Viking welcomed eight new river ships to its award-winning fleet during a celebration in Paris on March 16, 2022. Four of the magnificent new ships, Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga, are specifically designed to navigate the Seine River. As such they will bring guests to the very heart of Paris with an exclusive dock at Port de Grenelle, a quick walk from the Eiffel Tower. The other four ships, Viking Egdir, Viking Gersemi, Viking Gymir and Viking Hervor are destined to sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
Viking Made An Exciting New Announcement
This year Viking celebrates its 25th anniversary with multiple milestones. In January Viking Expeditions debuted with its first Polar Class vessel, the Viking Octantis® and before year’s end Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship. Also this year guests will discover two new identical ocean ships, new purpose-built vessels for the Nile and Mekong rivers, and new Mississippi River voyages.
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman of Viking and he stated, “As we mark 25 years of sailing the iconic waterways of the world, it is always a proud day when we welcome new ships to our fleet and offer more opportunities for curious travelers to explore the world in comfort.”
“Today we are especially pleased to honor eight talented and accomplished individuals as godmothers of our newest river ships, and we look forward to the start of another season of European river voyages.”
The honored godmothers include Helen Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Egdir, a world class musician who was a member of the Vienna State Opera’s children’s chorus, and author and educator Janie Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Radgrid, as well as Alma Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Gymir, a musical phenomenon labeled the, “new Mozart.”
Two New Ships Debuted
Other godmothers include Muriel Wilson, Godmother of Viking Skaga and the Director of Event Strategy & Sponsorships for Virtuoso, Ltd. Kari Garmann is the Godmother of Viking Kari and a former member of The Parliament of Norway and Oslo City Council.
The naming event was performed digitally, in both Paris and Amsterdam. In keeping with maritime tradition, a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit was broken on the bow of each new ship.
Exciting New Viking Naming Ceremony
There are several new offerings on the Seine including a Privileged Access® performance led by Alma Deutscher at Vienna’s illustrious Wiener Konzerthaus. There is also a new post-trip extension entitled Paris: A Culinary Experience that will explore the cuisine of the French capital. This is available beginning in 2023 for guests sailing on the 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary.
Guests on the new 3-night extension will disembark in Paris and explore the city with a culinary guide, visiting the “Belly of Paris” and the Rue Montorgueil before checking into their hotel. Guests will also visit a Parisian cooking school, enjoy an evening wine and cheese tasting with an expert sommelier at a private wine cellar and journey to the Jacquemart-André Museum for a tour of the 19th century mansion and its private art collection. Each day guests are free to explore Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées from a centrally located hotel.
Viking Has Reached Several New Milestones This Year
Finally, Viking has announced a new holiday sailing, the 8-day Christmas on the Seine, sailing roundtrip from Paris. Beginning with the holiday season in 2022, guests will sail through Normandy’s snow-covered countryside while enjoying the festive Christmas markets.
Shore excursions include baking homemade gingerbread at the 850-year-old Abbaye du Valasse or attending a festive Christmas ornament making workshop in Rouen. Additionally guests will enjoy special holiday-themed festivities onboard including regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and much, much more!
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