Viking Sea christened in London

Viking Sea, the latest ocean ship to be launched by Viking cruises, has been christened in a ceremony in Greenwich, London.

The ship, which has a capacity of 930 guests, is the largest to be christened on the Thames.

The vessel passed through the Thames Barrier, mooring at Greenwich where 48 sailors manned the yard-arm of the Cutty Sark in a traditional naval custom to welcome it.

Viking Sea is the second ocean cruise ship launched by Viking Cruises and follows the arrival into Greenwich last March of its sister ship, Viking Star.

Viking Sky and Viking Sun will follow in 2017 and, by 2020, the cruise line will have six ocean ships.

Viking Sea will begin itineraries that start from Scandinavia, the Baltic, Western and Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the Caribbean and beyond.

The ship was christened in the evening following a firework display. Speaking at the event, Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “It is is a proud day for our Viking family. London is one of my favourite cities, and Greenwich is a significant port for Viking. We look forward to bringing more guests here this spring and in future years.

“Our ships are built for exploration; they are vessels that help our guests spend more time immersed in and surrounded by their destination. With the arrival of our second ship – and with four more sister ships on the way – we are focused on introducing travellers to the Viking way of destination-centred cruising, a unique style that was inspired by our success on the rivers.”

Earlier this week, Viking announced that its fourth ship, Viking Sun, will sail the company’s first-ever world cruise.