One ship naming is lovely. Seven together? That’s a fairly ambitious celebration.
Viking has announced the naming of seven river ships in a ceremony hosted in Amsterdam, with other locations joining virtually. If that has you imagining seven ships lined up beside one another in the Dutch capital, there’s a small correction: they weren’t all there.
Viking’s announcement on 15 October explains that the event connected ships in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Egypt.
I rather like that idea. A shared celebration, but with each ship already pointing towards its own part of the world.
Where are they sailing?
Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Sjofn and Viking Rota will sail itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube.
Viking Fjolvar is for the Seine. In Egypt, Viking Ptah operates on the Nile, where Viking Sekhmet is due to begin sailing in 2027.
That final date is worth noticing. Naming a ship doesn’t necessarily mean passengers can step aboard it immediately.
For anyone looking at a specific departure, I’d check the named ship and sailing date together. A fleet announcement is a lovely starting point for daydreaming, but it isn’t a substitute for the details of your own holiday.
The route would come first for me
As much as I enjoy following new ships, I’d choose the river before getting too attached to the vessel.
Would I want a trip built around France, a journey through central Europe or time exploring Egypt? Those are quite different holiday ideas, even when the same company’s name is on the booking.
I’d also look closely at how much time each itinerary gives you ashore. Personally, I’d rather have a route that suits my interests than choose a ship simply because it has just had its naming ceremony.
Our guide for people new to cruising is a starting point if you’re still working out what you want from a cruise holiday.
A nice moment for the people behind it
Viking chose travel advisers and industry leaders as the seven ships’ godparents, and the ceremony included good wishes for passengers and crew.
I’m always pleased when a ship celebration remembers the people who will make the holidays happen.
The naming is a milestone worth enjoying. For passengers, the more interesting question comes next: which river would you actually love to explore?
