WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

Few modern-day passenger ships have earned as loyal a clientele as Holland America Line’s 30‑year old PRINSENDAM. Following in her wake in the small ship market is Viking Ocean Cruises’ three-year-old VIKING STAR. Both ships were conceived as upscale, premium cruise ships with modern Scandinavian décor. Due to their relatively small size, 37,983 gross tons and 47,800 gross tons, respectively, they are able to visit ports that are inaccessible to large cruise ships.

The PRINSENDAM entered service in 1988 as the ROYAL VIKING SUN, the last ship built by the Royal Viking Line. The ROYAL VIKING SUN was sold to Cunard Line in 1994 and initially kept its original name. However, in 1999 it was transferred to another Carnival Corporation subsidiary, Seabourn Cruise Line as the SEABOURN SUN. In 2002, it was further transferred to Holland America Line, at which time it was renamed PRINSENDAM.

The VIKING STAR entered service in 2015, the first cruise ship built for Viking Ocean Cruises. This company was established in 2013 by Torstein Hagen, following the success of Viking River Cruises and based upon his prior experience as Chief Executive Officer of Royal Viking Line from 1980 to 1984. In fact, the first four ships of Viking Ocean Cruises, VIKING STAR, VIKING SEA, VIKING SKY and VIKING SUN, have names similar to the names borne by the ships of the Royal Viking Line. Another six sister ships will soon be entering service. Just this month, Viking Ocean Cruises announced that it has secured options for yet another six cruise ships, which would create a fleet of sixteen cruise ships.

PONY Branch Vice Chairman David Hume presented an entertaining and informative program comparing the stylistic differences and amenities of PRINSENDAM and VIKING STAR.

(Photos: David G. Hume)