Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Mira, was officially named during a traditional ceremony in Venice, Italy. Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson, an attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist, served as ceremonial godmother.
The Viking Mira will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
“We are proud to welcome the new Viking Mira to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, executive chairman of Viking.
“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,” added Hagen.
During the naming ceremony, Rebecca used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that released a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull.
Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebo, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter.
The Viking Mira features all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and al fresco dining options.
Classified as a small ship, the Viking Mira has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons and 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests.
Viking said in a press release that Rebecca has dedicated her career to public service, philanthropy and cultural engagement.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law, she began her career as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways.
Later, Rebecca served as an Assistant United States Attorney and has held leadership roles with educational, healthcare and civic organizations. She is also the founder of youth leadership initiatives focused on bridging social and cultural divides.
Rebecca was also behind Bridge Builders, a youth leadership program whose aim continues to overcome prejudice and foster meaningful connections among students from different backgrounds, and which has so far had over 20,000 participants.
Image: Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen with Wilson, godmother of the Viking Mira, and her husband Spence, during the naming ceremony in Venice, Italy.
