Viking Ocean Cruises (www.vikingoceancruises.com) today announced that Captain Gulleik Svalastog will be at the helm of its first ocean ship – the 930-passenger Viking Star – which will take on its first guests in April 2015. Leveraging his experience as a cruise captain in Norway, Captain Svalastog will command and oversee the operation, crew and safety of the ship in its maiden season in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Viking has also released today a new online video interview with Captain Svalastog.
Svalastog brings 45 years of sailing experience to Viking Ocean Cruises. He has held a variety of senior ship management positions and has worked as superintendent for Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises and as Lead Auditor for Det Norske Veritas (DNV). His most recent position held was captain of Color Line Cruises. Svalastog is currently a member of the team overseeing the final stage of outfitting and interior build-out for Viking Star, which touched water for the first time in June 2014 at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and will be christened in May 2015.
“We could not ask for a better captain for our first ocean ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “Captain Svalastog brings an impeccable record that will undoubtedly guide Viking Star and her guests though a successful maiden season.”
Viking Ocean Cruises
With three sister ships now on order, Viking developed its ocean cruises by leveraging extensive feedback and input from Viking River Cruises passengers, and with experienced travelers in mind. Itineraries are designed for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local nightlife or evening performances. Ports include both cosmopolitan cities and “collector ports,” and appeal to those with an interest in history, art and culture. In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides unparalleled value–with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry and 24-hour room service–a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise.
Viking Star
Classified by Cruise Critic as a “small ship,” the 930-passenger all-veranda Viking Star – as well as its two sister ships, Viking Sea and Viking Sky – is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation. Light-filled and intimate, the ship features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design. Highlights include:
— All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom
categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. veranda stateroom, all with
private verandas, king-size beds, large showers, and LCD TVs.
— Explorer Suites: Viking Star features 14 Explorer Suites, which are
two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. that offer sweeping
views from wrap-around private verandas as well as the most amenities
and privileges of any category onboard.
— Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable dome
permitting any-season swimming, the ship features a glass-backed
infinity pool, cantilevered off the stern, allowing passengers to swim
surrounded by their destination.
— The Spa: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa onboard is
designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in
mind–from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a “snow grotto”
where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air.
— Explorers’ Lounge and Wintergarden: Spaces designed to facilitate
mingling and storytelling, the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow is
the perfect spot for taking in scenery through double-height windows
over a glass of aquavit or pint of local craft beer; and the
Wintergarden is a serene environment in which to relax and enjoy
afternoon tea service complete with a hand-selected teas.
— Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and
food choices–from The Restaurant and the World Cafe, serving a variety
of global cuisines and regional specialties–to intimate dining
experiences at The Chef’s Table, Manfredi’s Italian Grill and The
Kitchen Table, all serving meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals,
Viking’s ocean ships offer more al fresco dining than any other ships.
— Enriching Entertainment: Connecting passengers to their destinations
through authentic experiences is central to Viking Cruises, and onboard
venues include a dramatic three-deck atrium where passengers can enjoy
musicians playing regional and classical music; the Star Theater, home
of enrichment lectures from scholars and experts; an onboard cooking
school where guests can learn local specialties; and Torshavn, a piano
lounge where guests can relax, mingle, and exchange stories after a day
of exploring.
— Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star
features energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized
streamlined hulls and bows for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar
panels, and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the
strictest environmental regulations.
Booking Details
From now through October 31, 2014, Viking is offering U.S. residents an Early Booking Discount with 2-for-1 pricing on 2015 and 2016 cruise departures and savings of up to $2,000 per couple ($1,000 per person) on international air. Contact a Travel Agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464).
SOURCE: Viking Ocean Cruises