Viking Star Completes Successful Sea Trials
Viking Ocean Cruises has released a new online video documenting the recent successful sea trials of its first ship – the 930-passenger Viking Star – set to debut in April.
The trials, which took place in the Aegean Sea in mid-December, represented the vessel’s first voyage in open water.
During nearly a week of intense diagnostics, maritime experts executed more than 80 different tests designed to evaluate everything from Viking Star’s engine and propulsion performance to her navigation systems and cabin acoustics. Following the trials, Captain Gulleik Svalastog deemed her “one of the most agile, state-of-the-art and seaworthy ships on the water, destined to exceed the expectations of the most well-traveled guest.”
“Following six months of nonstop construction since her float out, 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. “Now we can focus on the finishing touches, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard in two months’ time.”
Currently back at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard for final outfitting and interior decorating, Viking Star will take on its first guests on April 11. It will then set sail from Istanbul, making its way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on its way to be officially christened in the homeland of the Vikings. On May 17 in Bergen, Norway, guests onboard will be treated to a celebration that will be seen throughout the world. One of the most important days of the year in Norway – Norwegian Constitution Day – dignitaries from around the country and thousands of Bergen residents will gather along the waterfront to welcome Viking Star to port and to share in the festivities. Bergen Mayor Trude Drevland will serve as godmother to Viking Star and will officially “name” the ship during its christening ceremony.
The 930-passenger all-veranda Viking Star – as well as its two sister ships under construction, Viking Sea and Viking Sky – is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation. Light-filled and intimate, officials say the ship features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design.
