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Viking Glory was christened during traditional festivities in the Port of Turku today. It was Stockholm-based jewelry designer Isabel Lennse who smashed the champagne bottle against the ship's shiny new hull. She is the wife of Jakob Johansson, board member and largest owner of Viking Line. 

The name Glory was chosen in a naming competition held three years ago. A total of 22,500 name suggestions were received from Finland, Sweden and other countries. Over 450 contestants suggested the name Glory. 

”"I am grateful to be the godmother of this beautiful ship. The sponsorship also strengthens my family's long-standing commitment to Viking Line. It is important to me that Viking Glory is one of the world's most climate-smart passenger ships - the archipelago is close to our family's heart," says Isabel Lennse.

According to a centuries-old legend, a bottle of champagne must be smashed against the hull of a ship to ensure that the ship will sail safely on the world's oceans. Some believe that the sparkling drink will appease the gods of the sea. This time, the gods of the sea will get to taste champagne that Essi Avellan, Master of Wine, has developed for Viking Line in collaboration with the world-famous champagne house Piper-Heidsieck. 

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The traditions surrounding ship christenings also include the shipping company remembering the ship's godmother with a piece of jewelry. Isabel Lennse received a Glory pendant in gold that goldsmith Maria Karlström from GULDVIVA in Åland designed especially for the ship's christening. The timeless Glory jewelry with a maritime theme is sold in silver at Viking Glory.

In connection with the ship's christening, Stefan Lindfor's sculpture was also unveiled. Beneath the Surface. The work is part of the sculpture trilogy Theater of the Sea which is a tribute to life at sea.  

For Viking Line, the christening of the company's new flagship marked the successful culmination of a multi-year project that was largely carried out under exceptional circumstances. The total price of the vessel, which was ordered in April 2017, is approximately EUR 225 million.

”"We managed to bring home Viking Glory even though there were also doubts in the air. This fantastic ship exceeds all my expectations. It represents a completely new generation of ships and beautifully highlights the company's origins in the archipelago," said Viking Line's CEO Jan Hanses.  

Viking Glory

3/2016 Letter of intent with Chinese shipyard XSI signed

4/2017 Viking Line signs a shipbuilding contract with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry

8/2018 The ship begins construction in Xiamen

5/2019 The new ship will be named Glory, chosen through a naming competition for the public

6/2019 Keel laying ceremony at the shipyard

1/2021 Viking Glory is launched

6/2021 The ship passes its 1st test run at sea 

11/2021 The ship passes its 2nd test run at sea

12/2021 Viking Glory departs from China towards its home port in Turku

1/2021 The ship calls at the Port of Turku 

2/2022 The ship is christened in the Port of Turku 

3/2022 Viking Glory begins operating the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route.