Trade in leftover turkey and Britain's grey winter for glamour, elegance and culture this Christmas as Viking Cruises offers a cruise to suit anyone who wants to escape to a more exotic destination this festive period.

Choose from an action-packed cruise around the islands of the West Indies, taking in the culture and history of the Caribbean, or enjoy the festive season sailing the Mediterranean, stopping off to visit its historical and beautiful cities.

All Christmas cruises include a traditional celebration dinner as well as additional dining options at no extra charge – including private dining for groups wanting to have their own intimate gathering – and New Year sailings include a special midnight party.

For more information about the Christmas and New Year sailings, which start from £2,490 per person including all meals, a daily excursion, wifi and wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, see information below or visit www.vikingcruises.co.uk. Please note that all prices are subject to availability.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SAILINGS

West Indies Explorer

An 11-day trip that takes you to nine historic islands. You will discover the British heritage of Barbados, the winding romantic lanes of Puerto Rican capital San Juan, the swashbuckling history of the pirates of Tortola and much more. As well as soaking up some much needed sunshine as you sail through azure seas.

o   Sailings: 7th, 17th and 27th December 2016

o   Price: Starting from £2,490 per person

Christmas in the Mediterranean

This 15-day trip celebrates the festive season in style, taking in seven countries as you cruise through the blue waters of the Med. From the magical beauty of Venice, to Barcelona, Rome, Monte Carlo and more you will experience these Mediterranean jewels all decked out in their Christmas finery, while the big day itself is spent is relaxing at sea. Celebrate Christmas at sea then walk off the extra indulgence strolling the streets of Barcelona and Venice and even ringing in 2017 from onboard ship.

o   Sailings: 13th December 2016

o   Price: Starting from £3,790 per person

New Year's in the Mediterranean

Ring in the New Year at sea while taking in some of the Med's most magical cities from Barcelona to Toulon, Monte Carlo to Florence on this leisurely 13-day cruise. Shore excursions could see you strolling through billionaire's playground, Monaco or discovering the ancient ruins of Tunis and Carthage.

o   Sailings: 27th December

o   Price: Starting from £3,290 per person

Or, start the new year in style with a selection of special winter cruises around the Mediterranean with prices starting from £1,790 per person including all meals, a daily excursion, wifi and wine, beer and soft drinks with meals.

WINTER MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

Romantic Mediterranean

Start the year with a little romance by cruising along some of the world's most spectacular coastlines from Spain to Italy. Stop off along the way to discover the beauty of Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome together on this eight day trip.

o   Sailings: 8th and 22nd January 2017

o   Prices: Starting from, £1,390 per person

Secrets of Southern Mediterranean

This eight-day cruise travels from Rome to Barcelona taking in the charms of Valencia, Tunis and Algiers along the way. This is the perfect way to discover the hidden secrets of North Africa and the Mediterranean.

o   Sailings: 15th and 29th January 2017

o   Prices: Starting from £1,890 per person

Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land

Unravel sacred and revered secrets of antiquity on this 15-day cruise that will transport you from Rome to Athens. You will explore the Holy Land including the city of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, the ancient city of Pompeii and Crete, home of the mythic Minotaur on this journey of exploration.

o   Sailings: 4th and 20th November

o   Prices: Starting from £2,795 per person

Empires of the Mediterranean

Cruise through the Aegean and Adriatic to discover nine magnificent destinations over 10 days. From the gothic splendor of Venice to the might of the Acropolis in Athens, the medieval lanes of Zadar, Dubrovnick and Kotor and the natural beauty of Corfu, this really is a journey to remember.

o   Sailings: 4th December

o   Prices: Starting from £2,290 per person

About Viking Cruises:

Viking Cruises offers culturally-enriching, destination-focused river and ocean cruises for travellers curious about the world, its rich culture and varied history. Viking Cruises takes its guests on curated, elegant voyages to some of the most iconic destinations in Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East, allowing a unique window on inspiring destinations and rewarding experiences. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and included shore excursions, Viking's journeys are competitively priced for genuine value.

Since its 1997 inception the company has grown to become the world's leading operator with a fleet of 65 river vessels and in 2015 debuted its maiden season of ocean cruising. The sophisticated state-of-the-art Viking Star and Viking Sea host 930 guests on itineraries that start from the brand's homeland in Scandinavia and the Baltic through to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as Caribbean. Two new ships will be launched next year, Viking Sky and Viking Sun. A further two are planned for 2018. The company launched its first World Cruise starting in either Miami or Los Angeles and ending in London. Departing on 15th December 2017, the cruise will sail the Panama Canal and the South Pacific; call upon ports in Asia, from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City; and see the Arabian, Red and Mediterranean Seas, before concluding in the North Atlantic.

The most award-winning river cruise line, Viking has consistently won customer-voted and industry-recommended awards. The 2015 award season saw the seventh consecutive year Viking held onto the 'Best River Cruise Line' award at British Travel Awards and, most recently won best River Cruise Company at the 2016 Travel Weekly Globe Awards for the 3rd year in a row. 

Viking is committed to bolstering its agent offering and has a series of FAM trips later this year to allow them to experience first-hand the Viking Cruises offering.

In 2015, Viking launched an exclusive new agent online training programme, Made for Trade where agents can increase their river and ocean cruise product knowledge.

For additional information on Viking's River and Ocean offering, contact Viking Cruises 020 8780 7995 or visit the company at www.vikingcruises.co.uk. Follow Viking River Cruises on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VikingCruisesUK/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/vikingcruisesuk