Viking Ocean Cruises and Fincantieri have signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of two ships, with an option for two more. The new vessels, with a capacity of 930 passengers each, will be sister ships to the six already ordered and will join the Viking Cruises fleet in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Torstein Hagen, president of Viking Cruises, stated: “Our customers and the industry have spoken and are delighted with the ocean-going ships we have built with Fincantieri. These additional vessels are necessary to meet the demand we are experiencing.”.
The first ship built by Fincantieri for Viking, the Viking Star, was delivered in the spring of 2015. The second and third ships, Viking Sea and Viking Sky, were delivered in early 2016 and early 2017. Viking will receive a fourth ship, the Viking Sun, in late 2017 and the fifth, the Viking Spirit, in 2018. A sixth ship, which has not yet been named, will be delivered in 2019.
Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, stated: “The extraordinary moment for the cruise industry continues. The series, which began with the Viking Star prototype, now reaches eight ships with these additional units, with the potential for further growth thanks to this cruise company’s expansion plans.”.
Hagen commented: “Known as a river cruise line, we are now equally renowned for our ocean cruise experiences. As we celebrate our 20th year in operation in 2017, we are delighted to continue innovating and showing our guests new ways to experience Viking.”.
