The first full-scale PCR laboratory at sea has been installed by Viking aboard its Viking Star vessel with “extensive” tests set to take place this month when the ship arrives in Oslo, Norway.

The new onboard facility is an industry first and will, according to Viking, have enough capacity for daily testing of every crew member and guest aboard the 930-passenger ship using a non-invasive saliva test.

The initiative by Viking is in line with CLIA’s mandatory safety procedures announced in September, which includes 100 percent testing of all passengers and crew for COVID-19 and denied boarding for individuals who fail the test.

And last week, the US Center for Disease Control also introduced requirements for cruise ships to test all passengers at the beginning and end of all voyages, amongst other measures, if they are to be allowed to sail in US waters.

Viking says it has been working on the initiative for months, with cruise line VP Matt Grimes stating that the new lab “is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew.

“In our view, continuous PCR testing, along with our extensive onboard hygiene protocols, will lead to making Viking ships a safe place to get away to and explore the world,” he added.