Following the newly launched Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises has now floated out its second sister-ship – the 930-guest Viking Sea. The ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy as the ship met water for the first time. The new cruise ship will next set sail in early 2016 followed by the Viking Sky in 2017.
Viking Sea at the Shipyard (Copyright © Viking Ocean Cruises)
“The day that a new ship first touches water is always a special day, and today is indeed a proud one for our Viking family,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “Having just celebrated the launch of our first ocean cruise ship, we are pleased at the positive reviews she is receiving from our guests and travel industry partners. We have no doubt that her sister ship, Viking Sea, will be met with the same reception upon her debut next spring.”
Viking Sea Prior to Float-Out (Copyright © Viking Ocean Cruises)
What’s more, Viking Sea‘s godmother will be Viking Cruises’ senior vice president of product and daughter of Torstein Hagen, Karine Hagen. She will be responsible for naming the ship at its upcoming christening ceremony and also welded commemorative coins to the ship’s mast at the float-out ceremony. The ship is now undergoing its final interior outfitting before launch.
“Viking Sea is a magnificent ship, and I am very honored to be her godmother,” Karine said at the ceremony. “It has been a great pleasure to meet so many of the Fincantieri Ancona shipyard staff today, and share the pride in their work.”
For more information on the Viking Sea, visit Viking Ocean Cruises‘ website here.
HEADER IMAGE SOURCE: VIKING OCEAN CRUISES