Built at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Viking Venus becomes the eighth ocean cruise ship for Viking. Following delivery, the ship began its voyage to the UK ahead of its official naming ceremony on May 17. British broadcaster Anne Diamond is set to be come godmother to the ship.

“We are especially proud to welcome our newest ship to the fleet this year,” said chairman Torstein Hagen. “Many of us have stayed close to home for months, so this is an especially important milestone as we begin to get back out into the world again.

Venus will spend summer 2021 cruising around the UK on Viking’s sell-out ‘Scenic Shores’ itineraries. The sailings make up part of a restart programme for the cruise line and vaccinated guests, along with Bermuda and Iceland.

2022 holidays on Viking Venus are available to book now – find out more here.