Viking Cruises’ new ship Viking Venus was named during a celebration at sea in the English Channel.
The ship’s godmother, broadcaster Anne Diamond, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the 930-passenger ship ahead of a series of five UK coastal sailings from Portsmouth.
A group of invited passengers on board Viking Venus – ther sixth ship in the line’s ocean fleet – witnessed the naming ceremony off the south coast.
The event marked the line’s return to service following 14 months of paused operations.
The first passengers will depart on the ship on May 22 on the first scenic shores itinerary.
The eight-day sailings call at Liverpool, Isles of Scilly, Falmouth and Portland.
Diamond will join passengers for the first three sailings as a guest lecturer giving presentation about the untold story of British radar inventors, including her father, during World War II.
Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Today is one of the proudest days in Viking’s nearly 24-year history.
“When we became the first cruise line to suspend operations in March 2020, we certainly did not know it would be 14 months before guests would be welcomed back on board.
“Now, we are among the first to set sail again, and with our industry-leading health and safety protocols in place, we believe there is no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage.”
He added: “On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted to celebrate the naming of our newest ship in England.
“We are also grateful to her godmother, Anne Diamond, for her many journalistic and selfless contributions, as well as for her tireless efforts fostering a community on Viking.TV each week for more than a year.”
Diamond said: “I find it both reassuring and inspirational to see the lengths to which Viking has gone to ensure that we can all start exploring the world again safely.”