Viking Sea Sets Sail

Viking Ocean Cruises’ second ship, Viking Sea, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice, officially doubling the size of the company’s fleet.

From Venice, Viking Sea will sail through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on its way to be officially christened on May 5 on London’s Thames River in Greenwich. Following the christening, Viking Sea will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

“Too often in recent years the most talked about ships have been the biggest ships. It is our view that some cruise lines have focused too much on building bigger ships and not enough on helping guests connect with the destination,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “We have created ocean cruises that put the destination at the centre of the experience, with smaller ships that are smarter in design. As our second ship sets sail with her first guests we look forward to introducing more travellers to the unique way that Viking does ocean cruising – a style of cruising that was inspired by our experience and success on the rivers.”

Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sea is the second of six ocean cruise ships on order. The third ship, Viking Sky, will be delivered in early 2017; the three remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in late 2017, 2018 and 2020, respectively.

While onboard, guests enjoy informative talks from local experts and carefully selected lecturers in The Theater.

Dining options onboard Viking Sea include the World Café featuring global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; Mamsen’s featuring Norwegian deli-style fare, according to the recipes of Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild, otherwise known as “Mamsen;” The Chef’s Table celebrating cuisines from around the world with multi-course tasting menus and wine parings; and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant embracing authentic Tuscan and Roman cuisine. With the Kitchen Table experience, guests have an immersive opportunity to shop, cook and eat with the Executive Chef.

While every cruise fare includes a guided excursion in each port, Viking’s optional excursion program is designed to provide guests with enriching experiences that go beyond the iconic and expected. Highlighted examples include:

• Cooking with a Countess, Venice, Italy – Countessa Lelia Passi welcomes Viking guests to her home, which has been in her family for hundreds of years. In the magnificent surroundings of this lavish palace, the countess and her teaching staff share with guests the secrets of Italian cooking.
• Sail & Swim the French Riviera, Toulon, France – Guests have the opportunity to try their hand at sailing a luxury sailboat on the Bay of Toulon. Weather permitting, the yacht will anchor in one of many small coves, where guests can relax with a drink or snack, or perhaps a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
• A Normandy Countryside Cheese & Brandy Tasting – In the village of Pont L’Évêque, savor a special Norman lunch amidst the Calvados barrels of Les Tonneaux du Père Magloire restaurant. After your meal, you will visit the cellars to learn how apples are transformed into the “eau de vie,” the water of life – Normandy’s favourite brandy.
• Fjord Safari to a Goat Cheese Farm, Flam, Norway – This tour provides the rare opportunity to experience Norway’s great outdoors by small boat and by hiking trail through a spectacular fjord – all rewarded with lunch at an authentic farm.
• Jerusalem & Bethlehem Private Tour – Guests have an opportunity to tailor their exploration of Jerusalem and Bethlehem to suit their personal interests with a private guide and transportation.

Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.