Viking Unveils Two Ships in Portugal

Viking River Cruises is continuing its record-breaking streak of christenings with the addition of two new ships on Portugal’s Douro River.

The 106-passenger Viking Hemming and sister Viking Torgil have a similar design to Viking’s signature longships, but are smaller due to the navigational requirements of the Douro River. Laura Ferreira, the wife of Portugal’s prime minister, and Ana Moura, a famous Portuguese fado singer, have been named godmothers of the two ships.

Hemming and Torgil both feature a forward-facing outdoor terrace area, one main restaurant, a forward lounge and bar, and a sizeable deck-top pool – a rarity among European river ships.

Including these two ships, Viking has unveiled 18 new ships over a 5-day period, bringing the line’s total to 52 vessels in operation this year, up from 35 in 2013.