Viking Ocean Cruises has taken delivery of Viking Sea, the line's second ship. The delivery ceremony took place when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
On April 3, Viking Sea will set sail from Istanbul and will make its way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on its way to be officially christened on May 5 on London’s Thames River in Greenwich. Following the christening, Viking Sea will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.
The all-veranda Viking Sea is a sister ship to Viking Star, which launched in April 2015. Viking’s ocean ships have 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sea is the second of six ocean cruise ships on order. The third ship, Viking Sky, will be delivered in early 2017; the three remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in late 2017, 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Viking said its ships are designed to be smaller in order to call at less-visited ports. Onboard, design elements draw influences from Scandinavian culture, and dining options focus on the ability to eat al fresco.
Cruise fares include 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.