Viking is almost ready to launch into the ocean sector after successfully completing sea trials on its first mass market vessel.
The cruise line released footage of Viking Star undergoing trials in the Aegean Sea before she officially sets sail in the open water from April this year.
During nearly a week of intense diagnostics, maritime experts executed more than 80 different tests designed to evaluate everything from Viking Star’s engine and propulsion performance to her navigation systems and cabin acoustics.
Following the trials, Captain Gulleik Svalastog deemed her “one of the most agile, state-of-the-art and seaworthy ships on the water, destined to exceed the expectations of the most well-traveled guest”.
“Now we can focus on the finishing touches, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard in two months’ time.”
Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises chairman
Viking Star is now back at the shipyard in Italy where final outfitting and interior decorating will be completed. She will then set sail from Istanbul, making her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened in the homeland of the Vikings.
Her christening will take place on 17 May in Bergen, Norway where the city’s mayor will carry out godmother duties and officially ‘name’ the ship.
Onboard the ship will have two pools including an Infinity Pool at the stern.
Viking Star is the first of three ocean ships Viking has on order. Her two sister ships – Viking Sea and Viking Sky – are currently under construction.
The three ships will have all veranda staterooms starting from a 270 square foot rooms with private verandas, king-size beds, large showers, and LCD TVs.
Additionally, the vessels will have 14 ‘Explorer Suites’, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 square foot that have wrap-around private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.
All rooms onboard will have a view.
Guests will have the choice of swimming in two pools – the main pool, which features a retractable dome – and a glass-backed infinity pool at the stern.
The spa is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind and features a ‘snow grotto‘ where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air. Read on
Lounges onboard include the ‘Explorers’ Lounge’ and ‘Wintergarden’. Both rooms are designed to encourage mingling amongst guests.
Dining choices onboard include the World Cafe – serving international dishes; The Chef’s Table – for an intimate dining experience; and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant – serving traditional Italian food.
There’ll also be a pop-up barbeque held throughout every cruise.
