Latest news with #VikingVesta
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Viking Names Newest Ocean Ship in Croatia
The 998-Guest Viking Vesta Was Welcomed to Award-Winning Fleet During Ceremony in Split LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viking® ( (NYSE: VIK) yesterday named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta®, with a traditional ceremony in Split, Croatia. Serving as ceremonial godmother of the Viking Vesta was the Norwegian journalist, Lene Tangevald-Jensen. The Viking Vesta will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. "As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. "We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family." In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony Lene used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship's hull. Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world's leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter®, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold. Lene Tangevald-Jensen, Godmother of the Viking Vesta Lene Tangevald-Jensen is known for her commitment to journalism and philanthropy, as well as a deep curiosity about people's lives. After completing the International Baccalaureate and earning a master's degree in business, she worked in the private sector, investing in stocks and real estate. For 30 years, she has written for Kapital and Finansavisen, two of Norway's leading financial publications, conducting more than 500 interviews, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter. She has also contributed to =OSLO, a street magazine that gives a platform to those who have fallen outside society's safety net. Lene believes in the power of paying it forward—performing small, meaningful acts that spark new beginnings for someone in need. Through her work with the LEON Trust, she supports education for children in Kenya, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She is involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation Norway and is the founder of TBS Gallery, an art space in Oslo dedicated to the work of sculptor Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik. As a close friend and neighbor of Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen, Lene has become a cherished part of the extended Viking family. In December 2022, she and her partner joined an expedition to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris®. There, she created a documentary film, capturing the beauty of the White Continent—a journey that reaffirmed her belief in embracing the unknown. She often returns to the mantra that shapes her life: "Growth happens when we dare to try—even when failure looms." The Viking Vesta The Viking Vesta is the newest ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. The naming of the Viking Vesta follows a string of recent accolades for the company. Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a "World's Best" for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications—something Viking has now achieved two years in a row. This achievement marked the first time a travel company won these three categories in back-to-back years. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking's ocean ships have also been rated and "Recommended" as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@ About Viking Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a "World's Best" for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit View source version on Contacts Email: vikingpr@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Viking Names Newest Ocean Ship in Croatia
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viking ® ( (NYSE: VIK) yesterday named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta ®, with a traditional ceremony in Split, Croatia. Serving as ceremonial godmother of the Viking Vesta was the Norwegian journalist, Lene Tangevald-Jensen. The Viking Vesta will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. 'As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,' said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. 'We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.' In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony Lene used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship's hull. Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world's leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter ®, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold. Lene Tangevald-Jensen, Godmother of the Viking Vesta Lene Tangevald-Jensen is known for her commitment to journalism and philanthropy, as well as a deep curiosity about people's lives. After completing the International Baccalaureate and earning a master's degree in business, she worked in the private sector, investing in stocks and real estate. For 30 years, she has written for Kapital and Finansavisen, two of Norway's leading financial publications, conducting more than 500 interviews, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter. She has also contributed to =OSLO, a street magazine that gives a platform to those who have fallen outside society's safety net. Lene believes in the power of paying it forward—performing small, meaningful acts that spark new beginnings for someone in need. Through her work with the LEON Trust, she supports education for children in Kenya, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She is involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation Norway and is the founder of TBS Gallery, an art space in Oslo dedicated to the work of sculptor Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik. As a close friend and neighbor of Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen, Lene has become a cherished part of the extended Viking family. In December 2022, she and her partner joined an expedition to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris ®. There, she created a documentary film, capturing the beauty of the White Continent—a journey that reaffirmed her belief in embracing the unknown. She often returns to the mantra that shapes her life: 'Growth happens when we dare to try—even when failure looms.' The Viking Vesta The Viking Vesta is the newest ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. The naming of the Viking Vesta follows a string of recent accolades for the company. Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a 'World's Best' for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications—something Viking has now achieved two years in a row. This achievement marked the first time a travel company won these three categories in back-to-back years. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking's ocean ships have also been rated and 'Recommended' as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@ About Viking Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a 'World's Best' for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Viking Takes Delivery of Newest Ocean Ship
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 26, 2025-- Viking® ( ) (NYSE: VIK) today announced it has taken delivery of the company's newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta ®. The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was presented at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The Viking Vesta joins the company's growing fleet of award-winning ocean ships and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. 'We are proud to welcome the Viking Vesta to our fleet of elegant, small sister ships,' said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. 'As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travelers new options for exploring in Viking comfort. We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Vesta during her inaugural season and in the years to come.' Viking and Fincantieri recently announced details of the Viking Libra, the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. Already under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. Viking's subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea —currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027—will also be hydrogen powered. The Viking Vesta has been designed with the future in mind, ensuring she can be retrofitted to incorporate these new technologies as they become available. Viking remains focused on its well-defined, long-term growth plans and committed to its strategy, continuing to be a global leader in experiential travel. Based on Viking's committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 27 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 111 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected]. About Viking Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a 'World's Best' for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including among others, statements relating to our business prospects and strategy, our expected fleet additions and other similar matters. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements in this press release by using words such as 'anticipates,' 'estimates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans' and 'believes,' and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as 'will,' 'should,' 'would,' 'may' and 'could.' These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this press release or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by us, or on our behalf. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements included in this press release as a result of various factors, which are described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. View source version on Email:[email protected] KEYWORD: EUROPE UNITED STATES ITALY NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRANSPORTATION LODGING DESTINATIONS TRAVEL VACATION CRUISE MARITIME TRANSPORT SOURCE: Viking Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/26/2025 08:00 AM/DISC: 06/26/2025 08:02 AM
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Most Exciting New Cruise Ship Launches Of 2025
You don't have to be a cruiser to marvel at the impressive scope of today's cruise ships. Gone are the days of tiny cabins, limited dining options and uninspired entertainment—ships these days offer everything from full-scale Broadway shows, outposts of celebrated restaurants and slidecoasters (yes, it's exactly what it sounds like). From Disney's latest, Disney Destiny, to MSC Cruises' sleek new MSC World America, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for new cruise ships. There's something for everyone, from a massive waterpark on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas to immersive pop-up festivals on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Xcel. Below, the most exciting new cruise ships of 2025. Artist's rendering of Disney Destiny. The House of Mouse is launching the new Disney Destiny this fall, when it's set to cruise the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. Holding 4,000 passengers, the new ship will debut a new main dining experience—'Feast of The Lion King'—as well as new bars, including De Vil's piano lounge (inspired by Cruella de Vil) and The Sanctum (paying homage to Doctor Strange). Themed around Disney heroes and villains, families of all ages will have something to enjoy, including photo opps in front of a giant statue of T'Challa from "Black Panther' in the Grand Hall and the ship's new AquaMouse water-coaster, featuring foes like Scar from 'The Lion King' and the Evil Queen from 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' Explorer Suite on Viking Vesta. The 12th ship in Viking's small, ocean-going fleet, Viking Vesta will debut this summer with an intimate head count of just 998 passengers. Due to its small size and adults-only atmosphere (guests must be 18 to sail), it's a great choice for couples who want to relax and unwind in the Mediterranean. Like many of Viking's other ships, Vesta will feature chic and minimalist Scandinavian design, as well as low-key activities (think: educational workshops and trivia nights) that cater to the brand's older and more distinguished crowd. This ship will be 30-feet longer than its previous counterparts, meaning there's sure to be plenty of space to spread out across its two pools, spa and thermal suite. Exterior of Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady. Virgin Voyages, best known for its hip and irreverent design and entertainment, is an ideal choice for friend groups or young couples that want a more fresh and cheeky atmosphere than the traditional cruise scene. This year, the brand is debuting the latest ship in its fleet, Brilliant Lady, which will hold up to 2,770 passengers and feature many of the same popular amenities found on its sister ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady (think: included Wi-Fi, high-quality dining and well-made cocktails). It will be the first Virgin ship to sail from the line's new home ports of New York City and Los Angeles, as well as the first to debut Canadian itineraries. Aerial view of Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas at night. Sometimes bigger really is better: As if the 2024 debut of Icon of the Seas—also known as the world's largest cruise ship—wasn't enough, Royal Caribbean is continuing to expand with a new offering, Star of the Seas. Set to debut this summer, the new ship will hold 7,600 passengers and offer over 40 restaurants and bars as well as a massive water park that will include six slides and seven pools. Much like Icon of the Seas, the new ship will also feature the AquaDome, home to the largest waterfall at sea and live diving performances and acrobatic water shows at the AquaTheater, as well as the AquaDome Market, a global food hall featuring seemingly endless selections of international fare. Terrace Suite on the Luminara. Luxury hotel group The Ritz-Carlton is bringing another superyacht to the seas this summer through their cruise line, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The brand's latest ship, Luminara, will hold just 452 passengers and feature spacious all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, in addition to five restaurants and six bars. Similar to the brand's first two yachts, Evrima and Ilma, luxurious furnishings and refined interiors will be on display, thanks to architecture and design company AD Associates and interior design firm Chapi Chapo Design. Luminara will also debut a new category of Residential Suites beginning at a very spacious 1,000 square feet. Exterior of Norwegian Aqua. Norwegian Cruise Line was already well-known for its full-scale Broadway performances and theme park-like activities, but the cruise line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, will offer an even more ambitious entertainment slate when it debuts this spring. A larger version of its sister ships, Prima and Viva, Norwegian Aqua will mark the debut of Norwegian's latest creation, the Aqua Slidecoaster. A hybrid water slide and rollercoaster, guests will be able to propel up and down three stories of the ship—not for the faint of heart. In addition, an indoor glowing sports court is sure to entertain active teens and adults, and much to the delight of adrenaline junkies, The Drop, a dry slide off the side of the ship that made its debut on Prima, will be back for round two. MSC World America will debut the first Eataly at sea. After the launch of MSC World Europa last year, MSC is bringing the next ship in its World Class fleet stateside. MSC World America will be the first of its fleet to sail from the U.S. to the Caribbean, and will be a particular draw for foodies, thanks to its wide range of diverse dining outlets. In addition to Paxos, a Greek restaurant that will encourage guests to select their meal from a fresh fish counter, the crown jewel of the ship will be the first-ever Eataly at sea. The reservation-only outpost of the popular Italian food market will offer 94 indoor seats as well as a 22-seat patio area and sling up classic favorites as well as several new dishes exclusive to the MSC ship. Celebrity Xcel At Sea. Large families or groups with a wide variety of interests are sure to find something to love on Celebrity's latest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Much like the cruise line's previous Edge-class ships—Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent—Celebrity Xcel will feature many of the same innovative offerings, like the Magic Carpet (which transforms into different restaurants, bars and lounges as it moves up and down the side of the ship) and Infinite Balconies (which allows a stateroom to merge into a veranda with the touch of a button). What sets this ship apart is the debut of The Bazaar, a space dedicated to immersive festivals, music, shopping experiences and entertainment that will change in accordance with the ship's destination that day. Activities will include dance classes, crafting workshops and performances by local musicians. My name is Astrid Taran and I'm the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel and cruise coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor, during which I have written numerous destination, hotel and cruise guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. I have taken almost a dozen cruises over the course of my career to destinations including Alaska, the Galapagos, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
