by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 11:57 AM ET, Wed September 27, 2017
Viking Cruises' expansion from the rivers of the world to the seas continues.
The company recently took delivery of the Viking Sun, its fourth vessel for the Viking Ocean Cruises brand. The ship was ceremonially handed off from the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
"As we celebrate two decades of helping guests travel the world in comfort, this year also marks one of significant growth," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, in a press release.
"We are pleased that with the delivery of Viking Sun. We now have four small ships, each carrying only 930 guests. With the continued expansion of our offerings, we look forward to bringing guests to more destinations around the world and introducing them to the Viking way of exploration."
The Sun's inaugural voyage will embark on October 4 from Venice, Italy to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In November, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean to sail its fall voyages before heading out on the line's very first world cruise on December 15.
The 141-day world cruise will consist of 35 countries and 66 ports of call, ending in London on May 5, 2018. In 2019, the ship will again depart on a second 128-day world cruise, visiting five continents, 21 countries and 44 ports, 10 featuring overnights.
Like its Viking Star, Viking Sea and Viking Sky sister-ships, the Viking Sun measures in at 47,800 tons to accommodate 930 guests in 465 staterooms. Each are nearly identical, highlighting the same features for fleet consistency no matter where the vessels sail.
It's first ships have merited the cruise line the distinction of being named the number one ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure's 2016 and 2017 "World's Best" Awards.
Further differentiating itself is the all-inclusive nature carried over from the rivers. Impressively bundled in cruise fares are a free shore excursion in every port, house beers and wines with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi internet access and more.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Viking Ocean Cruises Announces Second World Cruise[/READMORE]
Standout onboard features include all-veranda accommodations, a complimentary LivNordic Spa thermal suite, infinity pool, double-decker Explorers' Lounge observation venue and fine dining from The Restaurant to The Kitchen Table.
Four more Viking sister-ships are scheduled to launch through 2022 beginning with the next Viking Spiritand another two new-build options are also expected. With at least eight ships and potentially a fleet of ten, Viking will have the means to cover most regions of the globe with small ships that can access remote areas.
U.S. residents ready to book now through September 31, 2017 can take advantage of 2-for-1 rates on certain 2017 to 2019 sailings, as well as up to free airfare on select voyages.
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