Viking has announced that its new ocean-going vessel, the 930-passenger Viking Mars, has been launched, marking a significant milestone in its construction. Viking also announced that the Viking Mars, scheduled to debut in early 2022, will be officially christened by its ceremonial godmother, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the 8th Countess of Carnarvon. The ship will spend its inaugural season sailing Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries before embarking on voyages to Asia and Australia.
“The day a new ship touches the water for the first time is always a special moment, and today is especially significant because for the second time, my dear friend Lady Carnarvon will honor us by serving as godmother to a new Viking ship,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “The last year and a half has been a time of uncertainty for all of us, and Lady Carnarvon has done so much to help Viking, including opening her home almost weekly for our guests to experience 'At Home at Highclere' life on Viking.TV.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have been chosen as godmother of the Viking Mars, the latest addition to Viking’s beautiful cruise ships. I have no doubt that she will delight the many guests who travel with her across the seas and oceans,” said Lady Carnarvon.
The traditional ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona. After a two-day process to launch Viking Mars, it will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior fitting out.
The Viking Mars will join the ocean fleet of sister ships, which also includes the Viking Star, the Viking Sea, the Viking Sky, the Viking Orion, the Viking Jupiter and the Viking Venus.
