By Editor Simon Veness
Fledgling new ocean-cruise line Viking Cruises took another step towards their big 2015 debut yesterday with the keel-laying ceremony of their first ship, the Viking Star.
The ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard outside Venice, where the ship is scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.
Viking Cruises is already a major name in European river-cruises, but the 48,000-ton ship (the first of four in the next three years) is a major undertaking for them.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Our new ocean itineraries are selling at an unprecedented rate, and the enthusiasm we have seen from guests is truly remarkable.
"There is undoubtedly interest in an ocean cruise experience that returns the focus to the destination, and Viking is actively planning to meet that demand.” The first steel was cut for Viking Star
in June and the laying of the keel is a formal recognition of the start of construction.
The 930-passenger vessel will feature state-of-the-art design from experienced nautical architects and engineers. The latest stepping stone follows the announcement on Monday of two more ships for the brand, following their initial two.
Next year will also be a busy one for the river-cruise division as the company will launch a record-breaking FOURTEEN new Viking Longship vessels, all at the same launch ceremony in March.
More info: in the UK, call 0800 319 66 60 or visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk; in the US, 1855 884 5464 or www.vikingcruises.com.
Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this month ONLY - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!
No comments:
Post a Comment