First-ever Viking Ocean Cruises ship passes sea trials

The first ship ever to sail for Viking Ocean Cruises has passed a week-long working test of its marine systems at sea.

Viking Star will be the first of three ships to sail for the new cruise line when it makes its debut, scheduled for April 11 in Istanbul.

The 930-passenger ship underwent sea trials in the Adriatic in mid-December. It is being built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its yard in Venice, where it returned for final outfitting after the trials were over.

In addition to testing its engines, steering, maneuverability, safety systems, communications, propeller shafts and navigation system, the sea trials also measure cabin acoustics and vibration scenarios. In all, more than 80 tests are performed.

"This was a major milestone for Viking Star, and we are proud to be another step closer to launch," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises.

Two similar ships are scheduled for delivery in 2016. In addition to the cruise ships, Viking operates more than 60 river cruise vessels.

A VIDEO about the sea trials is posted at Viking's website. For a first look at the new ship, click through the carousel below.

Tom Stieghorst covers cruises at Travel Weekly magazine.