In an unusual break from my normal format of only reviewing cruise ships that I have actually been on I thought I would take this opportunity to look into the future.
Yesterday, 14 October 2013, I made a reservation for my wife and myself on Viking Cruises yet to be launched all-new, all-Veranda, Viking Star – the first cruise ship in the fleet of Viking Ocean Cruises – of which four are planned. The vessel is set to be delivered in 2015, while the second vessel is set to be delivered a year later. The company plans to add four more additional cruise liners to its fleet after the delivery of the first two vessels. Viking Star is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is due her maiden voyage in May 2015.
Set to be the first cruise ship with an infinity pool, Viking Cruises certainly appear to be raising the bar when it comes to 5* Plus cruising.
Deluxe veranda Stateroom
The Atrium Lobby
Atrium Lobby Lounge
The Restaurant
Aquavit Terrace
The Italian Grill – Speciality Restaurant
With just 930 passengers, all enjoying a private veranda for every stateroom, guests on Viking Star have a treat in store. From the retractable domed swimming pool midships to the ground breaking infinity pool cantilevered off the stern, Viking Star is brimming with new Ocean cruising innovations.
From included Shore Excursions to complimentary wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and from multiple dining venues to free wifi, Viking Cruises certainly look as though they mean business.
Launch offers currently available include a £500.00 per person early booking discount, a £100.00 per person past passenger discount, On Board Gratuities included when booked before 31 December 2013 and a guaranteed ‘no surcharge’.
Additionally there are no regional flight supplements from UK airports and Viking Cruises make no surcharge for payment by credit card.
It’s certainly worth a look…
http://www.vikingcruises.co.uk/oceans/
and I’m looking forward to ‘catching yet another Viking Maiden’…
( https://solentrichardscruiseblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/solent-richard-catches-a-viking-maiden/ )
Solent Richard's Cruise Blog 
Really enjoying your blog, plus loving ‘one way to do…..’ Great info… thank you!
One for us in the future for sure as always SR excellent photo’s, thanks.
Just found your blog and there are some great tips on your various blogs. I am booked on the September 2015 Venice to Istanbul cruise on Viking Star, which cruise are you on? I have been following the ship on Cruise Critic but it seems that is very US centric site, so it would be good to see comments in the future from a UK based cruiser/blogger.
Just discovered your blog and I am well impressed, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. I am booked on the Sept 2015 Viking Star departure from Venice to Istanbul, and I was wondering what cruise you are booked on during its maiden season?