Viking River Cruises is ready to branch out into Viking Ocean and will have its first ship, Viking Star, sailing from May 2015.
Viking River has seen unprecedented expansion in the last couple of years, 10 new longships were christened a few weeks ago in Amsterdam and 14 more are being built for 2014.
Its new ocean-going ship will carry 928 passengers and is aimed directly at the market sector currently occupied by premium and luxury lines such as Oceania, Crystal and Azamara.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen, announcing his plans in the suitably plush surroundings of LA’s Beverly Hilton Hotel, took a swipe at some of his competitors when he said: “In the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail.
“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 on-board experiences.”
Classified as a small ship, the 47,800-ton vessel, to be built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, will have interiors created by London-based SMC Design who have worked extensively with Norwegian Cruise Line and were responsible for the Empire Casino, Champagne Bar, and Queens Room on Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2.
Initial impressions of Viking Star are that the interiors will be much simpler and more contemporary feel.
There will be five stateroom categories, and they all feature balconies, king-sized beds and generous showers.
In keeping with the company’s Nordic heritage, the spa will include a snow grotto, with snowflakes descending through the chilled air, perfect for cooling off after a sauna.
There will be a double-height Explorers’ Lounge at the bow, and a peaceful Wintergarden for afternoon tea.
Restaurant choices include a main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened and specialty outlets such as the Chef’s Table, Italian Grill and Kitchen Table with no additional charge. Drinks with lunch and dinner will also be included in the fares, expected to start from around $3000 per person per week.
The claim to have more al fresco dining than any other ship will have to be measured against newcomers such as Norwegian Breakaway, with its extensive Waterfront area, but there is no disputing that Star’s free wi-fi will be a first at sea, unless someone introduces it in the meantime.
Viking Star’s maiden season of cruises in Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean is initially on sale only to the US market; it will be later that year before the UK, Australia and New Zealand are invited on board.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
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