First Viking Ocean cruise ship on schedule for April delivery after successfully completing sea trials
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Viking Cruises first ocean cruise ship has entered the final outfitting stages at Fincantieri’s Marghear yard after successfully completing sea trials,
The 930-passenger ship underwent more than 80 different tests during the weeklong trial period, which took place in the Agean Sea in mid-December 2014. The tests enabled engineers to evaluate various elements of the ship including engine and propulsion performance, the navigation systems, cabin acoustics, and more.
“Following six months of non-stop construction since her float out, this was a major milestone for Viking Star and we are proud to be another step closer to launch,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “Now we can focus on the finishing touches, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard in two months’ time.”
Viking Star will embark on her first cruise on 11 April, sailing from Istanbul in Turkey, to various Mediterranean ports and into the Atlantic to Norway. The ship will be christened by Trude Drevland, mayor of Bergen, on 17 May, which is also Norwegian Constitution Day.
“Viking Star is one of the most agile, state-of-the-art and seaworthy ships on the water, destined to exceed the expectations of the most well-travelled guest,” said Captain Gulleik Svalastog.
Viking Star is the first of three Viking cruise ships on order at Fincantieri. Construction work has already begun on her sister ships Viking Sky and Viking Sea, which are both scheduled for delivery in spring 2016.
Featuring modern, Scandinavian-inspired interiors designed by London-based SMC Design and Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios, the 14-deck ships will feature five stateroom categories; a pool with retractable dome, a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern; a two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow; the Wintergarden; and a spa with a sauna and a traditional ‘snow grotto’.
Engineered to a small scale, the ships will be able to directly access most ports, providing an easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation process. They all feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimised streamlined hulls and bows for maximum fuel efficiency. In addition, onboard solar panels and equipment that minimises exhaust pollution will enable the vessels to meet strict environmental regulations.
Viking Star, Viking Sky and Viking Sea will all sail in Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.