The vessels will be delivered in spring 2014 and spring 2015, respectively, and will be part of Viking's new Ocean Cruise brand. An option for a third ship is being considered.

The vessels will be operated primarily in Mediterranean and be dedicated mainly to Viking's US, British and Australian customers.

The vessels will have a length of 230m and a width of 26.5m. Passenger capacity will be 888 passengers in 444 cabins with 444 crew members.

The contract will represent about 2.5 million man-hours. Construction is expected to start in mid-September 2012 for the first vessel and in mid-September 2013 for the second vessel. The contract is subject to financing.

Well known as the world's leading river cruise company Viking ranks as an upscale owner. Viking River Cruise currently operates a fleet of 23 river vessels, and has 8 river cruise vessels under construction. River cruising is destination oriented and the two ocean going vessels will similarly be designed with destination cruising in mind.

"We are proud to have been selected by Viking to build their new series of ships and delighted to contribute to their expansion into a new market," said Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of STX France.

Source: Cruise Industry News

I have to say it's nice to see a few smaller cruise ships being built. It should be interesting to see how they turn out.

Turns out that Torstein Hagen who launched Viking River Cruises was also the CEO
and President of Royal Viking Line. Interesting connection huh?

Might we see some aspects of Royal Viking Line resurrected in the form of Viking
Ocean Cruises? I guess time will tell.

It is reported on another board that these new ships will have a gross tonnage
of 41,000. That would give them a space ratio of 46.2, better than the R-Class
ships and certainly in the ultra-premium category.

Well, a very bad news for STX France there.

[ 04-05-2012: Message edited by: Vaccaro ]

quote:

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‘The project is still active,’ Viking chairman Torstein Hagen told Seatrade Insider, though he declined further comment.

‘STX France has been informed by Viking River Cruises that they have decided to withdraw from further discussions concerning the previously announced project for two luxury cruise vessels,’ the company said in a statement.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Daniel Capella:
They could even have a nice look, I never have stepped onboard of one of these ships. But the Finantieri ships that I know, like the Costa ones, are falling in pieces. Last month, I was invited to board the Fortuna to one presentation about the new season here, in South America, and the first thing that I noted, besides the terrible decoration of Joe Farcus, was that the chair, that I was sitting was with the arm of the chair was loose. Not to mention the endless useless decorative elements of the walls of the solarium for example, that had fallen or were falling...

It may be lack of maintenance, but may not to.

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Daniel,

it could be maintenance and it could be the owner's contract specs for materials. Remember, the yard only builds and delivers the finished product the owner specifies.

From my own personal experience, Fincantieri built a top-notch ship with Marina when I was at PCH/Oceania. Materials and finish were top notch.

quote:

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Originally posted by Tim in Memphis:

Daniel,

it could be maintenance and it could be the owner's contract specs for materials. Remember, the yard only builds and delivers the finished product the owner specifies.

From my own personal experience, Fincantieri built a top-notch ship with Marina when I was at PCH/Oceania. Materials and finish were top notch.

Tim

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quote:

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Originally posted by Daniel Capella:
Last month, I was invited to board the Fortuna to one presentation about the new season here, in South America, and the first thing that I noted, besides the terrible decoration of Joe Farcus, was that the chair, that I was sitting was with the arm of the chair was loose. Not to mention the endless useless decorative elements of the walls of the solarium for example, that had fallen or were falling...

It may be lack of maintenance, but may not to.

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Likely a combination of hard use and lack of maintenance. Those ships are run very hard, i.e. lots of people and lots of "action" plus they get little care/upkeep. Plus as Tim was saying if the owner selected certain materials that can not stand up to the wear and tear then that's what you get, a ship that looks like it has been through the waves.

The Italians have also turned out some very high quality ships even in the large size. Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth for example. Not heard the same reports that they are falling apart but it could also be that at that price point Cunard just does a lot of maintenance to keep their ships looking good.

[ 04-10-2012: Message edited by: SSTRAVELER ]

But really, thinking in another way, to be hired by Oceania and Ponant for example, they must also have the better finishes.

Thank you for the information guys.

[ 04-10-2012: Message edited by: Daniel Capella ]