Explore More UK - Spring 2021

NEWS
Viking NEWS
A round-up of the latest travel news and events from the world of Viking
BEST IN SHOW
WE WERE THRILLED TO BE NAMED RIVER CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR IN THE 2020 FOOD AND TRAVEL
MAGAZINE READER AWARDS RECENTLY. THE WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED AT A VIRTUAL CEREMONY EARLIER
THIS YEAR AND WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE WHO VOTED FOR US, THANK YOU!
“OUR READERS KNOW THEIR STUFF WHEN IT COMES TO CRUISES, SO TO CROWN VIKING THE CHAMPION
IN THIS CATEGORY FOR FIVE YEARS IN A ROW IS A TRUE MARK OF EXCELLENCE,” SAID THE JUDGES.
THE LONELINESS
OF THE SOUL
We are excited to announce
that the Royal Academy will
be re-opening to the public
on 18th May, meaning
visitors will have the chance
to view the Viking-sponsored
Tracey Emin/Edvard Munch:
The Loneliness of the Soul
exhibition in person, after it
was extended until 1st August.
The exhibition features
more than 25 of Emin’s
works including paintings,
some of which are on display
for the first time, as well as
neons and sculptures. These
works, which explore the
loneliness of the soul, have
been chosen by Emin to
sit alongside a carefully
considered selection of 18
oils and watercolours drawn
from MUNCH’s rich collection
and archives in Oslo, Norway.
NILE NEWS
Viking Aton, a new state-of-the-art river vessel, will be the latest addition
to Viking’s Egypt fleet. Inspired by the design of the award-winning
Viking Longships, and built specifically to navigate the Nile, Viking Aton
is scheduled to debut in September 2022, sailing on the popular
Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, Viking Aton will join its sister ships
Viking Osiris and Viking Ra in Egypt, where Viking is the first and only
Western company to build, own and operate ships on the Nile.
“Egypt remains a top destination for many of our guests who are
inspired to discover the rich history and beauty of the region,” said
Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “The addition of Viking Aton is
a reflection of our continued investment in Egypt; we look forward
to introducing the country’s cultural treasures to even more Viking
guests in the future.”
SUMMER SHOWTIME
RHS Hampton Court Palace challenges and there’ll be a brand
Garden Festival is set to return new RHS Flower Market.
this summer, after the Royal
“After months of planning
Horticultural Society confirmed it and uncertainty we can’t wait
will take place 5 – 11 July. We are to return to what we do best,
delighted that Viking will continue putting on our famous RHS
its long-standing relationship with Flower Shows for all to enjoy,”
the RHS, and will be the headline said Helena Pettit, RHS Director
sponsor of this year’s event. of Gardens and Shows.
Visitors to the shows will
“We have seen a huge increase
be able to discover innovative in people taking up gardening
gardens and fantastic florals and growing in the last year.
alongside a shopper’s paradise Bringing the horticultural world
of plants, tools, sundries and together again will be significant
accessories to decorate all for the industry and we are
gardens, big or small, plus continuing to plan for different
plenty of activities, talks
scenarios to ensure we can open
and demonstrations.
our gates safely and implement
Show gardens will shine a light social distancing measures if
on key issues and environmental still necessary.”
VIKING VENUS
GODMOTHER
We are pleased to announce that
British journalist and broadcaster Anne
Diamond will be the godmother of
Viking’s seventh ocean ship, Viking
Venus, due to debut this spring.
Anne is well known for her career in
television that has spanned more than
40 years, as well as her pioneering cot
death campaign, following the death
of her own son Sebastian.
Over the last year, Anne has been a
key figure on Viking’s award-winning
enrichment channel, Viking.TV.
“Back in March 2020, at the start
of the global lockdown, I rang my
good friend Karine to ask if there was
anything I could do,” recalls Anne.
“Never did I think it might lead to such
a fascinating journey. But exhilarating
journeys are what Viking is all about!”
“We are delighted and honoured
to have Anne serve as the godmother
of Viking Venus,” said Karine Hagen,
Executive Vice President of Viking.
“Since the day we paused
operations, Anne immediately
volunteered to help our guests and
crew manage through this period of
uncertainty and became the face of
Viking.TV on her weekly Thursday
livestreams, brightening the days of
nearly two million viewers. There is no
one more deserving to become the
godmother of Viking Venus.”
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