by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:40 PM ET, Tue July 1, 2025
Welcome to the fleet, Viking Vesta.
Viking officially named its newest ocean ship at a traditional ceremony held in Split, Croatia. Norwegian journalist and philanthropist Lene Tangevald-Jensen, the ship’s godmother, used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that caused a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break across the ship’s hull. Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, who also serves as the godmother of the Viking Jupiter, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold performed at the event.
Viking Vesta now continues her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman and chief executive officer of Viking.
He adds: “We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”
The 998-guest ship joins Viking’s fleet of sister ships. It has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, 499 all veranda staterooms, light-filled public spaces and many al fresco dining options.
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