Viking Sky, the third ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, has made its official debut in the latest new cruise ship to pass a milestone recently.
The Viking Sky has set sail on its inaugural voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona, after which it will offer itineraries throughout the Mediterranean before heading north to sail Scandinavian and Baltic cruises this summer. Then, the ship will cross the Atlantic and spend the rest of the year sailing itineraries in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Like its sibling ships, the Viking Star and Viking Sea, the all-veranda Viking Sky has 465 cabins and accommodates 930 passengers. Designed by the same team responsible for Viking's fleet of river-going Viking Longships, Viking's new ships incorporate details that pay homage to its Nordic heritage. A glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern offers unobstructed views; indoor-outdoor spaces offer options for al fresco dining; huge windows and skylights let in light; and a wrap-around promenade deck is available for strolling.
While onboard, guests enjoy talks from local experts and lecturers in The Theater. Dining options range from the World Café, which serves global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; to Mamsen's Norwegian-style deli. The Chef's Table celebrates cuisines from around the world with multi-course tasting menus and wine parings; and Manfredi's Italian Restaurant serves Tuscan and Roman cuisine. With the Kitchen Table experience, guests have an opportunity to shop, cook and eat with the Executive Chef.
Every cruise fare includes a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. 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.
Viking’s fourth ship, the Viking Sun, is set to be delivered in November and will spend its first season sailing the company’s first-ever World Cruise. In 2018, the Viking Spirit will join the fleet, sailing itineraries in Australia, Asia and Alaska. A sixth yet-to-be-named ship is slated for delivery in 2019, which Viking said will make it the largest small ship ocean cruise line.
Silver Muse Completes Sea Trials
The Viking Sky isn’t the only new cruise ship to pass a milestone. In luxury news, the Silver Muse, Silversea Cruises’ new flagship, has successfully completed its sea trials ahead of the ship’s formal christening in Monaco on April 19. The new sip underwent speed, vibration, noise, endurance and propulsion tests, passing all assessments.
Silver Muse will have 298 suites on board which can accommodate up to 596 guests. The ship will have the highest number of large suites (Silver, Royal, Grand and Owner's) in Silversea's fleet, as well as the highest number of connecting suites for families and friends. The line is increasing the number of Silver Suites to 34, making them available across the top deck. There will also be new two-bedroom Silver Suite configurations, each measuring 1,119 square feet. In all, suite options range from the Classic Veranda Suite, with 387 square feet of living space, to the two-bedroom Owner's Suite, an apartment suite offering 1,389 square feet of space.
In terms of dining, Silver Muse will have eight food and beverage venues, including an exclusive Relais & Châteaux restaurant. The other four restaurants Silversea has announced so far are Atlantide, a European-style dining and bar venue; La Terrazza, a Slow Food-inspired Italian à-la-carte restaurant; Hot Rocks, an outdoor interactive dining venue where fresh seafood and prime cuts are grilled at the table by each guest on a heated volcanic "hot rock" plate; and Regina Margherita, an open-air pizzeria.
During 2017, the ship will sail throughout Europe, Canada, North and South America as well as the Caribbean, visiting a total of 34 countries, 130 ports and 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Looking Ahead
For the rest of 2017, several more new cruise ships that will appeal to North American travelers are set to debut, two of which are from MSC Cruises. The MSC Meraviglia will sail in June, marking the first of the company’s new class of “next-generation smart ships.” Later, MSC will also launch the MSC Seaside, which will offer a notable number of outdoor spaces and will homeport year-round in Miami.
In April 2018, Carnival Horizon, the newest Vista-class ship from Carnival Cruise Line, will make its debut, sailing an inaugural season of Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona. After that it will reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day transatlantic crossing, arriving in New York May 23, 2018, after which it will sail a series of eight-day Caribbean cruises and four-day Bermuda cruises from the Big Apple. Starting September 22, 2018, the ship will close out the year sailing form Miami to destinations in the Caribbean.