Viking recently named its newest ocean ship Viking Venus. The naming celebration at sea in the English Channel took place as the ship set sail for its inaugural voyage, and the ship’s ceremonial godmother, British journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing.

“It is a huge honor to be chosen as godmother to Viking Venus and to be officially part of the Viking family. Over my many years as a journalist I have reported and been part of many historic events, but I never dreamt I would be godmother to an ocean ship or that I would be celebrating the occasion with my family and friends on board the beautiful Viking Venus on the very first day that we are able to cruise again in the UK,” said Diamond. “It is an unforgettable experience, especially as it marks Viking’s global restart. I am looking forward to many more voyages with Viking, including the upcoming sailings of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary. I am also looking forward to another year interviewing some of the world’s most fascinating people on Viking.TV.”

The new ship’s event also marked Viking’s return to service following 14 months of paused operations. Guests set sail last Saturday on the Viking Venus for the first of five round-trip sailings of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary in May and June.

Delivered in April 2021, Viking Venus is the newest vessel to join Viking’s ocean fleet of identical sister ships, including Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter.