Viking Cruises Celebrates Viking Sky Christening
Locals turned out in droves to witness the Viking Sky christening this week. Viking Cruises’ third ocean ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sky, was officially christened during a public celebration in Tromsø, Norway, a major port on Viking’s Into the Midnight Sun itinerary.
The christening event began as the 47,800-ton Viking Sky navigated into the Tromsø harbor receiving a celebrity’s welcome with displays from water cannons, music from local bands and flag-waving Tromsø residents.
“This is a special time of year in Norway – these are the days of the midnight sun and the perfect backdrop for a celebration. All of our ships proudly carry the Norwegian flag, and it is an especially proud day to officially welcome our new ship in Tromsø, the arctic capital of the world,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.
In Tromsø, Viking Sky was positioned in the harbor adjacent to a concert stage constructed for the celebration. Viking guests and residents of Tromsø were treated to a public concert, with performances from a variety of Norwegian musicians including the Arctic Philharmonic.
The sister of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, Marit Barstad, served as ceremonial godmother and offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Sky – a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Several elements of the Viking Sky christening ceremony paid homage to the Norwegian heritage of both the company and godmother. Rather than the usual bottle of champagne, Viking Sky was christened with a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit, from the same county in Norway where Torstein and Marit’s mother, Ragnhild – also lovingly known as “Mamsen” – was born. Gammel Opland was her favorite brand of aquavit.
Immediately following the Viking Sky christening, the ship set sail from Tromsø with an armada of small boats and fishing vessels to mark the summer equinox in Nordkapp, the North Cape. Guests onboard were treated to a special christening dinner with Norwegian delicacies and musical performances. The ship will now spend the summer season sailing Viking’s popular itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic.
Viking Sky Notes
All of the Viking ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons with 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sky is their third of eight ocean cruise ships currently planned for the fleet. The fourth and fifth ships,Viking Sun and Viking Spirit, are under construction and will be delivered in September 2017 and 2018. In 2019 Viking will welcome its sixth ship and will become the largest small ship ocean cruise line. Two additional ships are on order for delivery in 2021 and 2022. Viking’s ocean fleet features quiet elegance and modern Scandinavian design.
Highlights of all the Viking Ocean ships include:
- All Veranda Staterooms
- Explorer Suites
- Two Pool Choices
- LivNordic Spa
- Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli
- The Wintergarden Lounge
- Dining Choices include multiple restaurant locations and food choices that range from fine dining amd international choices to regional specialties and Italian cuisine.
- Enriching Entertainment without casinos
- Sustainable Features include energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations
Photos: Viking Cruises
