Viking has celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus. The new cruise ship touched water for the first time as she ‘floated out’ of the building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of Viking Venus began with the tradional welding of commemorative coins onto the ship. The ceremony continued when a cord was cut to allow water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process, that will set Viking Venus afloat, she will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
“We started Viking’s ocean project eight years ago, and together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most beautiful ships. Today we are pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our seventh ocean ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As the world continues its path to recovery from COVID-19, we remain focused on the future, and with strong bookings for 2021 and the enthusiasm of our guests, we are optimistic about what is to come.”
Viking Venus is scheduled to make her debut in early 2021. She will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.
Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests. Viking Venus will join an award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships, which also includes Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter.