When Viking Cruises prepared to launch Viking Star — the first ship in their ocean fleet — they weren’t just introducing a new vessel. They were expanding a brand known for river cruising into a highly competitive ocean market, with a product that needed to feel unmistakably Viking from day one.
We worked with Viking to help support this pivotal launch moment through animation, creating a film that goes inside the numbers to tell the story of the ship’s design, scale, and premium positioning.
Turning complexity into clarity
Ocean ships are complex by nature. From capacity and layout to onboard amenities and design philosophy, there’s a lot to communicate — especially to an audience encountering Viking’s ocean offering for the first time.
Our challenge was to translate this depth of information into something clear, engaging, and emotionally resonant. The solution was a data-led animated narrative that balanced precision with warmth, helping viewers understand what makes Viking Star different without overwhelming them.
Crafting the story
We began by defining a hand-drawn storyboard, carefully mapping the journey through the film. This allowed us to plan seamless transitions, control pacing, and ensure every moment served both the narrative and the brand.
By structuring the animation around key figures and facts, we were able to reveal the ship gradually — moving from high-level context into finer details — while maintaining momentum and viewer engagement throughout.
A branded animated experience
Visually, the animation was designed to feel refined, confident, and distinctly Viking. Motion, typography, and illustration worked together to create a bespoke branded experience that reflected the elegance of the ship and the cultural focus of the onboard journey.
Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the film uses considered motion and composition to let the information breathe — reinforcing Viking’s premium positioning and thoughtful approach to travel.
Supporting a major launch moment
The finished animation became a key asset in Viking’s ocean product launch, helping to articulate the value of Viking Star in a way that was both informative and inspiring. By combining data-driven storytelling with carefully crafted motion design, the film supported Viking’s transition into ocean cruising while staying true to the brand’s core values.