Viking Star accidents and incidents

02 November 2020Structural and Technical Issues

On November 2, 2020, MS Viking Star became the world's first cruise vessel with an onboard PCR laboratory (polymerase chain reaction method based on DNA sampling). The facility enables Viking Cruises to conduct full capacity PCR testing (daily of all passengers and crew) with a non-invasive saliva test.

February 2019Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

In February 2019, CDC reported that on voyage February 7 through 14, a Norovirus outbreak affected a total of 36 passengers (out of 904, or 4%) and 1 crew (out of 461, or 0,22%). Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhoea.

The incident occurred during 7-day "Cultural Cuba" cruise roundtrip from homeport Miami Florida and visiting Cienfuegos (Feb 9-11 / 2 overnights) and Santiago de Cuba (Feb 12).

December 2018Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

In January 2019, CDC reported that during itinerary December 13 through January 3 (2019), a GI illness (Rotavirus) outbreak affected 28 passengers (out of 917, or 3,05%) and 5 crew (out of 449, or 1,11%). Rotavirus is a contagious virus causing gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Its symptoms are similar to Norovirus - vomiting, watery diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain.

The incident occurred during the 21-day Christmas and New Year Cruise from Los Angeles to Miami, with call ports San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puntarenas, Colon, Cartagena, and Cienfuegos.

12 January 2018Ship Collision / Allision

On January 12, 2018, ~1 pm, while maneuvering for undocking in Port Barcelona (Moll Adossat terminal), the cruise ferry GNV Fantastic collided with the moored there Viking cruise ship. No injuries were reported.

A YouTube video of the collision showed the ferry dropping an anchor in an attempt to stop the drift and prevent the collision. Both vessels sustained minor hull damages - the ferry aft, and the Viking ship portside.

At the time of the incident, in the port were also docked the cruise liners AIDAperla and MSC Meraviglia.

The Viking ship was about to embark on 7-day Mediterranean cruise (itinerary Jan 12-18) departing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome, with call ports Marseille, St Tropez, Monte Carlo, and Livorno.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

12 October 2016Ship Collision / Allision

On October 12, 2016, at night, while passing through Cape Cod Canal (Massachusetts, USA) the ship scraped Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge.

The contact with the bridge was made by an aluminum mast (light pole). After the incident, the bridge was inspected and no damages were reported.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

18 September 2015Other Incidents

On September 18, 2015, Ms Trude Drevland (Bergen’s mayor), and Mr Inge Tangeraas (Bergen’s harbour master) were both charged with corruption. The incident related to Viking Star cruise ship’s launching ceremony (June 23, 2014) at the shipbuilding yard in Venice Italy. The official christening ceremony took place in Bergen Norway (May 17, 2015).

Allegedly, Ms Drevland accepted Viking Ocean’s (shipowner) paid-for-trip to Venice and a luxury hotel stay there, plus 2-days long Norway cruise (Bergen to Oslo) and 7-days long Mediterranean cruise (later turned down). Allegedly, Ms Drevland also tried to influence other Norwegian government agencies on the Viking Ocean cruise line’s behalf. If found guilty, she faced up to 10 years in prison.

The charges alleged Mr Torstein Hagen (Viking Cruises chairman) picked up in his private jet Ms Drevland, her son and Mr Tangeraas and flew them to Venice Italy as his personal guests for the vessel’s launch. Allegedly, they all stayed in a luxury Venice hotel at Viking’s expense. Drevland and Tangeraas rejected the charges.

August 2015Structural and Technical Issues

In August 2015, several passengers reported one and the same cabin bathroom incident – the shower stall’s glass (in the side panel) shattered without any provocation. Viking Ocean Cruises asked for consultation the ship’s designers and the glass manufacturer, and also independent glass experts.

The conclusion was that the incidents were isolated, and don’t correlate to a particular category of cabins or their deck location. Glass failures were caused by the new cruise ship’s settling process and incorrect glass fitting. As a preventive measure for future incidents of this kind, the company decided to remove the shower glass in all passenger cabins and replace it with new materials.

29 July 2015Fire Accident

On July 29, 2015, during 14-day Baltic Sea / Norway cruise (itinerary July 25 - Aug 8) from Stockholm to Bergen, the ship experienced power loss accident (starboard engines malfunctioned / electric transformers blew up). The incident occurred at dinner time (~7:30 pm) when after a boom the lights started flickering. Soon after the fire alarms activated and the fire doors closed. The ship continued at greatly reduced speed.

The Captain reported at ~8 pm that they have a mechanical problem and the arrival in call port Tallinn Estonia will be delayed. After arriving in Tallinn, passengers were informed that the ship will stay there at least until Aug 4, waiting for a spare part to be delivered. Some of the Viking Ocean Cruises sponsored shore excursions and tours were cancelled. Passengers were given the option to stay on the ship or cancel (without penalty).

On Aug 2, the voyage was officially cancelled by due to “mechanical issues”. As compensation, all passengers received a 50% refund, plus 50% future Viking Ocean cruise booking discount. All passengers were offered complimentary airfare if they wish to fly back home from Tallinn. They were also allowed to stay on the ship until Aug 4, then Viking Ocean Cruises (complimentary) flew them to Bergen Norway. All guests were put in local hotels, with meals and tours arranged for the remainder of the cruise (ending Aug 8).

Over 500 cruise ship passengers were flown from Estonia to Norway via commercial and charter flights. On August 10, the ship arrived in Copenhagen Denmark to embark passengers for the next (changed) itinerary to Kiel Canal and Le Havre (Paris). Passengers booked on the Aug 8 itinerary received USD 200 in onboard credit as compensation for the revised itinerary.