Viking’s new fleet of ocean ships might just be some of the most luxurious at sea – and its latest addition has gotten the star treatment (literally), having just been named by a decorated NASA astronaut in Los Angeles.
Astronaut Nicole Stott joins Viking Cruises CEO Torstein Hagen to name new ocean ship, Viking Neptune.
The new vessel, Viking Neptune, was named by its ceremonial godmother, Nicole Stott – a retired NASA astronaut, aquanaut and artist. The lavish ceremony saw her bless the new ship with good fortune and safe sailing, a maritime tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Nicole Stott named Viking Neptune using a historic Viking broad axe
Starting its sailing with a real adventure, the Viking Neptune then departed from Los Angeles for Honolulu, where it will now sail the bucket list-worthy 2022-2023 Viking World Cruise, an epic voyage from Fort Lauderdale to London which spans 138 days, 28 countries an 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.
Guests at the ceremony enjoyed a performance by Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold
The ship joins Viking’s award-winning fleet of state-of-the-art ocean ships, which are classed as ‘small ships’ and carry just 930 guests at a time, for an intimate, exclusive experience complete with modern design and luxury touches.
Incredible al fresco at the Aquavit Terrace
Astronaut Stott said, “It is an honour and privilege to be the godmother of the new Viking Neptune. As someone who has been blessed to explore space, the ocean, and some of the otherworldly places on our planet, I understand the importance of broadening one’s horizons through travel. I am very excited for all those who journey around the world on this elegant vessel.”
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, also noted the connection between exploring space and the seas, adding, “The Viking Neptune is a ship named for both the furthest planet in our solar system and the god of the sea—and our newest Viking godmother, Nicole Stott, as a NASA astronaut and aquanaut, also has connections to space and the sea. We are grateful for her many contributions to the scientific community and are proud to have her as part of the Viking family.”
A junior penthouse suite onboard Viking Neptune
Highlights of the new ship include plush, all-veranda staterooms, for incredible views right from your room, light-filled Scandinavian design throughout, and an abundance of al fresco destination-focussed dining options.
Stunning views from the infinity pool on Viking Neptune
Interestingly, the future-forward Viking Neptune also marks the cruise industry’s first foray into testing the use of hydrogen power, as it is uniquely equipped with a small hydrogen fuel system – a big move forward in developing environmentally friendly ships. Viking Chairman Hagen explains, it “marks a significant advancement in testing hydrogen as a future fuel for our vessels.”
Discover upcoming itineraries for the new Viking Neptune and more at vikingcruises.co.uk.
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The Luxe Review 
Viking’s new fleet of ocean ships might just be some of the most luxurious at sea – and its latest addition has gotten the star treatment (literally), having just been named by a decorated NASA astronaut in Los Angeles.
The new vessel, Viking Neptune, was named by its ceremonial godmother, Nicole Stott – a retired NASA astronaut, aquanaut and artist. The lavish ceremony saw her bless the new ship with good fortune and safe sailing, a maritime tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Starting its sailing with a real adventure, the Viking Neptune then departed from Los Angeles for Honolulu, where it will now sail the bucket list-worthy 2022-2023 Viking World Cruise, an epic voyage from Fort Lauderdale to London which spans 138 days, 28 countries an 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.
The ship joins Viking’s award-winning fleet of state-of-the-art ocean ships, which are classed as ‘small ships’ and carry just 930 guests at a time, for an intimate, exclusive experience complete with modern design and luxury touches.
Astronaut Stott said, “It is an honour and privilege to be the godmother of the new Viking Neptune. As someone who has been blessed to explore space, the ocean, and some of the otherworldly places on our planet, I understand the importance of broadening one’s horizons through travel. I am very excited for all those who journey around the world on this elegant vessel.”
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, also noted the connection between exploring space and the seas, adding, “The Viking Neptune is a ship named for both the furthest planet in our solar system and the god of the sea—and our newest Viking godmother, Nicole Stott, as a NASA astronaut and aquanaut, also has connections to space and the sea. We are grateful for her many contributions to the scientific community and are proud to have her as part of the Viking family.”
Highlights of the new ship include plush, all-veranda staterooms, for incredible views right from your room, light-filled Scandinavian design throughout, and an abundance of al fresco destination-focussed dining options.
Interestingly, the future-forward Viking Neptune also marks the cruise industry’s first foray into testing the use of hydrogen power, as it is uniquely equipped with a small hydrogen fuel system – a big move forward in developing environmentally friendly ships. Viking Chairman Hagen explains, it “marks a significant advancement in testing hydrogen as a future fuel for our vessels.”
Discover upcoming itineraries for the new Viking Neptune and more at vikingcruises.co.uk.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled a spectacular new crystal light installation that will debut aboard Seven Seas Prestige when she launches in December 2026. A vast Bohemian crystal installation will become the centrepiece of the new flagship, combining centuries-old glassmaking with a nightly sound-and-light show. Seven Seas Prestige will be the line’s first new…
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