Viking has taken delivery of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Saturn.
The delivery ceremony took place yesterday when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
Viking also announced that the ship will be officially named in New York City on 6 June 2023, by her ceremonial godmother, Ann Ziff, the esteemed philanthropist and Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera.
Following the naming ceremony, the ship will spend her inaugural summer sailing two new Viking voyages: Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada and Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer.
The delivery of the Viking Saturn comes as Viking continues celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Since 2020, the cruise line has welcomed 17 new ships to its fleet including eight new Viking Longships, new purpose-built vessels, four new, identical ocean ships and two Polar Class expedition vessels.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said: “We are very proud to welcome the newest sister ship to our award-winning ocean fleet.
“We are also grateful that Ann Ziff has honoured us by serving as godmother of the Viking Saturn.
“Having travelled with us for years, Ann is a loyal Viking guest, and she shares our commitment to the arts and cultural enrichment.
“Her contributions to the Metropolitan Opera, one of our longtime cultural partners, as well as many other important causes are truly impressive.”
Ann Ziff said: “I am delighted to serve as godmother of the Viking Saturn.
“For those who are curious about the world, there is no better way to explore and immerse yourself than from the comfort of a Viking ship.”
A dedicated philanthropist focused on the arts, education, culture and environmental conservation, Ann Ziff is Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera.
She serves on several boards, including the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, Sing for Hope, the World Science Festival and the Los Angeles Opera.
She co-founded Smile Train and was a board member at Maloto, an organisation that provides education and housing for abused and abandoned girls in Malawi.
Ms. Ziff also has an eponymous fine jewellery brand, Tamsen Z, where she designs and creates one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by her love of culture, art and music as well as her travels as a loyal Viking guest.
The Metropolitan Opera is home to the most creative and talented musicians around the world and has been a Viking cultural partner since 2016.
On board Viking’s ocean ships, guests are treated to the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning Live in HD series, including an exclusive viewing of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tonnes, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests.
The ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.
For more information, visit www.viking.com.
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