Viking Takes to the High Seas With Ocean-Going Brand

Viking Embarks on Ocean-Going Cruises
Viking Cruises announced that its new ocean-going brand, Viking Ocean Cruises, will begin sailing the high seas in May 2015. The river cruise line’s first ocean ship, the 928-passenger Viking Star, will embark on its maiden voyages in Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

A second ocean ship is on order for delivery in 2016, and Viking has options for four more ocean vessels. The company still plans to launch 12 new river ships in 2014.

The Viking Star will feature all veranda staterooms, 14 two-room Explorer suites, two pools, spa and several entertainment areas. The ship was designed by London-based SMC Design and Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios.

Maiden voyage itineraries will include a 15-day Viking Homelands journey, priced from $4,999 per person, and a 15-day Passage Through Western Europe journey, priced from $4,499 per person.

“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.”

An early booking discount is available through July 31 with 2-for-1 pricing on cruise departures on savings of $2,000 per couple on international air.

Crystal Offers Discounts on Combined Journeys
Savings of up to 25% on cruise-only fares are available from Crystal Cruises for combined select 2013 and 2014 voyages. The Explorer Combinations promotion boasts savings of up to $12,200 per person for cruisers combining two to three Crystal Serenity Mediterranean Cruises back-to-back. Fares must be booked by June 28.

Amadeus Silver Launches
Amadeus by Luftner Cruises launched the 180-passenger Amadeus Silver on April 15. The vessel, the largest in the fleet, is making voyages from four to 15 days along the Rhine, the Main and the Danube. The 90-cabin ship features 12 suites with exterior balconies, in addition to an open-air lounge and traditional Austrian coffee shop.

CMV Sets Australia-Europe Sailings
The Astor has been added to the Cruise and Maritime Voyages fleet and will embark upon twice-yearly voyages between the U.K., Australia and South Africa, along with summer cruises from Fremantle, Perth, beginning on Dec. 12.

A 36-night Italy to Australia sailing, departing Nov. 5, is priced from $3,699 per person, double occupancy, representing a savings of $3,330 per person. A 40-night Australia to U.K. sailing departing April 1, 2014, is priced from $4,899 per person, double occupancy.

Princess Adds Departure Ports
Princess Cruises announced new roundtrip sailings from Vancouver and added new departure ports for Hawaii and California Coastal Cruises. The line’s newest vessel on the west coast, Crown Princess, will begin its first full season sailing from Los Angeles.

Regent Makes Changes to Fall 2014 Itineraries
Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced changes to its fall 2014 itineraries for Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. New sailings on Seven Seas Mariner include a 16-night Papeete to Auckland cruise and an 18-day Los Angeles to Papeete Transpacific cruise. For the first time, Seven Seas Mariner will conduct a turnaround in Tahiti. Seven Seas Voyage added a 30-day Dubai to Cape Town cruise, as well.

G Adventures Launches New Riverboat
The 32-passenger Queen Violet has been launched by G Adventures on the Amazon River. The newly refurbished vessel began sailing in May on an Amazon Riverboat Adventure itinerary, a nine-day trip from Lima priced at $1,500 per person.

American Cruise Lines Details Fall Offerings
The newly announced Fall Cruise Collection from American Cruise Lines includes several itineraries including Columbia & Snake River, Upper Mississippi River, Hudson River Fall Foliage and Puget Sound & San Juan Islands journeys.