New cruise ships for 2019: Viking Cruises' Viking Jupiter
More than half a dozen cruise lines that market to North Americans are rolling out new oceangoing ships in 2019. Here, USA TODAY profiles one of the newcomers: Viking Cruises' Viking Jupiter. For information on the others, return to the main page of our Guide to the New Ships of 2019.
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VIKING JUPITER
Line: Viking Cruises
Maiden voyage: Feb. 16
Home ports: Various
Size (in gross tons): 47,800
Passengers: 930
The buzz: River cruise giant Viking continues its rapid push into ocean cruising with its sixth new seagoing vessel since 2015.
Like Viking's first five ships, Viking Jupiter will be less than a third the size of the latest megaships from the likes of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, and it's being designed to mix onboard elegance with a focus on destinations that executives say has been lost across much of the cruise industry in recent years (scroll through the carousel above for a deck-by-deck look at Viking's last new ship, Viking Orion).
Like the earlier ships, Jupiter will operate itineraries that feature more time in ports than is common at many other lines. It'll also feature shore excursions that are included in the price – a relative rarity in the cruise world. Also included will be beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and even Wi-Fi access – something that can cost up to 75 cents a minute at other lines.
RELATED: 19 things that set Viking Cruises apart
Viking has been building all of its ocean ships to the same design. Like its earlier siblings, Jupiter will have a modern Scandinavian look and an upscale feel. Cabins on the vessels will be large for cruise ships, with the smallest of five cabin categories having 270 square feet of space. In addition, every cabin will have a balcony. Fourteen two-room suites on each of the ships will range from 757 to 1,448 square feet and offer sweeping views from wraparound private balconies.
Itineraries: Jupiter will operate a diverse range of seven- to 28-night sailings over its first year in operation that include voyages in the Mediterranean, Baltic and South America. Fares start at $2,299 for a seven-night Mediterranean sailing.
Information: 866-984-5464; vikingcruises.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New cruise ships for 2019: Viking Cruises' Viking Jupiter
