During a celebration commemorating Viking River Cruises 20 years of growth, Viking Hild and Viking Herja were officially christened by ceremonial godmothers and joined Viking’s fleet of more than 60 river vessels. Viking Hild will sail the Rhine River this spring on Viking’s new Paris-to-Swiss Alps itinerary. Later this year, both new ships will sail the Danube Waltz and Rhine Getaway itineraries.
Honoring a long-lived tradition, Viking invited two prominent women to serve as honorary godmothers to the new vessels. Godmother to Viking Hild, Princess Stephanie Lowenstien-Wertheim-Rosenberg is the CEO of Weingut Furst Lowenstien, a family-owned winery in Lower Franconia. Godmother to Viking Herja, Debbie Wiseman MBE is a British composer and conductor. Viking commissioned Wiseman to compose a new signature piece of music to commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary.
The christening of two new Longships marks another year of growth for Viking. The company launched its third ocean ship, Viking Sky, in February and will add a fourth ocean ship, Viking Sun in November. By 2019, Viking will have six ocean ships and will be the largest small ship ocean cruise line. Viking Longships accommodate 190 passengers in 95 staterooms and offer two of the largest river cruise suites in Europe along with seven two-room Veranda suites, 39 veranda staterooms and 22 French Balcony staterooms.
Through March 31, 2017, Viking is offering U.S. residents 2-for-1 cruise fare and free air fare on select itineraries including; Grand European Tour, Waterway of the Tsars, France’s Finest and European Sojourn. On all other European itineraries, Viking is offering 2-for-1 cruise fare, plus air fare from $195 per person.