Viking has taken delivery of the company’s newest ocean-going vessel, the Viking Mars, during a ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The Viking Mars will now sail to Valletta, Malta, where it will be officially christened on May 17, 2022, Norway’s Constitution Day, by its ceremonial godmother, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon. The ship will then sail itineraries in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe before repositioning later this year for voyages to Australia and New Zealand.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and a year of significant milestones for Viking, we are very proud to welcome the newest ocean-going vessel to our award-winning fleet,” said Torstein Hagen, President of Viking. “Lady Carnarvon has honored us by serving as godmother of the Viking Mars, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this beautiful new sister ship in the coming weeks.”.
For years, Viking has offered guests a variety of ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen has worked closely with the Carnarvon family to develop the Privileged Access® Pre/Post Extensions featuring the estate, including the Oxford & Highclere Castle and Great Homes, Gardens & Gin Extensions, both available to guests on select river and ocean voyages. In addition, Lady Carnarvon has served as godmother of the Viking Skadi, which sails the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
The delivery of the Viking Mars coincides with the company's 25th anniversary. In January 2022, the company launched Viking Expeditions and its first polar-class vessel, the Viking Octantis; in March 2022, the company christened eight new river vessels during a special event in Paris. By the end of the year, Viking will also have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, another identical ocean-going vessel, and new ships built specifically for the Nile, Mekong, and Mississippi rivers.
The Viking Mars is the newest ship in Viking's ocean fleet, comprised of identical sister ships, with a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons and 465 cabins that can accommodate 930 guests; the ships feature Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and plenty of al fresco dining options.
