Viking Ocean Cruises Orders Two New Ships, Options Two More

Viking Ocean Cruises has signed an agreement with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard to build two more ships, with an option for two more.

The first two ships are expected to enter service in 2021 and 2022 and will grow the Viking Ocean fleet to eight total vessels.

The ships will be built as sister ships to the ones that make up the current Viking Ocean fleet—Viking Sea, Viking Star and Viking Sky. They will carry 930 passengers in 465 balcony cabins with the same design as previous orders.

According to chairman of Viking Cruises Torstein Hagen, the ships “are needed to meet the demand we are experiencing.”

Currently, Viking Ocean sails three ships with a fourth, Viking Sun, expected to enter service later this year. Two other ships, Viking Spirit and a yet-to-be-named ocean vessel, are expected to debut in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

“We set out to bring the destination back to cruising, and the cruising public has responded,” Hagen added.

The brand was launched in 2013 and its first ocean ship, Viking Star, entered service in 2015. Star, along with the other ships already in service, features all-veranda staterooms, a covered pool and an infinity pool, Viking’s LivNordic Spa and multiple dining choices, including The Restaurant, the World Café and the Chef’s Table.

Guests receive complimentary beer and wine, Wi-Fi, self-service laundry and 24-hour room service.

The all-inclusive pricing means travel agents make commission on every product Viking offers aside from gratuities—from government taxes and spa service to port charges and airfare.

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