Viking floated out its sixth ocean vessel, Viking Jupiter, at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The float out is always a milestone in ship construction. It marks the first time the ship touches water, a transition point into the final phase of outfitting.
Viking Jupiter's float out also marked a milestone for Viking. After four years in the ocean business, Viking is now the largest small ship ocean cruise line in the industry.
When she debuts in 2019, Viking Jupiter will spend her maiden season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
"It is always a proud moment when a new ship touches water for the first time and is one step closer to welcoming guests onboard," said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. "As a Norwegian native, I am also particularly proud to announce today Sissel Kyrkjebø, my mother's favorite singer and a longtime Viking partner, will be honored as godmother to Viking Jupiter and will preside over the ship's naming ceremony in Oslo, Norway in June 2019."
The 930-passenger Viking Jupiter joins a fleet that incudes Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky and Viking Sun. The Viking Orion will debut in June 2018. The line has ten additional ships on order for a planned delivery from 2021-2027.
From now through May 31, 2018, Viking is offering US residents a 2-for-1 cruise fares on select 2018 ocean and river cruises. Additional savings are available on international air.
Topics From This Article to Explore