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Viking’s Newest Ocean Ship, Viking Mira, Recognized with Prestigious Naming Ceremony in Venice

Viking has announced that its newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, has been officially named in a traditional ceremony in Venice, Italy. Accomplished attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson served as ceremonial godmother.

The Viking Mira will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking

Torstein Hagen is the Executive Chairman of Viking and he said “We are proud to welcome the new Viking Mira to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships.”

“We are also very honored to have Rebecca as our newest Viking godmother. Her lifelong commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding is an inspiration to all of us.”

Rebecca Webb Wilson is the Godmother of the Viking Mira

During the traditional naming ceremony, Rebecca used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to split apart on the ship’s hull.

During the ceremony guests enjoyed a performance by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and the godmother of the Viking Jupiter.

Rebecca Webb Wilson’s Distinguished Career

Rebecca Webb Wilson graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law. She began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways, where she developed a lifelong passion for travel and learning about the world.

Wilson has dedicated her career to public service, philanthropy and cultural engagement. Rebecca served as an Assistant United States Attorney and has held leadership roles within the educational, healthcare and civic spheres.

She is an avid traveler and accomplished nature photographer and has founded youth leadership initiatives to bridge social and cultural divides.

For example, she developed Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program which focuses on overcoming prejudice and fostering meaningful connections among a diversity of students. Thus far Bridge Builders has had over 20,000 participants.

The Viking Mira

The Viking Mira is classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships. The Viking Mira has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests.

The newest ship in Viking’s award-winning fleet of ocean ships features elegant Scandinavian design, veranda staterooms, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet

Viking continues to earn top honors from leading travel publications and industry organizations around the world, including being named to TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.

Viking was also rated #1 for Oceans and #1 for Rivers by Condé Nast Traveler for the fifth consecutive year in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and named “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure, a simultaneous accomplishment no other travel company has earned.

Recently, the Viking Vesta® was also named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List and the cruise line was ranked #1 in seven categories in USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Additionally, the groundbreaking company earned top honors from Southern Living for its river and ocean voyages in the publication’s 2026 cruise rankings, and received eight awards in Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards.

For the fifth year in a row Viking received top rankings from U.S. News & World Report as “Best Luxury Line,” “Best Line for Couples” and “Best Line in the Mediterranean.”

Finally, Viking was named AOL’s Best Cruise Line for 2025 and it continues to receive “Recommended” ratings for its ocean ships in Forbes Travel Guide.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Viking Travel. Come back here often for Viking Travel news and updates.

Annemarie LeBlanc: The proudest job of my life is being a Mom to Robyn and Grandchildren to Ava, Rose & Ella. I’m was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and I am a proud Caper. I currently reside in Montreal, Canada. I’m a former Professeur at both the Universtiy and Collegial level. In 2010, when I stopped teaching I decided to explore the world of blogging.
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