Viking Ocean Cruises just celebrated the float out of its fourth new cruise ship, the Viking Sun. The major construction milestone marks the first time the vessel has touched water.
The traditional ceremony took place on December 15 at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard. Viking Sun will debut in late 2017 and will be marketed to travelers in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The ship will begin its inaugural season sailing voyages to Cuba and the Caribbean, before embarking on a 141-day World Cruise that spans five continents, 35 countries and 66 ports.
A float out ceremony is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. Viking Sun's float out began at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time, and in keeping with maritime tradition, a madrina – a special woman of honor – assisted with the ceremony, first welding coins under the ship mast. As Viking Sun will be the company's first ocean ship to call on China, Mrs. Yi Lou, vice president of China Merchant Bank Financial Leasing (CMBFL), served as Viking Sun's madrina. She welded commemorative coins representing her birth year, as well as the birth years of her parents. A special coin, dated 1911, was also welded to represent mother Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen, the mother of Viking's Chairman and the woman after whom the onboard Norwegian deli Mamsen's is named. Mrs. Lou then cut a cord to allow water to begin flowing into the ship's building dock. Following a two-day process that will set Viking Sun afloat, it will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
Viking's ocean ships have 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sun is the fourth of six ocean cruise ships on order and will be delivered in late 2017. Viking will launch Viking Spirit in 2018 and the remaining, yet-to-be-named ship in 2020.
Designed by the same team responsible for Viking's fleet of Viking Longships, Viking Sun incorporates details that pay homage to its Nordic heritage. A glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern offers unobstructed views; indoor-outdoor spaces offer options for al fresco dining; huge windows and skylights let in light; and a wrap-around promenade deck is available for strolling.
While onboard, guests enjoy talks from local experts and carefully selected lecturers in The Theater. Dining options range from the World Café, which features global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; to Mamsen's Norwegian-style deli. The Chef's Table celebrates cuisines from around the world with multi-course tasting menus and wine parings; and Manfredi's Italian Restaurant serves Tuscan and Roman cuisine. With the Kitchen Table experience, guests have an opportunity to shop, cook and eat with the Executive Chef.
Every cruise fare includes a veranda stateroom, shore excursions 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; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
Visit www.vikingcruises.com