VIKING has announced the naming of its nine newest river ships during a simultaneous ceremony in Basel yesterday, which also marked the cruise line’s 100th vessel – more than any other cruise line.
The line-up included Viking Annar, Viking Dagur, Viking Eldir, and Viking Honir, which will sail the cruise line’s popular itineraries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
Also joining the party was Viking Nerthus, Viking Gyda, and Viking Tonle, which will sail the Seine, Douro, and Mekong rivers.
The two other new vessels, named Viking Thoth and Viking Amun, will offer journeys on the Nile river.
Taking place on board Honir, the ceremony was connected virtually to the eight other new ships, which were located across five other countries.
Guests enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebo, soprano and godmother of Viking Jupiter; Norwegian violinist, Tor Jaran Apold; the Viennese Residence Orchestra; and a Basel girls’ choir.
“Today we are proud to name our newest river ships and to honour the nine distinguished members of our extended Viking family serving as their godparents,” Chairman & Chief Executive Torstein Hagen said.
“We have always been quite a bit different from others in the travel industry – we like to be contrarian.
“Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100 – a fleet size that no other line has achieved – and we have done so because of our innovative approach.” JM
Pictured: Hagen (middle) with Executive Vice President of Product Karine Hagen, and the godparents and captains of the nine vessels on board Honir for the ceremony.