Viking Cruises is hitting the high seas with the launch of a new ocean cruise line, Viking Ocean Cruises. The debut marks the introduction of the travel industry’s first new cruise line in nearly a decade.

Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises will begin sailing in May 2015 with its first vessel — Viking Star — embarking on maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.  Viking Cruises has aggressive expansion plans in both the ocean and river cruise categories, with a second ocean ship on order for delivery in 2016 and conditional orders and options for four more additional ocean vessels. The ocean ship order follows the company’s continued fleet expansion in the river cruise sector.

“With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman, Viking Cruises.

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