Viking has announced the first dates for its 2021 Viking Explorer Sessions, commencing 12 May in Sydney followed by Brisbane (18 May), Melbourne (20 May), Gold Coast (10 June) and Adelaide (16 June) with a special guest speaker.

David McGonigal, Australian travel writer, widely translated author, internationally exhibited photographer and Expedition Leader with more than 25 years and 120 expeditions to Antarctica under his belt, joins the Viking Explorer Information Sessions as a special guest speaker to showcase its new expedition cruising product.

“We have invited David to be a special guest speaker at our upcoming Viking Explorer Information sessions so he can share his passion and experience of the polar regions with our guests offering them a rare opportunity to hear firsthand the excitement and wonder that a voyage to Antarctica brings”, said Michelle Black, MD Viking ANZ

“Our guests will be able to meet David, view his award winning photographs, hear his unique stories and experiences and understand what it is about Antarctica that has drawn him back again and again – more than 120 times!  It is not often that we have access to someone with the depth of knowledge and passion that David has. I am sure this will be a real highlight for everyone attending the expedition cruising session.

“Antarctica has always had great appeal to the Australian market and with the launch of two exciting new expedition ships in 2022 Viking will be introducing a whole new approach to the way we, as travellers, explore and experience the polar regions.”

About David McGonigal

David has spent a lifetime of travel and adventure, including seven years riding motorcycles around the world but his one true love is Antarctica. He has visited the Frozen Continent more than 120 times and to the Arctic 30 times. One of his early visits to Antarctica was part of the world's first seven-continent motorcycle ride and he returned to Antarctica every year for the next 25 years, mainly as Expedition Leader. David's polar photographs have been exhibited worldwide and he is the author of more than 20 books, including the definitive 608-page “Antarctica: The Complete Story” in which he collaborated with Sir Edmund Hillary. He has been very active over several decades in creating and refining the best ways for visitors to experience the wonders of Antarctica.

About Viking Explorer Sessions

Designed for new-to-Viking guests and seasoned Viking cruisers, the complimentary Viking Explorer Sessions offer seven one-hour information sessions throughout the day exploring river, ocean and expedition cruising. A dedicated expedition session featuring special guest speaker and Australia's leading polar expert, David McGonigal, will offer a unique insight into the Viking expedition product launching in 2022. In addition, a What's New session will provide full product updates for past Viking guests looking for their next Viking journey.

Bonus booking offers will be available for travellers on the day with a $100pp discount for bookings on itineraries of 15 days of less, and a $200pp discount for bookings on itineraries of 16 days or more, if booked within 7 days of the information session.

Locations include:

• Sydney – Wednesday 12 May 2021, The Hilton Sydney
• Brisbane – Tuesday 18 May 2021, Emporium Hotel
• Melbourne – Thursday 20 May 2021, W Melbourne
• Gold Coast – Thursday, 10 June 2021, QT Gold Coast
• Adelaide – Wednesday June 16 2021, Adelaide Convention Centre

 Places are limited so RSVP is essential – register here.