Split, Croatia – July 2025 – In a landmark moment for luxury cruising, Viking Cruises celebrated the christening of its newest ocean ship, Viking Vesta, at a stunning ceremony in Split, Croatia. This official naming marks the debut of the 10th ship in Viking’s celebrated fleet of small ocean vessels and reinforces the brand’s commitment to offering culturally rich, destination-focused journeys.
Set against the Adriatic coast’s historic beauty, the event blended Viking’s Nordic heritage with modern elegance. Viking Vesta—designed for immersive exploration with 499 staterooms and capacity for 998 guests—will now begin sailing across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
A Viking Tradition Celebrated in Split
The naming ceremony honored Viking tradition with Norwegian journalist and philanthropist Lene Tangevald-Jensen serving as godmother. True to custom, she cut a ceremonial ribbon with a Viking axe, followed by the shattering of a bottle of aquavit against the ship’s hull. The act symbolized blessings for safe voyages and paid tribute to Nordic seafaring heritage.
The atmosphere was further elevated by musical performances from soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø and violinist Tor Jaran Apold, offering a cultural flourish reflective of Viking’s dedication to the arts and tradition.
Luxury in Intimate Proportions
With a gross tonnage of 54,300 and a guest-to-crew ratio optimized for comfort, Viking Vesta exemplifies Viking Cruises’ philosophy of “thinking small” to deliver big on experience. Each stateroom is thoughtfully crafted to reflect Scandinavian design, prioritizing functionality, elegance, and tranquility. Guests can expect expansive suites, ocean-view rooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, and fine dining options.
The ship will operate primarily in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, offering voyages that include iconic cities and hidden gems. The onboard experience emphasizes enrichment with curated excursions, destination lectures, and culinary programming rooted in regional traditions.
The Vision Behind Viking Vesta
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen emphasized the milestone’s significance as the company nears its 10th anniversary of ocean cruising. “As we celebrate a decade of redefining ocean travel in 2025, we’re thrilled to welcome Viking Vesta to our growing fleet. Lene represents the spirit of Viking—kind, curious, honest, and hardworking—and we’re honored to have her as godmother.”
Hagen highlighted the importance of Viking’s small-ship model in delivering meaningful travel. “Our guests seek more than luxury—they want connection, culture, and comfort. That’s what Viking Vesta offers.”
A Godmother with Global Impact
Godmother Lene Tangevald-Jensen is a distinguished figure in Norwegian journalism, with a strong presence in finance reporting. Her humanitarian work includes roles with the LEON Trust and Make-A-Wish Foundation Norway, along with founding TBS Gallery in Oslo. A long-time friend of Hagen and Viking, she also joined an Antarctic expedition aboard Viking Polaris, helping document environmental and cultural insights.
Her dedication to education, culture, and philanthropy echoes Viking’s ethos of purposeful exploration.
Looking Ahead: New Horizons for Viking Cruises
The addition of Viking Vesta underscores Viking’s long-term strategy of expanding its fleet without compromising its small-ship philosophy. Future plans include the continued rollout of ocean, river, and expedition vessels, along with enhanced itineraries designed to deepen cultural immersion.
As Viking Vesta embarks on its maiden season, guests can anticipate Mediterranean itineraries that explore ports in Italy, Greece, France, and Spain—followed by Northern Europe routes through Scandinavia, the British Isles, and the Baltics.
Conclusion: Redefining Modern Luxury at Sea
The christening of Viking Vesta in Split not only signifies the growth of Viking Cruises but also represents a commitment to preserving cultural integrity, celebrating tradition, and delivering bespoke luxury. With exceptional amenities, world-class programming, and unwavering attention to detail, Viking Vesta is poised to become a cornerstone in Viking’s evolution.
For discerning travelers seeking refined experiences at sea, Viking’s newest addition offers an invitation to discover the world—one destination-rich voyage at a time.
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