Viking Ocean Christens Second Ship in London

Less than a year after launching its first ship, Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises has officially welcomed its second ship, Viking Sea, to its fleet.

Though Viking’s ocean ships are classified as “small ships,” the 930-guest, 47,800-ton Viking Sea is the largest ship ever launched in London, England. After passing through the Thames Barrier, the ship received a warm welcome by 28 able sea men, who manned the yardarms of the Cutty Sark – the iconic 19th Century British clipper ship – and saluted Viking Sea as it arrived in Greenwich.

After arriving in Greenwich, Viking Sea was positioned in the Thames River with decorated pontoons nearby to welcome guests for various shore excursions around the city. As part of the ship’s christening ceremony, guests were treated to a concert from Norwegian soprano Sissel and The Olav’s Choir. Karine Hagen, Viking’s senior vice-president and daughter of Torstein Hagen, served as ceremonial godmother.

Several elements of the christening ceremony paid homage to the company’s Norwegian heritage. Instead of champagne for the traditional bottle-breaking, Viking Sea was christened with a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit, which hails from the same town in Norway where Torstein’s mother and Karine’s grandmother, Ragnhild – also lovingly known as “Mamsen” – was born.

Following the christening and a fireworks show held in the middle of the Thames River, Viking Sea set sail tomorrow for Bergen, and from there will continue on to Oslo, Copenhagen, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm on a 15-day “Viking Homelands” itinerary.

Viking Sea is the second of six ocean cruise ships currently planned for the fleet. The third and fourth ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sun are under construction and will be delivered in early 2017 and late 2017, respectively. The two remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in 2018 and 2020.

Viking’s ocean fleet features “understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design.” Highlights include: all Veranda Staterooms; Explorer Suites; Two pool choices, in addition to the main pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ships feature a first-of-its-kind glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern; LivNordic Spa; Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s; The Wintergarden; and multiple dining options, including the intimate Chef’s Table.

(http://www.vikingcruises.com)

(photo, Anthony Upton for Viking Cruises)