Viking takes delivery of the Mars – Travel Weekly

Viking has taken delivery of the Viking Mars, the eighth ship in its class.

The 930-passenger, oceangoing ship is now on its way to Valletta, Malta, where it will officially be named on May 17 by its godmother, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon.

Like its sister ships in Viking's fleet of oceangoing ships, the Mars features all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design and a wellness center with a sauna and snow grotto. The Mars has two pools, including an infinity-edge pool off the stern.

The ship was designed by Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios and London-based SMC Design and built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

The Mars will sail itineraries in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The ship will reposition at the end of the year for Australia and New Zealand.

By the end of the year, Viking plans to launch an identical ocean ship, the Viking Neptune. The line will also release its second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, this year.

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Viking takes delivery of the Mars - Travel Weekly