Viking Star Has Propulsion Issue; Cruise Line Cancels Current Cruise

Viking Star is in Tallinn with a propulsion problem and the current cruise has been cancelled. Above, the ship is shown during a spring port call in Rouen, France. // Photo by Susan J. Young

Viking Star, the new upscale ship of Viking Ocean Cruises, is having a mechanical issue and the line has been forced to cancel the current cruise. The ship is in Tallinn, Estonia.

The problem surfaced over the weekend when guests began making comments about their cruise experience at CruiseCritic.com. On Friday, one consumer posted that the ship had sailed into Tallinn at reduced speed due to mechanical issues. Subsequent calls at Berlin and Gdansk, Poland, were then cancelled. 

The issue was first reported on Saturday by Jim Walker, blogger and maritime attorney, on his Cruise Law News site at www.cruiselawnews.com/2015/08/articles/power-loss-1/viking-star-stuck-in-tallinn. 

Travel Agent also asked Viking for an update on the issue over the weekend and received this response from the line: 

"Viking Star experienced a mechanical issue while sailing its Viking Homelands itinerary and is currently docked in Tallinn. The mechanical issue is related to the electric transformers in one part of the ship’s propulsion system. Engineers are working onboard, but because repairs are expected to continue through the weekend, Viking has decided to cancel the remaining portion of this cruise."

"All guests onboard were informed earlier today and have been offered options for continuing their journey to Bergen or returning home from Tallinn at Viking’s expense."  

The line also said that the specific mechanical issue is "highly unusual," and all guests will receive compensation for the inconvenience.

As of the latest statement, Viking had made no decision about the upcoming sailing schedule. The line added: "Should there need to be any itinerary modifications, Viking Customer Relations will be in direct contact with all affected guests."

The Viking Star began sailing this past spring. You can read about "The Living Room" space on the ship here: www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/cruise-ship-tour-viking-stars-living-room-relaxation-central-51427

Did you have any clients on the affected voyage? If so, let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below. Stay tuned for updates.