Portsmouth played host to one of Viking Cruises’ newest ocean ships, Viking Sun, as she made her maiden visit to the city on Friday 12 October.
The ship’s 930 guests began their voyage in Bergen, Norway and were seven days into a 15-day Trade Routes of the Middle Ages itinerary, calling into Portsmouth to discover the city’s maritime heritage.
To commemorate the inaugural visit, Leader of the Council Gerald Vernon-Jackson exchanged official plaques with Viking Sun Captain Olav Soevdsnes during an on board reception.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “We’re honoured to welcome Viking Sun to our port and hope this will be the first of many visits to Portsmouth.
“Viking Cruises is a valued cruise line to the city and we’re delighted to host so many of their fleet. As a port we offer great connections from both the sea and the land, ships are closer to the main shipping channels and we’re also neighbours to world-class attractions and the motorway for tours further afield.
“Guests will have enjoyed a picturesque arrival into Portsmouth, sailing between historic forts in the Solent and passing stunning landmarks at the harbour’s entrance.”
Viking Sun Captain Olav Soevdsnes said: “Our arrival into Portsmouth was efficient and easy. Guests are certainly fascinated by the history the city offers and as my first introduction to Portsmouth I am also impressed by the location and attractions.”
Launched in 2017, the 227m Viking Sun is an intimate, small ship class, with capacity for 930 guests. Viking Jupiter, the cruise line’s sixth ocean ship, will set sail in February next year making its debut in Portsmouth in May.
