By
Alex Smith |
Viking has taken delivery of its newest ocean ship, Viking Mars, from Fincantieri at the shipbuilder’s yard in Ancona, Italy.
Viking Mars is now sailing to Valletta, Malta, where it will be christened on 17 May 2022, Norwegian Constitution Day. The ship has capacity for 930 guests in 465 staterooms, with a Scandinavian-inspired design that includes open public spaces and a range of al fresco dining options.
The ship will be named by godmother Lady Fiona Canarvon, the Countess of Canarvon. Viking offers pre- and post-cruise packages featuring visits to Lady Canarvon and her husband the Earl of Canarvon’s estate, Highclere Castle. Lady Carnarvon has also guided viewers of enrichment channel Viking.TV around the estate in her ongoing series, At Home at Highclere. The countess has previously served as godmother to one of Viking’s river cruise ships, Viking Skadi.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and a year of important milestones for Viking, today we are very proud to welcome the newest ocean ship to our award-winning fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Lady Carnarvon has honoured us by serving as godmother to the Viking Mars, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard this beautiful new sister ship in the coming weeks.”