Viking ocean liner to winter in Mediterranean

Viking ocean liner to winter in Mediterranean

By Tom Stieghorst
Viking Cruises said its first ocean-cruising ship, Viking Star, will stay in the Mediterranean for the winter season of 2015-16.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is constructing the ship, which is scheduled to enter service in May 2015. Viking had announced a limited number of maiden voyages, which are nearly sold out, according to the company.The winter cruises will be eight-day sailings between Barcelona and Rome, or 15-day roundtrip cruises from Barcelona.

Hapag Lloyd takes delivery of new cruise ship

Hapag Lloyd takes delivery of new cruise ship

By Tom Stieghorst
The Europa 2 was transferred from the STX France shipyard to Hapag Lloyd Cruises, which will sail the new ship in the Mediterranean this summer.

The 516-passenger Europa 2 is the first newbuild for the luxury German operator in over a decade.

The $360 million cruise ship will be christened in Hamburg on May 10 and sail a 14-day maiden voyage to Lisbon.