Read Authentic Ratings for the Viking-Star

On October 27, 2025, a serious incident unfolded aboard the 'Viking Star' while cruising in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, which boasts a capacity of 925 passengers and 471 crew, was approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Calabria when a crew member was reported to have gone overboard at 11:31 a.m. CET from deck 2. In adherence to maritime safety protocols, the ship promptly implemented an emergency response and initiated a search operation in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard. This distressing event occurred during a 7-night cruise that had commenced from Athens on October 23, 2025. Midway through the voyage, a startling 'Code Oscar' announcement echoed across the ship, signaling danger. Witnesses noted a crew member launching a bright orange life preserver into the water, followed by the deployment of a smaller life ring equipped with a flare. The 'Viking Star' executed standard search maneuvers in a circular pattern around the incident site. Initially en route to Palermo, the ship was redirected to Messina as the search efforts continued. The Italian Coast Guard concluded its search operations by around 6:00 p.m., freeing the vessel to proceed. The 'Viking Star' eventually arrived in Messina on October 28 at approximately 7:00 a.m. There have been no adjustments to the planned itinerary, with the ship scheduled to visit Naples on October 29, followed by a final stop in Civitavecchia for passenger disembarkation on October 30.

On February 10, 2025, the 'Viking Star' made the decision to bypass its scheduled stop in Santorini, carrying approximately 900 cruise passengers. This change in itinerary was prompted by persistent seismic activity on the island, which has been experiencing frequent earthquakes, some registering magnitudes as high as 5. Typically, the Viking Star would mark the beginning of the cruise season in Santorini, a popular destination that welcomed a staggering 15,500 visitors in a single day back in August 2024. In light of this surge, local authorities had introduced a new policy to limit the number of cruise tourists to 8,000 per day. However, ongoing tremors have now jeopardized future cruise arrivals, with seismologists uncertain about when stability might return. In response to the situation, a government directive has led to the closure of schools in Santorini and neighboring islands including Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos. Many residents, particularly women, children, and the elderly, have evacuated to the mainland in search of safety.

In an unexpected turn of events, the ferry 'Fantastic' lost control while departing from her moorings at the Port of Barcelona on January 12, 2018, around 2 p.m. The vessel drifted toward Cruise Terminal B, where the cruise ship 'Viking Star' was docked. Despite efforts to drop both anchors, the 'Fantastic' struck the portside of the 'Viking Star' at the stern, leading to an alarming but non-catastrophic allision. Fortunately, there was no significant damage reported to either vessel during the incident. Shortly after the collision, the 'Fantastic' was returned to her original berth for inspection before resuming her journey to Genoa at 5:30 p.m. The 'Viking Star' also continued her itinerary, leaving Barcelona for Marseille at 6 p.m. For more details, you can view eyewitness footage from the scene: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/951833872886575105) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=67&v=CsUfR26-uTo).

A recent allision involving a ferry ship has caught the attention of maritime enthusiasts and safety officials alike. Footage of the incident is available for viewing at www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=67&v=CsUfR26-uTo, illustrating the complexities of maritime navigation and the necessity of strict safety protocols. This event underscores the challenges faced by ferry operations, highlighting the importance of vigilant seamanship to avoid potential accidents at sea.