LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking®
(www.vikingcruises.com) today announced it took delivery of
Viking Sun®, the company's fourth ocean ship.
The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was
presented at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. On October
4, Viking Sun will set sail from Venice, making her way through the Adriatic
and Ionian Seas on her maiden voyage. In early November, Viking
Sun will cross the Atlantic to sail fall itineraries. On
December 15, the ship will embark on
Viking's first-ever World Cruise. Over the course of 141 days,
Viking Sun will journey around the world, visiting 35
countries and 66 ports, before the itinerary ends in London on May 5,
2018. In 2019, Viking Sun will continue to sail
the globe on the recently-announced second World Cruise, which
spans 128-days, five continents, 21 countries and 44 ports with 10
port overnights.
"As we celebrate two decades of helping guests travel the world
in comfort, this year also marks one
of significant growth. We are pleased that with the delivery of
Viking Sun we now have four small ships, each carrying only
930 guests," said Torstein Hagen,
Chairman of Viking. "With the continued expansion of our offerings,
we look forward to bringing guests to more destinations around the
world and introducing them to the Viking way of exploration."
Viking Sun
Viking's ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with
465 staterooms that can accommodate 930 guests. Classified
by Cruise Critic® as a "small ship," the all-veranda Viking
Sun is the newest addition to Viking's award-winning ocean
fleet, which also includes Viking Star®, Viking Sea® and
Viking Sky®. In its first two years of operation, Viking has
been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016 and
2017 "World's Best" Awards. Viking will welcome two more sister
ships in the next two years, and by 2019 it will be the largest
small ship ocean cruise line. Two additional ships are also on
order for delivery in 2021 and 2022. Viking's ocean fleet features
modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces
and attention to detail. Highlights include:
- All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five
stateroom categories, starting from 270 sq. ft. Veranda Staterooms,
all with private verandas, sweeping views of the destination and
premium amenities that include king-size beds with luxury linens,
generously proportioned closets, large interactive flat-screen LCD
TVs with movies-on-demand, unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi and
award-winning bathrooms with large showers, premium Freyja® bath
products developed exclusively for Viking and heated floors.
- Explorer Suites: The ships feature 14 Explorer Suites,
which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. that
offer expansive views from wraparound private verandas as well as
the most amenities and privileges of any category on board.
- Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a
retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ships feature
a first-of-its-kind glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the
stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their
destination.
- LivNordic Spa: In keeping with Viking's Nordic heritage,
The Spa on board 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. Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships
2017 named it one of the "5 best cruise ship spas."
- Explorers' Lounge and Mamsen's: Share a cocktail with
friends. Linger over a Norwegian breakfast and a nautical history
book. The Explorers' Lounge and Mamsen's gourmet deli are
thoughtful spaces located at the bow of the ship and designed to
represent the Scandinavian spirit for complete relaxation and for
marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows.
- The Wintergarden: Guests looking for serenity will find
it in the Wintergarden. In this elegant space under a canopy of
Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea
service.
- Dining Choices: Viking's ships offer eight dining
options, all with no additional charge or fee—from fine dining in
The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and a variety
of culinary options, and the World Café, which features
international fare and regional specialties including a sushi and
seafood cold bar—to intimate alternative dining experiences at The
Chef's Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu with
wine pairings, and Manfredi's, which features freshly prepared
pastas and Italian favorites. The Pool Grill specializes in gourmet
burgers, while afternoon tea and scones are available in the
Wintergarden. Mamsen's serves Norwegian deli-style fare, and
complimentary 24-hour room service allows all guests to enjoy many
signature dishes in the comfort of their stateroom. Furthermore,
with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking's
ocean ships offer the most al fresco dining at sea.
Additionally, The Kitchen Table specializes in regional dishes from
market to table.
- Cultural Enrichment: Viking experiences from ship to
shore are designed for unparalleled access and cultural enrichment.
Viking Resident Historians deliver high-level historical and
cultural education specific to the journey, offering invaluable
insight in to the rich history of the destination. Guest Lecturers
who are experts in their fields shed light on the destination's
art, architecture, music, geopolitics, natural world and more.
Destination Performances represent the most iconic cultural
performing arts of the region—whether it be Italian opera or
Portuguese fado. Resident Classical Musicians—pianists,
guitarists, violinists and flautists—perform classical compositions
throughout the ships. And Culinary Classes in The Kitchen Table,
Viking's onboard cooking school, focus on regional cuisine.
- Nordic Inspiration: Even the smallest details take their
inspiration from the exploratory spirit of the original Vikings,
reflecting deeply held Nordic traditions. Light wood grains,
touches of slate and teak, Swedish limestone and fragrant juniper
appear throughout the public spaces and Spa. The Clinker-built
design of the Viking Bar mirrors the construction style of the
original Viking Longships. A Viking Heritage Center provides
history and context from the Viking Age. And characters from Norse
Mythology are subtly incorporated into the design, providing
curious guests with inspiration to further explore Viking's Nordic
heritage.
- Sustainable Features: Designed to be environmentally
friendly, Viking's ships feature energy-efficient hybrid engines,
hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow for maximum
fuel efficiency and equipment that reduces exhaust pollution and
meets the strictest worldwide environmental regulations.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history,
art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein
Hagen often says Viking offers guests "the thinking person's
cruise" as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to
get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and
more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces,
where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled
with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at
sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American
classics, Viking's guests can truly dine in their destination. A
focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences ashore
and on board. And only The Viking Way of Exploration provides
guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and
Privileged Access experiences.
In addition, Viking offers the best value at sea, with each
cruise fare including much more than what competitors offer—an
included value of more than $200 per
person per day for an average cruise. Every cruise fare includes an
exterior stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion 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;
alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access
to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room
service.
Booking
From now through September 31,
2017, Viking is offering U.S. residents 2-for-1 cruise fares
on select 2018 river itineraries and 2017 through 2019 ocean
itineraries, plus up to free air on select sailings. For additional
booking details, call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING
(1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.
Media Assets
For more information, images and b-roll for Viking,
contact vikingpr@edelman.com.
About Viking
Viking was founded by Chairman Torstein
Hagen in 1997 with the purchase of four ships in
Russia. Celebrating its 20th
anniversary in 2017, Viking is the leader in river and small ship
ocean cruising, offering destination-focused itineraries designed
for experienced travelers who have an interest in geography,
culture and history. In its first two years of operation, Viking
has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016
and 2017 "World's Best" Awards. Viking currently operates a fleet
of 63 vessels, offering scenic cruising on rivers and oceans around
the world. By 2022 the company will operate eight 930-guest ocean
cruise ships and will be the largest small ship ocean cruise line.
In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been
honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well
as recognized by Cruise Critic as "Best Overall" Small-Mid size
ship in the 2017 Cruisers' Choice Awards, "Best River Cruise Line"
and "Best River Itineraries," with the entire Viking Longships®
fleet being named "Best New River Ships" in the website's Editors'
Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking Cruises at
1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or visit www.vikingcruises.com.
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SOURCE Viking Cruises