Viking launches two new Longships in Koblenz

Viking River Cruises christened two new Longships, Viking Hild and Viking Herja, in Koblenz, Germany last night. 

The event, which took place in the city on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, also celebrated Viking’s 20 years in the business.

Viking Hild will sail the Rhine this spring on Viking’s new Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary, and later this year both new ships will sail the Danube Waltz and Rhine Getaway itineraries.

“Two decades ago when we started this company, modern river cruising was still unknown to most travellers. Now 20 years later, we are pleased that most travellers know river cruising, and they know Viking as a household name,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises, at the event.

“The naming of a new ship by a ceremonial godmother is a sacred maritime tradition. We are honored that the godmothers of our two new Longships are also important partners who will help us deliver thoughtful and enriching experiences for Viking guests this year.”

Viking Herja was christened by godmother Debbie Wiseman MBE, an award-winning British composer and conductor, while Hild was christened by godmother Princess Stephanie Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg, the CEO of Weingut Fürst Löwenstein, a family-owned winery in Lower Franconia.

To commemorate the company’s 20^th anniversary, Viking has also commissioned Wiseman to compose a new signature piece of music, which will be recorded at Abbey Road Studios and will premiere on Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall on April 18, 2017.

At the event, which Cruise Adviser attended, guests were invited to view the city from a cable car, and treated to a fireworks display.

Viking launched its third ocean ship, Viking Sky, in February and will add a fourth ocean ship, Viking Sun, in November.