Magnificent 10 for Viking

There’s more to Viking River Cruises than sponsorship of the hit ITV drama series, Broadchurch, and the only mystery yesterday – when the company christened 10 new ships in one go – was how to ensure the Champagne bottles smashed successfully on each one.
The ceremony took place in Amsterdam, although six of the ships were named by remote control at a shipyard in Rostock, Germany.
Ten ships meant 10 godmothers, who each recited a maritime blessing and cut a ribbon on a waterfront stage lined with red and white balloons. Among them was Lady Fiona Carnarvon (above), chatelaine of Highclere Castle, location for another TV series, Downton Abbey (which happens to be sponsored by P&O).
The ships each carry 190 passengers on cruises along the rivers Rhine, Main and Danube, and are among the most luxurious in Europe. Viking is a fast-growing company. Another 12 river ships will be launched in 2014 and an order has been placed to build two ocean-going cruise ships.
►Two Hollywood stars are in Portugal to christen two more river cruise ships tomorrow (March 22). Sharon (Basic Instinct) Stone will be godmother for AmaVida and Andie (Four Weddings and a Funeral) MacDowell will do the honours at a separate ceremony for the Queen Isabel. Both ships will operate on the River Douro.