True to form, Viking Ocean Cruises has announced two sister ships to the 930-passenger Viking Star, which is due to debut next year.
Viking Sea and Viking Sky will both debut in 2016, as sister ships to the All ships will sail in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Baltic, plus two new 2016 itineraries in the British Isles.
The aggressive expansion by the year-old company is in response to strong sales for Viking Star, which has seen its maiden season more than 70% sold out and 2016 sales “well underway”.
This announcement also follows Viking’s news last month that it will launch 12 new river vessels in 2015, bringing the total river fleet to 64.
“The introduction of Viking Star next year will represent a distinct change in ocean cruising — an alternative to the mega-liners dominating the world’s ports,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.
Hagen also took aim at other companies that he claims are too focused on ship size.
“It is our view that in the race to build enormous ships, some cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail.
“Based on the incredible response we have received, it is clear that our guests want a new experience to truly explore their destinations.”
According to Viking Ocean Cruises, its itineraries were developed “with experienced travellers in mind” and curated for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnight stays.
All fares include a veranda stateroom, wi-fi, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, self-service laundry and 24-hour room service.