Viking Ocean signs on for two new ships

Viking Ocean Cruises, sister company of Viking River Cruises, and shipbuilder Fincantieri have announced the signature of a Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of two new luxury ocean cruise ships. The memorandum also includes an option for a third vessel. In line with Viking’s intimate, destination-focused approach to cruising, the new ocean ships will be small by today’s standards at approximately 45,000 GRT and will host 998 passengers in 499 cabins. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2014, the second one in late 2015. The parties have 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. (http://www.vikingrivercruises.com)