Viking Orion

The 2018-built MS Viking Orion cruise ship (formerly “Viking Spirit”) is the 5th vessel in a series of identical ships built for Viking Ocean Cruises. Viking OCEAN’s long-term plan includes a fleet of 16 sisterships, all built by Fincantieri and Norway-flagged.

The vessel (IMO number 9796250) is currently Norway-flagged (MMSI 257034130) and registered in Bergen.

History - construction and ownership

The 930-passenger Viking Orion offers destination-focused cruising, featuring fewer sea days, extended port stays, and more overnight calls in key destinations. Included onboard amenities feature complimentary Wi-Fi, free shore excursions, and beer and wine served with lunch and dinner at no extra charge.

Each Viking Ocean ship offers a wide range of fare-inclusive amenities and services, including shore excursions, transfers, Wi-Fi, beer and wine (served at lunch and dinner), and access to the Nordic Spa (steam room, thalassotherapy pool, hot tub, snow grotto, sauna, and cold plunge pool). The aft infinity pool (a resistance pool located on Deck 7) is another signature complimentary facility.

All Viking Ocean ships are built in compliance with the latest maritime safety and navigation regulations and are equipped with advanced safety systems, including “Safe Return to Port.” The vessels also incorporate modern technologies such as energy-efficient hybrid propulsion systems (diesel generators combined with gas turbines), optimized hull forms, and bulbous bows for improved fuel efficiency. The design also integrates solar panels (installed on the Magradome pool cover), reducing overall emissions.

Decks and Cabins

Viking Orion staterooms (465 total) include 47 Suites, 32 Penthouse cabins, and 386 Veranda/Balcony cabins across 18 categories.

All passenger cabins feature private verandas and offer modern amenities, including king-size beds (“Viking Explorer” with deluxe mattresses and linens, cashmere blankets), en-suite bathrooms (heated floor and mirror, glass-door shower, hairdryer, premium bath products by Freyja, bathrobes, slippers, towel warmers), seating area (sofa, coffee table, vanity desk with chair, wardrobe, full-length illuminated mirror), satellite phone, smart HDTV (3D infotainment/interactive TV system with Internet access, room service ordering, movies on demand, live webcam views, Viking Cruises channel), in-room binoculars, electronic safe, individual air-conditioning, coffee machine, and a mini-bar (replenished daily with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks).

The ship has 10 decks, 6 of which accommodate passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Viking Orion offers the following dining venues: the main Restaurant (dining room), buffet venues (Viking Deli and World Cafe), Aquavit Terrace (alfresco dining), specialty restaurants (Italian Grill and Chef’s Table), and two Private Dining rooms. Viking Ocean cruise fares include shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and selected beverages (beer and wine at lunch and dinner).

Viking OCEAN’s Orion features signature facilities such as two swimming pools (Main Pool and aft Infinity Pool), a covered pool deck (with Jacuzzi, Bar & Grill), the Viking Living Room (Atrium Lobby Lounge), two cinemas, a modern wellness complex (Spa & Fitness Center and Beauty Salon), the Wintergarden (poolside relaxation area), Aquavit Terrace (aft outdoor bar lounge with Infinity Pool and hot tub), the Torshavn Piano Bar, a dedicated sports deck (Deck 9 with a walking track and outdoor gym/yoga area), Theatre Lounge & Bar, Lobby Bar, and a selection of shops and boutiques.

The wraparound Lanai/Promenade Deck (Deck 2) fully encircles the ship. The two-deck Explorer’s Lounge features a large forward-facing observation area, a rare feature on modern cruise ships. Many onboard spaces are designed to reflect a boutique hotel ambiance.

All Viking Ocean ships include a “Snow Grotto,” a spa facility where fine snow falls from the ceiling. This experience (believed to support blood circulation) typically involves warming in a sauna or steam room before entering the snow room, which features stone walls illuminated with blue light and sub-freezing floor temperatures. The thermal suite also includes a hot tub, sauna, heated loungers, experiential showers, and a saltwater thermal pool. Access to the Snow Grotto is complimentary for all guests.

The Dome planetarium

MS Viking Orion is the world’s second cruise ship (after Cunard’s liner RMS Queen Mary 2) to feature an onboard planetarium. Another Viking OCEAN ship with this facility is Viking Jupiter.

Named “Explorers’ Dome,” this theater-style venue is circular, with a capacity of 26 seats, and is located forward on Deck 8, facing the Explorers Lounge. It uses advanced projection technology to display constellations and other space-related 3D content on its domed ceiling.

• Resolution quality is 7K HD. The Dome’s equipment includes five laser-beam projectors and studio-quality speakers with both 2D and 3D sound options.
• Signature shows include “Journey to Space” (space travel history-themed) and “Under the Arctic Sky” (Northern Lights-themed). The Dome and its programming are complimentary, and 3D glasses are provided free of charge.
• The ship’s resident astronomer (in addition to a resident historian) delivers two lectures per cruise, focusing on current sky events and topics based on passenger interest.
• In 2018, Viking Cruises partnered with the US-based company “Evans and Sutherland,” a developer of advanced computer graphics for digital planetariums and cinemas, and distributor of one of the world’s largest full-dome content libraries. The company also provides access to live feeds, including from the International Space Station and current space missions.

The ship also features a portable, electronically stabilized telescope that provides live night-sky views projected in The Dome. The telescope is typically positioned forward on Deck 9. The onboard astronomer also organizes outdoor stargazing sessions.

Itineraries

Viking Orion’s itinerary program includes Around the World cruises and Alaska itineraries (during summer seasons).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, Viking Ocean resumed passenger operations in summer 2021 with Viking Venus (“England’s Scenic Shores” UK coastal itinerary roundtrip from Liverpool and Portsmouth, starting May 22), Viking Sky (“Iceland’s Natural Beauty” 8-day itinerary roundtrip from Reykjavik, starting June 26), and Viking Orion (“Bermuda Escape” 8-day itinerary roundtrip from Hamilton, starting June 15). These voyages were initially available for booking to UK residents only.

All Viking OCEAN ships offer destination-focused itineraries with fewer sea days and longer port stays, often including overnight calls to enhance the travel experience.

The vessel (Fincantieri Ancona yard/hull number 6253) has a volume of 47,861 GT (gross tonnage), DWT (deadweight tonnage) of 4,798 tons, and a maximum draft of 6.3 m. The powerplant is based on MAN marine diesel engines (models 12V32/9L32/44) with a combined output of 23.52 MW (22,000 hp). The registered shipowner is VIKING OCEAN CRUISES SHIP V (formerly SEA 33 LEASING CO LTD), while the registered manager is VIKING OCEAN CRUISES LTD.

Viking OCEAN offers destination-rich itineraries featuring the brand’s “small ship cruise” concept and onboard experience. Compared to similar-class ships operated by other lines, Viking Ocean itineraries include fewer sea days and longer port stays, often with overnight calls.

Among the vessel’s innovative marine technologies are energy-efficient hybrid engines, top-deck solar panels, and an exhaust system designed to minimize emissions. The ship also uses seawater as a lubricant for its propeller shaft bearings. This technology reduces maintenance costs and minimizes the risk of pollution. Instead of biodegradable oils, seawater is used and discharged directly into the ocean.

Viking OCEAN ships represent a “small ship” concept. The relatively shallow draft (21 ft / 6.3 m), combined with advanced hull and superstructure design, allows access to smaller ports. The ship’s size also ensures faster and more efficient passenger embarkation and debarkation. Another distinctive feature of Viking’s “affordable luxury” offering is that all cruise fares include shore excursions in every port of call, regardless of cabin category.

All passenger cabins feature private verandas and are approximately 20% larger than standard staterooms in the ocean cruise market. A notable onboard feature is the main dining room, which can be transformed into an open-air casual dining venue via floor-to-ceiling sliding windows.

Interior design for Viking OCEAN ships was developed by SMC Design (London-based interior design company) and Rottet Studios (Los Angeles-based hotel design company). Viking Cruises packages (both river and ocean) are all-inclusive, covering shore excursions (land tours), onboard entertainment, dining (including specialty restaurants), selected beverages (beer and wine at lunch and dinner), 24-hour room service, and Wi-Fi.

On February 15, 2017, the official keel-laying ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona Italy, marking the start of construction. During the ceremony, a 280-ton block (11 m long and 29 m wide) was lifted into position by crane. On October 4, 2017, Viking Ocean announced the name of its fifth ship (previously “Viking Spirit”) as “MV Viking Orion.” The vessel’s namesake is the Lindblad-owned ship National Geographic Orion (launched in 2003).

Fincantieri delivered the vessel on June 7, 2018, in Ancona. The christening ceremony took place on June 14 in Livorno. The ship’s godmother is Anna Lee Fisher (former NASA astronaut, chemist, and emergency physician). The naming ceremony was attended by Torstein Hagen (Chairman) and Karine Hagen (Senior Vice President) of Viking Cruises. The event featured a themed presentation inspired by Orion mythology, live performances by Swedish musicians, a jetpack demonstration around the ship, and a fireworks display.

As of June 2018, Viking Orion (yard/hull number 6253) was Fincantieri’s 84th cruise ship built since 1990.

Inaugural itineraries 2018-2019

Viking Orion’s inaugural cruise was scheduled for July 8, 2018 (7-day Mediterranean itinerary from Rome to Barcelona). The following tables show the maiden voyages and world cruises (2018–2019), including ports of call and arrival/departure dates.

6 nights / 7 days “Inaugural cruise” (2018 maiden voyage) from Rome-Civitavecchia to Barcelona (prices starting from USD 3,600 per person)

6 nights / 7 days repositioning cruise from Rome to Venice (prices starting from USD 3,600 per person)

7 nights / 8 days repositioning cruise from Venice to Athens (prices starting from USD 3,600 per person)

62 nights / 63 days “World Cruise 2018” from Europe to Asia (Athens-Piraeus to Tianjin, China; prices starting from USD 24,800 per person)

13 nights / 14 days inaugural cruise from China (Tianjin to Hong Kong; prices starting from USD 5,800 per person)

28 nights / 29 days repositioning cruise from Asia to Australia (Laem Chabang/Bangkok to Sydney; prices starting from USD 9,100 per person)

13 nights / 14 days inaugural cruise from Australia to New Zealand (Sydney to Auckland; prices starting from USD 6,000 per person)

Godspeed!