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Open For Bookings: Nearly All-Inclusive, Viking Ocean Cruises’ New Viking Star

Ralph Grizzle

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises, presents
Last week, from the International Ballroom at The Beverly Hilton, Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, told media and top travel agents that cruises on Viking Star will cost 38 percent less than similar cruises in the ship’s competitive set. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

THE BEVERLY HILTON, BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA — Perhaps the biggest surprise announced last week during the Viking Ocean Cruises’ reveal: lead-in per diems at just under $300 per person with included WiFi, an included tour in each port of call, overnight stays in embarkation and disembarkation ports, and complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

The new Viking Star’s 15-day cruises between Bergen and Stockholm, on sale now, go for $4,499 per person for accommodations in a 270-square-foot Veranda Suite, featuring a king-sized bed, a sitting area, an expansive balcony, and a large bathroom with a shower spacious enough to bathe in “without touching any of the walls,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises, and, as of last night, Viking Ocean Cruises.

In developing the concept for Viking’s ocean product, Hagen wanted a no-nonsense ship that delivered in seven key areas:

  • The destination will be key to the experience
  • Small ship, but at a great value
  • Designed for comfort, function and understated elegance
  • Great food, locally inspired
  • Culturally enriching shore excursions and onboard programs
  • No nickel and dime’ing
  • Don’t be everything to everybody

There will be no casino, no charge for speciality restaurants, no formal nights — and no ties. The vessel will carry 928 passengers, all double occupancy veranda staterooms (in several categories and some suites), not family friendly but appealing to “explorers” ages 55 and up.

Speaking from the same stage where the Golden Globe Awards ceremony is presented annually, Hagen displayed renderings to media and some of the nation’s top cruise sellers that showed Viking Star to be innovative — with sliding windows that open in the main dining room for al fresco dining, a spa that features a sauna and snow room, a forward-facing two-level Explorer’s Lounge, an infinity pool with an aft glass wall exposed to the sea, and much more.

Viking Star begins service in 2015.

More from my site

  • Viking Star Revealed, Our Firsthand ReportViking Star Revealed, Our Firsthand Report
  • Viking Cruises Announces New PCR Testing FacilityViking Cruises Announces New PCR Testing Facility
  • A Big Win For Viking Ocean CruisesA Big Win For Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Cruising with Viking Ocean: Conclusion of Our 32-Day Hosted French Polynesia VoyageCruising with Viking Ocean: Conclusion of Our 32-Day Hosted French Polynesia Voyage

Ship Reviews, Viking Cruise Reviews, Viking Ocean Cruise Reviews Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Star

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
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