journey that explores Scandinavia, the Caribbean and destinations throughout South America before calling on the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific. Viking Sun will then continue its journey along the coast of Australia and through Asia before returning to the Mediterranean and Europe.

Designed for travellers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Hagen dubbed the itinerary as “the thinking person’s cruise” — an alternative to mainstream cruises.