In a relatively short period of time since the 2015 launch of its first ocean ship, Viking has amassed a formidable fleet of seven sea-ready ships. Following Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun (now operating under China Merchants Viking Cruises), Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter, the regional-river-turned-global line has introduced Viking Venus to the world.
The vessel was christened on May 17 by British journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond ahead of its May 22 inaugural sailing.
“Today is one of the proudest days in Viking’s nearly 24-year history,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, in a press release. “When we became the first cruise line to suspend operations in March 2020, we certainly did not know it would be 14 months before guests would be welcomed back on board. Now, we are among the first to set sail again — and with our industry-leading health and safety protocols in place, we believe there is no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage.”
“On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted to celebrate the naming of our newest ship in England,” he said. “We are also grateful to her godmother, Anne Diamond, for her many journalistic and selfless contributions — as well as for her tireless efforts fostering a community on Viking.TV each week for more than a year.”
The 930-guest Venus will first embark on a series of five roundtrip sailings featuring the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary through June. The ship will then sail to Malta, where it will homeport and showcase its Welcome Back voyages in the Mediterranean for summer and fall.
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