Viking inaugurates seven new river ships across Europe

Viking welcomed seven new river cruise ships to its fleet following christening ceremonies in four European cities on 19 March.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Viking invited seven long-serving employees and important members of the company’s family to serve as honorary godmothers of the vessels. All seven attended the central naming event in Basel, Switzerland, with two inaugurating their ships in person and the other five christening their vessels virtually via satellite.

Viking Einar and Viking Sigrun were berthed in Basel and named by their respective godmothers Leah Talactc and Wendy Atkin-Smith. Meanwhile, Viking Sigyn and Viking Ullur were berthed in Rostock, Germany and inaugurated virtually by Rikke Semb Pertile and Linh Banh. Viking Tir and Viking Vali were in Brunsbüttel, Germany and christened by Gisela Rückert and Minxuan Zhao. The final vessel, Viking Helgrim, was docked in Porto, Portugal and named by Natalia Hofmann. A bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit was broken on the bow of each new ship.

Set to be deployed on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, the first six vessels are part of the Viking Longship fleet. They accommodate 190 passengers in 25 standard rooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites and 2 Explorer Suites. All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom.

Other onboard highlights include a sun deck with 360-degree views and a shaded seating area; a putting green; a walking track; a library; a shop; a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows; and an all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The vessels also have organic herb gardens, solar panels and energy-efficient hybrid engines.

Although inspired by the Longship design, Viking Helgrim was built specifically for the Douro River and brings the company’s total number of sister ships in Portugal to four.