Viking Cruises’ fourth ocean ship named in Shanghai

Viking Cruises’ fourth ocean ship Viking Sun was officially named in Shanghai while on a 141-day world cruise from Miami to London.

The 930-passenger vessel is the fourth in a series of small-size cruise ships with two more sister vessels joining the fleet in the next two years.

The next to be launched is Viking Orion in June.

Viking’s ambitious expansion plans include ten additional ships planned for delivery starting from 2021.

This would bring Viking’s ocean fleet to 16 ships by 2027.

Yi Lou, vice president of China Merchant Bank Financial Leasing, served as godmother for Viking Sun.

The vessel sets sail today from Shanghai for Southeast Asia and India, before making its way through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean and is due to arrive in London on May 5.

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “I am very pleased to officially name our newest ship in Shanghai.

“We care deeply about tourism in China, and we have been bringing river cruise guests here since 2004.

“China is the home of Viking Sun’s godmother, Mrs. Yi Lou, and in the coming year, Shanghai will also welcome our fifth ship, Viking Orion.

“We look forward to introducing thousands of new travellers to the cultural treasures in Shanghai and throughout China.”