Viking Prestige christening in Amsterdam – June 2011

STX France has confirmed that they have received an order for two 888-passenger oceangoing vessels from the newly formed Viking Ocean Cruises.

Headed up by Viking River Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen, it is expected that the vessels will be launched in the spring of 2014 and the spring of 2015.

Seatrade Insider reports that they will both be based in the Mediterranean and targeted to the line’s U.S, British and Australian clients.

The contract is currently subject to financing according to Cruise Critic, however, a third vessel is also anticipated with construction commencing on the first delivery in September this year.

“We are proud to have been selected by Viking to build their new series of ships and delighted to contribute to their expansion into a new market,” STX France GM Jacques Hardelay told Seatrade Insider.