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In Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle on Norway’s northwest coast, Viking Cruises has christened its third ocean ship, »Viking Sky«.

The cruise line’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 t, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. »Viking Sky« is the third of [ds_preview]eight ocean cruise ships currently planned for the fleet. The fourth and fifth ships, »Viking Sun« and »Viking Spirit«, are under construction and will be delivered in September 2017 and 2018, respectively. By 2019 the cruise line will welcome its sixth ship and will become the largest small ship ocean cruise line. Two additional ships are on order for delivery in 2021 and 2022.

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Photo: Viking

In early 2015 Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered the first vessel, »Viking Star«, followed by »Viking Sea« in early 2016.  In January the now christened third vessel was handed over to the cruise company.

»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,« said Chairman Torstein Hagen.

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Photo: Viking

He added: »Scandinavia is Viking territory, but as we continue to expand our fleet, we also look forward to introducing new travelers to the Viking way of travel around the world.«

During the christening ceremony, Marit Barstad, sister of Torstein Hagen, served as ceremonial godmother. After arriving today in Tromsø, the vessel was positioned in the harbor adjacent to a concert stage constructed specifically for the celebration. Viking guests and residents of Tromsø were treated to a public concert, with performances from a variety of Norwegian musicians – including Arctic Philharmonic, Lisa Stokke, Violet Road, Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska and Jørn Hoel.