Viking announced its latest ocean ship, the Viking Mars, was “floated out” on 15JUL, marking the first time the ship has touched water. The cruise line also announced that the ship is set to debut in early 2022, after being officially named by its ceremonial godmother, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the eighth Countess of Carnarvon. According to Viking, the Viking Mars will spend its debut season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe before embarking on voyages in Asia and Australia.
The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, and marked the final stage of its construction. Following a two-day process, the ship will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
The Viking Mars is set to have 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests.
“The day that a new ship meets water for the first time is always a special moment in time, and today is especially meaningful because for the second time, my dear friend Lady Carnarvon will honor us by serving as godmother to a new Viking ship,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking.
"I am both honored and privileged to be chosen as godmother to the Viking Mars, the latest addition to Viking’s beautiful cruise ships. I’ve no doubt she will delight the many guests who travel with her across the seas and oceans," said Lady Carnarvon.
The announcement that Lady Carnarvon will serve as the godmother to Viking Mars further signifies the partnership between Viking and the Carnarvon family.
Through this partnership, Viking offers guests ways to experience Highclere Castle - famously the site where the TV series Downton Abbey was filmed, and the real-life home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon - through the company’s Pre/Post Cruise extensions co-created by Karine Hagen and the Carnarvon family.
This includes Oxford & Highclere Castle, Great Homes, Gardens & Gin, which are available for select river and ocean itineraries.
Guests sailing the Pharaohs & Pyramids Nile River cruise itinerary can select the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt Pre-Cruise Extension, which showcases the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s private collection of Egyptian artifacts which are not normally accessible to the general public.
For more information on Viking’s upcoming Viking Mars, click here.
