Viking Christens Third Ocean Cruise Ship

The Viking Ocean Cruises fleet continues to expand as its third ship was officially christened on June 22, 2017.

The 930-guest, 47,800-ton vessel was inaugurated during a public ceremony in Tromsø, Norway—a featured port on the line’s Into the Midnight Sun itinerary above the Arctic Circle and along the Norwegian northwest coast.

“This is a special time of year in Norway – these are the days of the midnight sun and the perfect backdrop for a celebration. All of our ships proudly carry the Norwegian flag, and it is an especially proud day to officially welcome our new ship in Tromsø, the arctic capital of the world,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises, in a press release.

“Vikings were explorers, and our ships are built with their spirit of exploration in mind. We design every aspect of our ships and cruises so that our guests can spend more time immersed in their destination. Scandinavia is Viking territory, but as we continue to expand our fleet, we also look forward to introducing new travelers to the Viking way of travel around the world.”

The Viking Sky was welcomed into Tromsø harbor with Norwegian redningsskøyten boat water cannons, flag-waving locals and the sound of regional bands. Once positioned near a concert stage, Norwegian musicians Arctic Philharmonic, Lisa Stokke, Violet Road, Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska and Jørn Hoel performed for the ship’s guests and local residents.

For the actual ceremony, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen’s sister, Marit Barstad, served as the ship’s godmother, blessing the vessel and all who sail on her. As homage to Norwegian heritage, Gammel Opland aquavit was broken over the ship’s bow instead of champagne. Gammel Opland comes from the county where Torstein and Marit’s mother or “Mamsen” was born. The ship’s Norwegian deli is also named Mamsen’s in her honor.

What’s more, a gilded Viking axe replica severed the christening cord, and the chopping block came from the Rotnes Farm in Nittedal where godmother Barstad was raised.

After the christening, Viking Sky departed Tromsø with other small boats and fishing vessels to celebrate the summer equinox in Nordkapp (North Cape). Guests enjoyed a special christening dinner of Norwegian delicacies and live music onboard from Lisa Stokke, Tor Jaran Apold and Mari Boine.

The Viking Sky will now sail in Scandinavia and the Baltic for the remainder of the summer.

Next to launch will be the Viking Sun and Viking Sprit sister-ships in September 2017 and 2018, respectively. Following will be a sixth vessel in 2019, seventh in 2021 and eighth in 2022. Plus, there’s an option for an additional two beyond.

READ MORE: TravelPulse Exclusive: Torstein and Karine Hagen Discuss Viking Ocean Cruises

Like the Viking Star and Viking Sea sister-ships before her, the environmentally-friendly Sky spotlights all-veranda staterooms no smaller than 270-square-feet, each with ample showers; two pools including an infinity one cantilevered over the stern; double-decker Explorers’ Lounge observation venue; The Wintergarden with afternoon tea time; fine dining and LivNordic Spa with complimentary thermal suite.

Inclusions are the name of the game for Viking: Also bundled in the cruise fare is a free shore excursion in every port, all port charges and government taxes, all dining, house beer and wine at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and self-service laundry.

Through June 30, 2017, Viking has a 2-for-1 deal on cruise fares as well as up to complimentary international air on certain itineraries for U.S. residents. 

For more information, call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.

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