Viking aims for stars with newest ship
Orion sure to delight skywatchers with Explorers Dome, a high-resolution planetarium at sea
I recently sailed aboard Viking Cruises’ fifth ocean-going cruise ship, the 930-guest Viking Orion, on her maiden voyage from Rome to Barcelona. She was christened in a spectacular ceremony in Livorno, Italy by Dr. Anna Fisher, a chemist, emergency room physician and former NASA astronaut who became the first mother in space during a 1984 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Viking Orion’s name is more than skin-deep: the ship is largely identical to Viking’s other ocean-going ships, Viking Star, Sea, Sky and Sun, with a few notable exceptions.
New to the ship is the Explorers’ Dome, a new installation on the upper level of the forward-facing Explorers’ Lounge that acts as the highest-resolution planetarium at sea. Capable of showcasing innovative films (those presented on my voyage included a program on space narrated by Patrick Stewart and a spectacular film on the Northern Lights), the Dome can also showcase video and imagery brought back from Viking Orion’s very own on-board telescope.
The ship will also feature an on-board Viking astronomer for the duration of its maiden season in the Mediterranean, in addition to the on-board Viking historians and guest lecturers that the line sprinkles liberally throughout its heavily destination-based itineraries.
“Today is a proud day for the entire Viking family. Just three years ago we launched our first ocean ship, and now we are welcoming our fifth ship, whose name was selected to honour both the original Viking explorers who used the constellations for long-distance navigation, as well as the great space explorers of our time,” said Viking Cruises chairman, Torstein Hagen. “We are grateful for Dr. Fisher’s many contributions to the scientific community, and we are humbled that she is godmother to Viking Orion.”
After six days on board cruising around the Med, I was pleased to find that Viking hasn’t tinkered with its winning formula. The line is unapologetic of what you won’t find on board, like casinos, photographers, art auctions, and other distractions. Viking is also staunchly geared to adults, focused more on books (Viking Orion may be the world’s greatest floating library), lectures and soothing enrichment like nightly music throughout the ship.
As on its river cruises, Viking offers guests beer, wine and soft drinks for no additional charge, and one free shore excursion in each port of call.
If you’re put off by the look (and crowds) of the newest megaships, Viking Orion offers up a welcome change of pace.