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June 29, 2025
Split, Croatia: Viking Vesta Naming Ceremony


Split, Croatia, featuring Diocletian’s Palace

Today’s port was Split, Dubrovnik’s second-largest city. Split is famous as the site of Diocletian’s Palace. Diocletian was the first Roman Emperor to voluntarily abdicate and retire. He built his palace as a retirement home.

We have been to Split many times before, so we never left the ship today. Instead, we focused on a higher priority: today was the “naming ceremony” for the Viking Vesta.

It was an extremely crowded itinerary, with an onboard wedding in the afternoon and a lecture by Russell in the evening. In between, the naming ceremony was held at 5:00 pm. This is the fifth naming ceremony we have attended (after Mars, Neptune, Saturn and Vela), and it was wonderful to see the familiar faces officiating. New Viking Vesta Godmother Lene Catrine Tangevald-Jensen is a renowned humanitarian, and today’s ceremony was particularly heartfelt and emotional.


The naming ceremony was held on the prow of the ship, overlooking a gorgeous vista. We are still in the midst of a heat wave, so canopies were erected for the attendees.


The naming ceremony was featured all over the ship, from the Atrium to the Star Theatre


The pool deck also erected canapies to protect attendees from the heat


We prefer to watch from the observation deck in front of the Explorers Lounge. It is in the direct sun, but it offers the best view of the prow.


A select number of crew get to attend the ceremony. Despite the 90°+ heat, everyone wears a uniform, wool sweater or bunad (Norwegian dress).


(From left) Ceremonial Viking Geir Magne Røvik and Vesta Godmother Lene Catrine Tangevald-Jensen


(From left) Master of Ceremonies Alistair Miller, Vesta Captain Anders Steen and Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen





Godmother Lene uses the ceremonial axe to cut the ribbon, smashing a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull (for good luck)


Lene receives a bouquet of flowers from Karine


Music is provided by vocalist Sissel Kyrkjebø and violinist Tor Jaran Apold


(From left) Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, Godmother Lene, Captain Anders Steen, EVP Karine Hagen and Lene’s companion


The world trippers with Vesta Godmother Lene Catrine Tangevald-Jensen

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