Viking Ocean
Cruises said its first ship, the Viking Star, completed sea trials in the
Adriatic Sea and has returned to Venice for final outfitting and interior
decoration.
The 930-passenger
ship is the first of three ordered by Viking Ocean, which is being launched as
the deepwater sister company to Viking River Cruises.
During the sea trials in
mid-December, maritime experts executed more than 80 tests
designed to evaluate everything from Viking Star’s engine and
propulsion performance to its navigation systems and cabin acoustics.
“This was a major milestone for Viking
Star, and we are proud to be another step closer to launch,” said
Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.
Viking Star’s first scheduled cruise is an April 11
departure from Istanbul. It will be christened in Bergen on May 17, which is
Constitution Day in Norway.
The prototype ship is being constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.