Newbuild's name revealed during sister ship Viking Sun's maiden call to Los Angeles
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Viking Cruises is to name its sixth ocean vessel Viking Jupiter when she launches in February 2019.
Viking Jupiter has been designed as a sister to Viking Sky, Viking Sea, Viking Star, Viking Sun (all in service) and the yet-to-be-launched Viking Orion. Four additional ships are also on order for delivery starting in 2021, which will bring Viking’s ocean fleet to 10 ships by 2023.
The 930-guest Viking Jupiter will sail itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The ship will also provide a 22-day South America – Southern Atlantic Crossing and an 18-day South America & the Chilean Fjords from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile.
Viking revealed the news as its fourth ship, Viking Sun, made her maiden call to Los Angeles, California on 5 January. The ship, which will be christened on 8 March, is currently sailing a 141-day World Cruise from Miami, Florida to London, UK and Los Angeles is Viking’s first US West Coast port of call in the company’s 20-year history. The city is also home to the company’s US headquarters.
At the welcome ceremony, Viking’s chairman Torstein Hagen also introduced a new multi-channel ‘Did you know?’ brand advertising campaign. Aimed at travel agents and the company’s target audience of experienced travellers aged 55 and older, the campaign highlights Viking’s industry differentiators, including its inclusive value with a shore excursion included in every port.
“We have always been a travel company that focuses on exploration and cultural immersion,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “In the last two decades we have led the industry in river cruising, and as we become the leading small ship ocean cruise line we have an opportunity to introduce many new travellers to the Viking way of exploration. Our new ‘Did You Know?’ campaign is aimed at inspiring people who may not yet know what makes us so different in the industry, why we are the most award-winning cruise line and how we can provide more included value than any other cruise company.”