Viking Ocean Cruises, which two weeks ago pulled an order for ocean-going cruise ships from a French shipyard, now plans to build the ships at the Italian yard Fincantieri. The two companies signed a memorandum of agreement that calls for the construction of two new ocean cruise ships, with an option for a third vessel, for the new sister company to Viking River Cruises. It has not been determined whether the vessels will be built in the company’s Venice or Genoa shipyards.
The 45,000-ton, 998-passenger ships are scheduled for delivery in late 2014 and late 2015. A Viking press release said the parties reached an agreement on the financial and technical aspects of the deal and expect to sign the contract shortly, once the final documents and conditions are finalized. Some reports said Viking’s previous agreement with STX shipyard fell apart because of financing problems at the shipyard.
For Viking Chairman Tor Hagen, who formerly headed up Royal Viking Line before launching Viking River Cruises, the move represents a return to ocean cruising. He promises ships with a number of surprises that will be positioned in the upper premium market and will sail in the Mediterranean and the Baltic.
“We started Viking River Cruises to offer great destination experiences, and we are excited to bring this same destination focus back to ocean cruising,” Hagen said. “The ship designed by Fincantieri has a fresh and innovative design well suited to deliver the award-winning Viking experience."
Viking, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, is introducing six new river vessels this year and six more next year.