Viking has officially named its newest ocean ship during a traditional ceremony in Venice.
The Viking Mira will now begin her inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Rebecca Webb Wilson, an accomplished attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist, served as ceremonial godmother, using a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon and release a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull.
Ms Wilson began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways before serving as an Assistant United States Attorney.
“We are also very honoured to have Rebecca as our newest Viking godmother. Her lifelong commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding is an inspiration to all of us,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking Executive Chairman.
Ms Wilson is also the founder of Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program that has had more than 20,000 participants focused on overcoming prejudice and fostering connections between students from different backgrounds.
Viking Mira features all-veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design and al fresco dining across 499 staterooms accommodating 998 guests.
The naming ceremony also featured a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of Viking Jupiter.
