VIKING has named its newest ocean ship in Croatia, with Viking Vesta welcomed to the cruise line’s fleet during a ceremony in Split.
Serving as the godmother of Vesta was Norwegian journalist Lene Tangevald-Jensen, with the ship to now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Med and Northern Europe.
Tangevald-Jensen has written for two of Norway’s leading financial publications, Kapital and Finansavisen, interviewing a range of world leaders and changemakers, including former President of the United States Jimmy Carter.
She used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull – a longstanding tradition with the cruise line.
Guests also enjoyed performances by Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebo, who is the godmother of Viking Jupiter, and violinist Tor Jaran Apold.
“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” Chair & Chief Executive Officer Torstein Hagen said.
“We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother…in addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking – she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious,” he said.
“I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”
Vesta can host 998 guests in 499 all-veranda staterooms, which feature elegant Scandinavian design.
The ship also features light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.
