BASEL, Switzerland — In a thrilling event marked by tradition and celebration, Viking has officially named its 100th ship, the Viking Honir, along with eight other river vessels on October 21st. This dual ceremony spanned across six countries and three continents, reinforcing Viking’s reputation for grandeur in ship naming.
With this latest addition, Viking’s fleet now boasts more than 100 vessels across its river, ocean, and expedition categories. Notably, Viking has a history of extravagant naming ceremonies, previously setting a Guinness World Record in 2014 by christening 16 ships in just 24 hours, followed by two additional inaugurations in Portugal.
Viking’s Bold Growth Strategy
As of their latest announcement, Viking is far from slowing down. The company has an ambitious order book featuring 35 river ships and 14 oceangoing vessels in the pipeline, with CEO Torstein Hagen affirming their commitment to expansion. “We have a big order book,” he stated during a recent media presentation at the company’s headquarters in Basel.
According to Hagen, 64% of Viking’s capacity for 2026 has already been sold. “We are highly confident in our newbuilding program. We need more ships,” he emphasized.
“On the rivers, our growth rate has defined demand,” Hagen added. “In contrast, our growth in the oceans exceeds demand slightly, but it aligns exceptionally well with what we offer for curious travelers.” This demographic, referred to as “thinking people,” is central to Viking’s marketing strategy, which focuses on offering a serene onboard atmosphere while emphasizing the cultural destinations visited.
A Stronghold in Central Europe
At present, Viking’s dominance in Central Europe remains robust. The company has priority access to 110 docking stations throughout Europe, a key advantage as it expands its global footprint. Notably, of the nine newly named ships, two are destined for Vietnam and another two for Egypt, where Viking anticipates operating 12 ships by 2027. Additionally, Viking is set to launch two ships that will navigate the waterways of India.
A Memorable Naming Ceremony
The Viking Honir, which will service Rhine and Danube cruises, was unveiled in Basel, with seven of the nine vessels named during this event assigned godmothers from within Viking’s executive ranks. The naming festivities included a live-streamed celebration that connected various locations, including three ships currently under construction at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany.
The godmother of Viking Honir, Michele Saegesser, recently transitioned roles within the company and expressed her joy during the christening. She personalized the customary ship blessing, declaring, “May your passengers, crew — and travel agents — always be safe,” while ceremoniously releasing a bottle of Norwegian aquavit against the ship’s hull.
This milestone not only exemplifies Viking’s dedication to growth and innovation but also highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing traveler experiences on both rivers and oceans alike. To learn more about Viking’s offerings and future plans, visit their official website.
This report was updated to include further details regarding the naming ceremony and Viking’s ongoing expansions.
