By
Rebecca Gibson |
Viking Ocean Cruises’ newest ocean ships, Viking Sun, made her inaugural visit to the Portsmouth International Port in the UK on 12 October.
Calling with 930 guests as part of a 15-day ‘Trade Routes of the Middle Ages’ itinerary, Viking Sun berthed in the port all day to allow guests to visit the city and its historical maritime landmarks, such as the Historic Dockyard and the newly revamped D-Day Story museum.
To mark the maiden call, the leader of Portsmouth Council Gerald Vernon-Jackson boarded Viking Sun to exchange commemorative plaques with the ship’s captain Olav Soevdsnes.
“We’re honoured to welcome Viking Sun to our port and hope this will be the first of many visits to Portsmouth,” said Vernon-Jackson. “Viking Cruises is a valued cruise line to the city and we’re delighted to host so many of its fleet. As a port we offer great connections from both the sea and the land, ships are closer to the main shipping channels and we’re also neighbours to world-class attractions and the motorway for tours further afield.”
Viking Sun is the latest Viking ocean ship to visit the port – her sisters Viking Sky and Viking Star have both called in 2018 and the sixth vessel in the fleet will make her debut in Portsmouth when she first sets sail next February.
“It is great that our ocean ships are now visiting Portsmouth more frequently – the rich local culture and fascinating naval history makes it an interesting port for our guests to visit,” said Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking Cruises UK. “They are spoiled for choice when it comes to experiences in the local area and always make the most of our included shore excursions – from a walking tour of the historic dockyard to optional activities, such as a ride on a steam train on the Watercress Line or a flight in a vintage Spitfire.”