Viking Sky cruise ship gets inaugurated

The third ship of Viking Ocean Cruises, with a total capacity of 930 passengers, has touched water for the first time

The Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard hosted the debut ceremony, as the tradition marks the final construction stage.

The ship's float out, in accordance to the maritime tradition, was assisted by a madrina who welded coins under the ship mast. The coins represented the birth years of the company founder's family members. Marit Barstad, sister of Viking Ocean Cruises CEO, was the one performing this traditional ceremony and cutting the cord to allow water access into the dock for the first time.

The Viking Sky will be delivered to Viking Ocean Cruises early next year. Three more ships are expected to be delivered from Fincantieri to Viking by 2020. The company will own a total of six cruise ships to sail the world's waters.

“It is a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time. This is our third ship to be floated out in three years, so it is indeed a proud moment for our entire Viking family. Our first ship, Viking Star, has enjoyed great success in her maiden season. I look forward to her five sister ships experiencing the same respective success as they debut over the coming years,” Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises CEO commented.

Following the float out, Viking Sky will be docked back for final construction stage and interior build-out.