[7] Amenities include two pools, a spa, a fitness center, two restaurants, several lounges and bars, a sports deck, a theatre, and various shops.

[9] Like most modern cruise ships, Viking Sky has a diesel-electric propulsion system where an integrated power plant provides electricity for all onboard consumers ranging from the vessel's twin propellers to hotel functions such as lighting, air conditioning and electrical sockets in the passenger cabins.

Her two interconnected but physically separated high-voltage switchboards are supplied by four alternators driven by MAN 32/44CR series medium-speed diesel engines.

[7][10][11] In accordance with the Safe Return to Port requirements for passenger ships, the power plant is split to two engine rooms separated by watertight and fireproof bulkheads.

[13] In addition, Viking Sky has a single 1,390 kW (1,860 hp) Isotta Fraschini V1712T3 emergency diesel generator.

[15] On 23 March 2019 the cruise ship was en route southwest from Tromsø to Stavanger in Norway in strong winds and rough seas[25] with 15-meter (49 ft) high waves.

Therefore we would prefer to have the passengers on land rather than on board the ship," police chief Tor Andre Franck said.

The incident occurred mid-afternoon 1.1 nautical miles (2 km) off the Møre og Romsdal area of western Norway.

[38] Around 19:00, two helicopters were diverted to rescue the crew of the cargo ship Hagland Captain [no],[39][40] which had been going to the aid of Viking Sky and also suffered an engine failure.

[20] On 24 March, after three of the four engines had been restarted during the night, evacuation was stopped at 9 Sunday morning, and Viking Sky got under way and headed for Molde.

[50][51] Norwegian police conducted a separate inquiry which included both Lloyd's Register of Shipping and the engine makers.