There’s a Guinness World Record for just about everything these days. Case in point, Viking Cruises just broke a new record for…wait for it…“The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company.” Yep, the luxury cruise line just christened 16 new Longships during a multi-phased event taking place over 24-hours and claimed its victory.
Already holding the previous record, Viking added two more to the lineup three days later for a total of 18 river vessels launched across four countries in five days. Of the initial 16, nine were christened in Amsterdam; four in Rostock, Germany; and three in Avignon, France. Notated as a “first-of-its kind ceremony,” the event showcased the new additions and revealed the names of the vessels. As with any good christening, a godparent is named; and this occasion was no different. Viking chose to recognize the travel trade's contribution to the growth of the river cruise industry by naming their longships after esteemed travel agent partners.
Here are a few of those honored:
- Celebrating the Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of American Express' Cruise Planners, Vicky Garcia became the Godmother of Viking Magni on March 17.
- Known from BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, Susi Barrie—an award-winning broadcaster, author and wine personality—was named as Godmother of Viking Heimdal on March 18.
- Anne Willan was named Godmother of Viking Hermod and is recognized as one of the world's preeminent authorities on French cooking. With more than 50 years of experience in food industry, Willan founded Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris and is a teacher, culinary historian and food columnist. Released in 2013, her memoir One Souffle at a Time: A Memoir with Recipes is only one of more than 30 books she has authored.
Since their debut in 2012, Viking Longships has been racking up the awards and found its way on Condé Nast Traveler's annual readers' Cruise Poll for best river cruise ships. But what other cruise company can say that they threw a really big party this year that got them a Guinness World Record? That’s right, none. Congrats, Viking, here’s to 20 ships next year!
