I’m On A Cruise Ship With A Positive Covid
Viking’s rigorous health and safety protocols have paid off
Courtesy of Viking
This morning, I woke up in Seydisfjordur, Iceland, the fourth day of a seven-day cruise circumnavigating the island. As I took in the dramatic mountains flanking the fjord where our ship, the Viking Sky, had docked, prepping for a day of walking around the small town and an evening visit to the local geothermal baths, the cruise director came on over the intercom: “We are asking all passengers to remain on the ship until further notice.”
My husband and I exchanged a furtive glance. This cruise is part of Viking’s “Welcome Back” collection, the line’s return to sailing more than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic upended the travel industry, grinding cruises, in particular, to a halt. We felt confident setting sail with the cruise line’s rigorous health and safety protocols but knew that the threat of the virus still lingered. Was there now a COVID-19 case onboard our ship?
As we ate breakfast, life felt pretty normal. Of course, the ship was more crowded than usual since no one had disembarked, but passengers seemed calm, if not a little speculative. Pretty soon after, more information became available to us: indeed, our captain confirmed, there was one suspected positive COVID-19 case on board, and as such, the small town of Seydisfjordur did not want to let us disembark.
Viking: Our Norwegian Heritage
Centuries ago, the birth of the Viking Age gave rise to the Norwegian tradition of exploration. Today, Viking proudly carries on this tradition, providing a glimpse into the spirit of Norway with elegant ships built for discovery. Join Karine Hagen, Sr. Vice President of Viking, as she reveals Norwegian influences thoughtfully integrated throughout our ocean ships.
Questions Abound Regarding Engine Failure
Viking touts the “Viking difference” on its website:;”Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights.” Viking Sky is a;745-foot, 930-guest ship. With the crew, the cruise ship was;carrying 1,373 people;on its hapless voyage.;
But the size of the ship may matter;less than ship operations and what’s under the hood when it comes to safety.;
“Everyone is wondering what happened. We don’t have any answers yet,” Driscoll says regarding Viking Sky’s engine issues. “When someone evacuates, it’s usually because of a fire or water coming in through a hole, and none of those factors was apparent here.”
When asked how the four engines of the Viking Sky could go out at the same time, Jeffries, the Viking spokesman, said that a probe is underway.;”This is currently being investigated by us and the relevant authorities and at this stage, it is too early speculate.”
One of the Norwegian pilots on the;ship said Tuesday the weather;situation was made worse when the engine problems appeared, according to The Associated Press. The ship was caught amid wind gusts up to 43 mph;and waves over 26 feet.;
Inge Lockert told the Vesteraalen newspaper that “everything went as it should until we got engine problems.” ;
“It was a very big team effort,” he told the news outlet.;”When we got the engine running again, we realized we were going to save ourselves.”
Passengers universally hailed the crew’s efforts.;
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The Following Monthly Cruise Ship Calendar Is Updated
A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by cruiseline.com. In july 2018 travel + leisure. Since viking ocean cruises launched its first ocean ship in 2015, the fabled cruise line has won a slew of awards. Classified by cruise critic as small ships, the fleet features understated elegance and. Take the viking sun’s ultimate world cruise.
You can enroll in a bevy of. Find a cruise onboard the viking sun cruise ship with cruise direct. Inspired by the trade routes of vikings, the explorers’ lounge is the ideal place for guests to share their discoveries over an aquavit or a craft beer while sampling fine scandinavian fare. A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by cruiseline.com.
Viking cruises bills the journey as the ultimate world cruise. The live ship tracker below will display viking sun’s current position, recent track, speed, course, next port destination and more. Each identical sister ship carries only 930 guests and is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. Viking ocean cruises debuted viking sun, its fourth ocean cruise ship, in october 2017.
The sisterships are named viking star , viking sea , viking sky and viking orion , viking jupiter , tellus and venus , neptune and mars . Since viking ocean cruises launched its first ocean ship in 2015, the fabled cruise line has won a slew of awards. Find viking sun cruise ship information and rates on icruise.com. You can enroll in a bevy of.
Top 10 Reasons To Reserve A Viking Ocean Suite
Our award-winning Viking ocean fleet not only provides serene Scandinavian spaces, but also the first-ever true suitessome of the largest at sea. When you reserve a Viking Suite, you enjoy added benefits, from more space and comfort to early check-in and priority reservations. Learn more about what the Viking Suite Collection has to offer.
Our spacious Scandinavian-inspired Penthouse Verandas are 25% larger than our Veranda Staterooms, with ample amenities to enhance your voyage. A welcome bottle of champagne, stocked mini-bar, plush linens and more are also included.
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Night Northern Europe Cruise
Where is the viking sky cruise ship now. Please click on the ship name to see the current ships position in a map and additional information. The live ship tracker below will display Viking Stars current position recent track speed course next port destination and more. The following monthly cruise ship calendar is updated frequently using the latest official itineraries released by Viking.
View Viking Skys current position location recent track speed direction next port destination and more on this live interactive ship tracking map. Viking Skys understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design can only be rated in the most superior and top-quality category among cruise ships. The AIS position was reported 53 minutes ago.
The ship docks close to port towns and cities and with a maximum of 930 guests lost time waiting for shore excursions is minimal. Viking Sky current position is at coordinates 6497143 N -2465628 W en route to ISAFJORDUR ICELAND. The 47800 DWT cruise ship on its 12th day trip from Bergen Norway to last port of call Tilbury in the Lo.
Another Viking ocean cruise ship has welcomed passengers back onboard. The Norwegian heritage of the ship is evident with the light wood grains throughout that show their natural beauty. Enter the cruise ship name or cruise line name in.
Viking Orion Naming Ceremony
June 14, 2018. Amid a spectacular celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our fifth ocean vessel was officially named in Livorno, Italy. The ships godmother, retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Oriona naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Broaden your horizons with retired NASA astronaut and godmother of Viking Orion, Dr. Anna Lee Fisher, as she shares her insights about exploring our magnificent worldand the vast space beyond.
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Travel + Leisure: Viking’s 2022 World Cruise Sold Out So Quickly It’s Offering 2 In 2023
August 27, 2021 For the first time ever, Viking will operate two world cruises within one year, due to increased demand for longer-term travel. The 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise will sail aboard two different ships, both setting sail on identical itineraries from Fort Lauderdale and leaving within days of each other. The announcement comes after both Viking’s 2021 and 2022 world cruises sold out in record time.
A Vaccinated Passenger Tested Positive For Covid
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On July 10, I boarded one of the earliest Nordic sailings open to vaccinated Americans. A new itinerary from Viking Cruises, it’s an eight-day circumnavigation of the island nation, running clockwise from Reykjavík. Short on time, most visitors to Iceland head straight for the Blue Lagoon or heavily touristed Golden Circle. This voyage, by contrast, ports in lesser-trafficked idylls like the spectacular Westfjords and small fishing villages dotting the the east coast. My options for shore excursions included glacier treks and ATV rides through surreal volcanic landscapes. It had all the makings of a memorable tripjust not for the reasons I expected.
I was nervous about cruising after 16 months of a largely self-imposed lockdown, but eager to dip my toe back into international waters. I was also impressed by the health and safety measures Viking had instituted since pausing its operations more than a year earlier. In addition to requiring all guests and crew be fully vaccinated before setting foot on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky, the cruise line implemented a robust contact tracing system, daily PCR testing in a dedicated en-ship laboratory, new ventilation technology and a UVC disinfection robot, plus mask mandates and other social distancing protocols . Without those precautions in place, I wouldnt have even considered traveling on a cruise ship during a global pandemic.
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Viking Announces Parallel 2023
Viking today announced its new 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise, which will span 138 days, 28 countries and 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.
As a result of strong demand among guests, with the 2021 and 2022 World Cruises selling out in record time, according to a press release, Viking for the first time will offer a choice of two departure dates for this extended voyage.
Guests can pick from the Viking Sky, which will depart on December 20, 2023, from Ft. Lauderdale or the new Viking Neptune, which will depart Ft. Lauderdale on December 23, 2023; both ships will sail the identical itinerary in parallel.
From Florida, guests on the 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise will journey to Central America, before transiting the Panama Canal and sailing up the West Coast of North America. A shorter 121-day Viking World Journeys itinerary is also available, allowing guests to join in Los Angeles and cross the Pacific Ocean to call in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, before exploring ports of call in Asia and the Middle East. Finally, the ships will journey through the Mediterranean and conclude the voyage in London.;
Vikings newest; itinerary visits dozens of the worlds most iconic cities, alongside lesser-known destinations, in one continuous itinerary, according to a press release.
Overnight stays in 11 ports, such as Sydney, Haifa, and Istanbul, and double overnights in Auckland, Bali, Ho Chi Minh, Yangon, and Mumbai allow guests to explore.
Is It Safe To Cruise Now
20/07/2021
With cruises slowly resuming from various departure ports around the world, we have been fortunate to sail on three voyages with three different cruise lines so far. Of course, one of the biggest questions we have been getting is Is it safe to cruise right now?.With different departure ports and cruise lines, we have experienced a variety of situations and health protocols. So, we want to share our honest experiences to help you decide whether you should begin cruising again soon.Is It Safe to Cruise Right Now?;Vaccination RequirementsAll of our cruises have had a vaccination requirement for adults 16+. Thus, one ship had 100% of passengers vaccinated, another 98%, and one 94% of passengers all receiving two doses of the vaccine at least two weeks prior to the sail dates.This vaccination requirement for all adults made us feel very safe. At this time, we would only sail with a cruise line that has such a requirement.All crew have been vaccinated as well. Though, Vikings staff members have only received one dose so far.
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Viking Orion Float Out
September 28, 2017. The 930-guest Viking Orionthe fifth Viking ocean shiptouches water for the first time during its Float Out. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher, the ships godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.
June 22, 2017. Viking Sky, the third elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened in Tromsø, Norway, a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lightsand a key port of call on our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary.
December 15, 2016. The 930-guest Viking Sunthe fourth Viking ocean shiptouches water for the first time during its Float Out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona.
May 5, 2016. Viking Sea, the second elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened by Karine amid the rich maritime heritage of Greenwich, the historic borough of London on the Thames.
How many eggs are cracked in a week on board Viking Star? How many books are in her Library? From available spa treatments to self-serve launderettes, the numbers might surprise you.
June 25, 2015. The 930-guest Viking Seathe second Viking ocean shiptouches water for the first time during its Float Out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
May 17, 2015. Thousands celebrating Norways Constitution Day gathered along Bergens waterfront for Viking Stars Christening Ceremony, a first-of-its-kind floating concert and brilliant fireworks show.
Viking Jupiter Naming Ceremony
January 15, 2020. Amid a festive celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our sixth ocean vessel was officially named in Los Angeles, California. The ships godmother, world-renowned Norwegian soprano and crossover singer Sissel, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Jupitera naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.
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The Best Where Is The Viking Sun Cruise Ship Now Listen Here
Where Is The Viking Sun Cruise Ship Now . This is the first with viking. Viking cruises bills the journey as the ultimate world cruise. Viking sun and viking helvetia both feature a stunning library. The sisterships are named viking star , viking sea , viking sky and viking orion , viking jupiter , tellus and venus , neptune and mars . In july 2018 travel + leisure. is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry two months will be set aside for exploring south america before calling on the remote tropical islands of the south pacific. Earn 60,000 100,000 membership rewards points. , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. Cruise on the viking sun to worldwide destinations, including world cruises. The ship started to drift towards land in the norwegian sea near hustadvika.
Viking Sun Naming Ceremony
March 8, 2018. During the inaugural 2018 Viking World Cruise, our fourth ocean vessel is officially named on Shanghais historic Bund. Viking Suns stop in Shanghai marks the first time a Viking ocean ship has called in China, and the first time a cruise ship is named on the Bund.
Expand your horizons on an elegant Viking ship thoughtfully designed by experienced nautical architects and designers to bring you closer to your destination in every way.
If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambience, more time in each port and an inclusive experience with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, join Viking.
Viking Star and her sister ships feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, a hydrodynamically optimized streamlined hull for maximum fuel efficiency and equipment that limits exhaust.
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What Its Like On Viking Ocean Cruises Right Now
Of the 3 cruises weve taken so far, Viking certainly has the most health and safety protocols in place. This is partly due to the fact that not all crew onboard have received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose yet.
Along with wearing masks when moving about the ship, we also need to complete daily temperature checks and submit daily saliva samples for PCR testing.;
Further, there is social distancing in many of the public venues, with the dining rooms and theater being exceptions. Despite such measures, we have not had issues getting seats.
Viking also provides all guests with a contact tracing device. Cruises need to wear this at all times when moving about the ship and on shore excursions. This device records data when travelers come in contact with one another for more than 15 minutes.
We do believe that there needs to be some measures in place for travel and cruising to resume safely. Although, a daily saliva sample and the contact tracing devices do feel like a little overkill to us, given that all passengers are fully vaccinated.;
Still, these minor changes have not impacted our cruise experience in any way. Cruisers are being compliant with these health and safety measures, while Viking is allowing us to explore the world in comfort once again.
The food has been top notch as well, with just the right amount of variety for quick service options, casual snacks, and exquisite three course meals in the main dining room and specialty restaurants.
Viking Sky Hull Transport To Ancona
Ready for her next stage of construction, Viking Skys hull is towed from Venice to our Ancona, Italy shipyard, where engineers guide her into place next to her sister ship Viking Sea.
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Ready for her next stage of construction, Viking Skys hull is towed from Venice to our Ancona, Italy shipyard, where engineers guide her into place next to her sister ship Viking Sea.
Explore the Scandinavian designed spaces of our award-winning ocean and river ships with our engaging 360° ship tours, which allow you to step into the heart of our vessels virtually from the comfort of home.
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