Courtesy Viking Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises will send the 928-passenger Viking Star on its maiden ocean voyage on May 2015 to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Other planned trips sail through Western and Eastern Mediterranean.
A second ocean ship is on order for deliver in 2016, as well as conditional orders for four additional ocean vessels. The company has also recently expanded its river cruising fleet with 10 new ships christened in March and 12 new river ships planned to launch in 2014.
“It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus.”
Viking Cruises have developed itineraries focused more on the destination with maximum time in each port, often with late evenings or overnights. Guests can experience local nightlife or evening performances with this schedule.
Passengers will be able to choose from five classes of veranda staterooms, starting at 270 square feet. The Viking Star features two pools, a spa, two-deck Explorers’ Lounge and multiple dining options with both global and local cuisine. In the evenings, guests can listen to regional music, watch lectures from experts, enjoy the Viking Piano Lounge or take an onboard cooking school on local dishes.
The Viking Star will boast an energy-efficient design with hybrid engines, maximum fuel efficiency and onboard solar panels.
For more information on the Viking Ocean Cruises, visit www.vikingcruises.com/oceans.
