Ocean Cruise by Viking

Vikng Ocean Cruises officially launched its 930-passenger Viking Star in Bergen, Norway recently. The first new cruise line to debut in over a decade, Viking Ocean Cruises’ chairman Torstein Hagen told Cruise Critic that it plans to create at least nine other nearly identical ships.

The ship has been offering passenger sailings since mid-April but Norwegian-born Hagen wanted to officially launch Viking Star in his adopted hometown of Bergen. The ceremony was timed to coincide with Norway’s National Constitution Day, its most important national holiday, and included a city-wide concert and celebration. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 attended the free event.

The concert, spotlighting world renowned artists and musicians, featured performances by Norwegian soprano Sissel, actor Bjarte Hjelmeland, singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche, acclaimed violinist Charlie Siem and comedy duo Ylvis.

Even more uniquely, the christening ceremony was done entirely in Norwegian, and godmother Trude Drevland, Bergen’s mayor, offered a lovely blessing of good fortune, along with a successful smashing of a Jeroboam-sized bottle of Veuve Cliquot. Festive fireworks followed.

So how will this compare to Viking River Cruises, apart from the obvious, they will travel on sea not rivers the overall package looks to be a high standard. With excursions, drinks with meals, flights, transfers and tips included in the price you will know exactly what you are getting for your money. I think this will attract a more experienced type of client looking for luxury and a varied choice of itineraries.

This ship looks so elegant and sleek so I am sure those of you who want something special will get a tick in all your boxes.