Viking River Cruises Names Seven New Ships

Viking Cruises welcomed seven new ships to its river fleet, during a celebration on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. Of the seven ships, six are Viking Longships – Viking Einar, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur and Viking Vali – which will be deployed on Viking’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The seventh new ship – Viking Helgrim – was inspired by the Longships design and built specifically for the Douro River.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking said:

We began hosting guests on the rivers of Russia 22 years ago, and we have always done things differently. We focus on the destination, and we provide travel experiences that allow our guests to learn, to enrich their lives and to explore the world in comfort. It is ‘The Viking Difference’ that has made us the leading river cruise line in the world – and has helped river cruising become one of the fastest-growing segments of travel. As the leader, it is also important that we recognize those who have helped us achieve success. This year I am especially proud to honor members of the Viking family as godmothers of our newest river ships.

Viking Naming Ceremony

Seven long-serving employees and important members of the company’s family served as honorary godmothers of the new ships.

• Leah Talactac, Godmother of Viking Einar
• Natalia Hofmann, Godmother of Viking Helgrim
• Wendy Atkin-Smith, Godmother of Viking Sigrun
• Rikke Semb Pertile, Godmother of Viking Sigyn
• Gisela Rückert, Godmother of Viking Tir
• Linh Banh, Godmother of Viking Ullur
• Minxuan Zhao, Godmother of Viking Vali

The naming event spanned across four European cities and was executed by connecting the new ships via satellite. Viking Einar and Viking Sigrun were docked in Basel and named by in-person by their godmothers. The other five ships were “virtually” named by their godmothers: Viking Sigyn and Viking Ullurin Rostock, Germany; Viking Tir and Viking Vali in Brunsbüttel, Germany; and Viking Helgrim in Porto, Portugal.

Following the naming event, guests enjoyed dinner at Basel’s Foundation Beyeler museum. Guests were also treated to a performance by Alma Deutscher, the 14-year-old English composer, pianist, violinist, and child prodigy – who is a favourite of Chairman Hagen’s.