Viking has installed what it claims is the world’s first Covid testing lab on a cruise ship.

The full-scale PCR laboratory, on the line’s 930-guest Viking Star, can be used to test crew and passengers with a non-invasive saliva test, according to a statement.

The laboratory, which will undergo a series of tests to ensure procedures and protocols that have been designed are fully effective, has enough capacity for daily testing of every crew member and guest.

The line intends to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PCR laboratory when Viking Star arrives in Oslo in mid-November.

Vice-president of maritime operations Matt Grimes said: “We have been working on this for a number of months, and today is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew.

“The recently announced CDC guidelines are clearly aligned with our public health research, and we welcome the agency’s push toward testing, as we believe this is the only way to safely operate.

“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.”

Viking is also ramping plans for its launch in the expedition cruising market.

It has announced new expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. The line will launch in 2022 with two ships – Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris – which will both accommodate 378 guests.

Itineraries include a 13-day Arctic Adventure sailing, which will take guests to Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, including Bjørnøya, known as Bear Island, which is Svalbard’s most remote and southerly island.

Viking Cruises UK MD Wendy Atkin-Smith said: “From 2022, our expedition itineraries will take curious travellers to the most remote regions on earth, including the Arctic, to explore and engage with the nature, culture, science and history of each destination.”