The sister company of Viking
River Cruises will share
many of its ‘complimentary’
features and a greater focus on
destinations.
Viking Ocean Cruises was officially launched
last week, revealing a range of freebies usually
seen on river vessels and more expensive
luxury ships – but Australians will have to wait
in line to book.
Open only to the American market for now,
the all-inclusive cruises in Europe will see
every fare including a balcony stateroom,
shore excursions in each port of call, wi-fi
internet, all onboard meals, with beer and
wine at lunch and dinner, self-service laundry
and 24-hour room service — a value of more
than US$2,400 per couple for an average
cruise, according to Viking.
Another point of difference is that itineraries
have been designed to allow maximum time
on land, often with late evening or overnight
stays.
Destinations will include both cosmopolitan
cities and “collector ports” with historical and
cultural appeal.
“It is our view that in the race to build bigger
ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the
destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein
Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.
“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 onboard experiences to make destinations
the true focus.”
The first newly-built ship, the 928-passenger
Viking Star, is set to debut in May 2015,
offering maiden voyages in Scandinavia, the
Baltic and the Mediterranean.
A second ship is on order for delivery in 2016,
with options for four more ocean vessels.
Viking Star features all balcony cabins, 14
two-room suites, an infinity pool, a second
pool under a retractable dome, a two-deck
lounge at the bow of the ship, five restaurants,
several bars, a theatre, cooking school, and
a day spa with saunas and a “snow grotto”
where snowflakes descend from the ceiling
through chilled air.
Designed with the environment in mind,
it also has energy-efficient hybrid engines,
a streamlined hull and bow for maximum
fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels, and
equipment that minimises exhaust pollution.
Bookings have opened in the US and will
be offered to Australian and New Zealand
travellers later this year.
