Viking Cruises' ocean ship Viking Venus, which features an onboard laboratory that has daily capacity to process 3000 COVID tests, arrived at Portsmouth Port (England UK) at 7 AM on Monday, May 10.
Viking Venus is the newest ocean ship in Viking’s fleet and is scheduled to sail on May 17 for her naming ceremony. Journalist Anne Diamond is expected to perform the honour. The trip will be one of the first for the country when the latest lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Over 95% of the boat's 465 crew (from 91 countries) have already received their second vaccinations. 3 people have been employed onboard Viking Venus to permanently work in the laboratory.
Other measures have also been brought in to encourage hand sanitizing and social distancing. New air purification technology has been installed.
The occasion was momentous for the Port as it marks the first cruise ship arrival in 2021, into its new cruise berth following major investment from Portsmouth City Council.
The Port will also welcome Virgin Voyages' first liner Scarlet Lady in July.
A temporary second cruise ship terminal has been put up at the Port in order to accommodate the extra passengers. Plans to make this permanent are put out to tender, with the hope of opening the new permanent terminal in 2023.
Viking Venus is scheduled to depart from Portsmouth on May 22 on to her Welcome Back collection, the first 3 cruises of England’s scenic shores.