Viking Cinderella undergoes major makeover

The vessel has had its previously white sides painted bright red, Viking Line’s traditional colour, and its interiors have undergone an extensive refurbishment. Technical upgrades will reduce the vessel’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2,500 tonnes a year. Almost 300 cabins, the spa facilities and many of the vessel’s public spaces have also been given a fresh new look.

“Cinderella hasn’t been in service to Finland for nearly two decades, and to celebrate its return, we want it to shine as the Baltic Sea’s own Cinderella. In 1964 – exactly 60 years ago – the shipping company was looking for a colour for the hull of its vessel Apollo, and it took the bold red tone from the Mexican Fire lipstick used by the sister of one of the company’s founders. Since then, this distinct shade of red has been our brand colour,” said Viking Line senior vice president of corporate communications Johanna Boijer-Svahnström.

Because Cinderella was to be drydocked in January, painting the 191-m vessel was a greater challenge than usual.

“The great variation in temperature conditions is the greatest challenge for painting outdoors, but after a careful analysis we decided to tackle the job. The deep frost in early January was actually a stroke of luck for us since the weather was dry then. Some 30 professionals worked day and night on the repainting. With their help, more than 2,000 litres of paint were used on Cinderella’s sides in two weeks,” said Viking Line technical manager Mathias Sundberg.

The extensive painting work was just part of the two-week drydocking, which cost €9.0M (US$9.8M) and employed some 350 people. Among the many technical upgrades, the most important were installing Elogrids, produced in Finland, to reduce water resistance while the vessel is operating, and the LeanMarine system to optimise engine output and propeller steering. 

“Renewing and maintaining our vessels throughout their lifecycle is an important part of our sustainability work. With these modifications now carried out, Cinderella’s annual carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by 5%, that is, up to 2,500 tonnes, and the remaining useful life of the 35-year-old vessel will be extended,” said Viking Line sustainability manager Dani Lindberg.