Viking OCEAN Cruises on Tuesday, May 17, named its newest ship - Viking Mars, during a private ceremony in Valletta (Malta).
The ceremonial godmother, the Countess of Carnarvon Lady Fiona Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the newbuild.
Viking Mars will commence her maiden season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean, before repositioning at the end of 2022 for cruises around Australia & New Zealand.
The small naming ceremony took place while the ship was docked in Valletta's Grand Harbour. It was attended by Viking's friends and business partners, including Maltese officials.
The Countess of Carnarvon Lady Fiona Carnarvon offered her blessing for the ship via video from Highclere Castle. A bottle of Norwegian aquavit was smashed on the hull of Viking Mars.
As all Viking OCEAN ships are Norway-flagged (registered in Bergen), the official event paid tribute to Norwegian Constitution Day (May 17) and featured a performance by popular Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebo, considered one of the top crossover sopranos in the world and also the godmother of Viking Jupiter.
Viking Cruises and Lady Carnarvon jointly decided to celebrate the christening of Viking Mars and Viking's 25th anniversary in a more meaningful way - donating GBP 10,000 each to 25 worthy charities covering causes that are important to both the cruise line and the Carnarvon family.