The Viking Voyager was built by Aalborg Værft AS, Denmark [1] in 1975 [2] for European Ferries Group Plc who traded as Townsend Thoresen.

The vessel was launched on 14 June 1975, having been christened by the wife of European Ferries's Commercial Freight Director.

[3] In 1987 European Ferries was acquired by P&O, following which, under P&O's new branding scheme she was renamed Pride Of Cherbourg.

Later in 1994, the vessel was sold by P&O to Fred Olsen Lines In 1994 P&O sold the Pride of Cherbourg II to Fred Olsen Lines, the vessel was brought into service as the Bañaderos in the Canary Islands, she continued in this role, being renamed to Barlovento in 2000.

Viking Voyager was one of four sister ships [1] ordered by Townsend Thoresen.