Six Viking Ships Christened in Amsterdam

Viking River Cruises welcomed six new ships to its fleet yesterday in Amsterdam, as the company continues its massive expansion with 52 ships in the last five years.

During the ceremony, Viking honored its travel trade partners by naming them the ships’ godmothers.

“The partners we have chosen to name our newest ships are experts in their field, and as Viking has marketed the concept of river cruises over the last two decades, they have always recognized our value in the industry,” said Viking chairman Torstein Hagen.

The godmothers are director of travel products for AAA Washington Lisa Anciaux, godmother of Viking Rolf; managing director of cruise sales for Virtuoso Beth Butzlaff, godmother of Viking Kadlin; chief operating officer of Alberta Motor Association Michelle Chimko, godmother of Viking Alruna; vice president of supplier relations and product operations for World Travel Holdings Jenniger Gasser, godmother of Viking Egil; and joint owner of Northumbria Travel Limited Beryl Gibson, godmother of Viking Vilhjalm.

Of the six ships, four will be deployed on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers and the other two will sail on the Seine. Another new ship from Viking, the Viking Osfrid, will be unveiled later this month and will sail on the Douro.

Viking’s new fleet doesn’t include its ocean cruising segment, which will officially begin sailing one ship later this year, and another in 2017.