Festivities took place against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains with the public invited to a concert featuring Norwegian musicians. The godmother was Marit Barstad, sister of Viking Cruises founder and chairman Torstein Hagen. She used a gilded Viking axe to cut the cord that smashed a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit on the bow.
The aquavit hails from the same county in Norway where Torstein and Marit’s mother, Ragnhild—known as 'Mamsen'—was born, and it was her favorite brand. (Norwegian Sky's Scandinavian deli is named Mamsen's.)
Also, the chopping block used for the ceremony was brought from the Rotnes farm in Nittedal, where the godmother grew up.
'This is a special time of year in Norway; these are the days of the midnight sun and the perfect backdrop for a celebration. All of our ships proudly carry the Norwegian flag, and it is an especially proud day to officially welcome our new ship in Tromsø, the Arctic capital of the world,' Hagen said.
Arriving at Tromsø harbor Thursday morning, the 930-passenger, 47,800gt Viking Sky was met by water cannons from fireboats, music from local bands and flag-waving residents.
At a concert stage built for the celebration, Viking guests and Tromsø residents were treated to a public concert, with performances by Norwegian musicians including the Arctic Philharmonic, Lisa Stokke, Violet Road, Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska and Jørn Hoel.
Immediately following the naming, Viking Sky sailed from Tromsø with a convoy of small boats and fishing vessels to mark the summer solstice in the North Cape. On board, guests were treated to a special dinner of Norwegian delicacies and musical performances by Stokke, Tor Jaran Apold and Mari Boine.
The ship will now spend the summer season in Scandinavia and the Baltic.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.
