Viking Sea Christening: The Bottle Broke, But What Was In It? | Travel Research Online

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Viking Sea Christening: The Bottle Broke, But What Was In It?

Last week, I watched a rehearsal of Viking Sea’s christening, minus the crowds and fanfare — and the city of London. On Wednesday, while we were cruising from Malaga, Spain, Erling Frydenberg invited me to a practice run of the breaking of the bottle against Viking Sea’s hull.

So along with Frydenberg, who heads up “Cruise Operations Development” for Viking Cruises, and Viking Sea General Manager Karl Eckl, I headed forward and out on deck to watch a bottle break. Interestingly, the bottle that will break against Viking Sea’s hull tomorrow will not be champagne. Viking Star was christened last year with a Jeroboam-sized bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Viking Sea will be christened with a big bottle of Aquavit.

Wake up and smell the Aquavit.
[/media-credit] Wake up and smell the Aquavit.
No thanks!
[/media-credit] No thanks!
From front to back Anthony MauBoussin, director of culinary development; Erling Frydenberg, owner's representative and head of cruise operations development; and Karl Eckl, general manager of Viking Sea.
[/media-credit] From front to back Anthony MauBoussin, director of culinary development; Erling Frydenberg, owner’s representative and head of cruise operations development; and Karl Eckl, general manager of Viking Sea.
Christening practice.
[/media-credit] Christening practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eckl tied up the bottle of Gammel Opland and along with an officer, they hoisted it above the ship’s railing. The breaking of the bottle went off without a hitch. Even the cork remained, which Frydenberg suggested be kept and possibly framed later on.

On deck: Erling Frydenberg and Karl Eckl.
[/media-credit] On deck: Erling Frydenberg and Karl Eckl.
A big bottle of Aquavit.
[/media-credit] A big bottle of Aquavit.
Take one last look.
[/media-credit] Take one last look.
Preparing the bottle.
[/media-credit] Preparing the bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viking Sea’s official christening is tomorrow, Thursday, May 5 in Greenwich on the Thames River in London.

I want it back! Viking Sea General Manager Karl Eckl.
[/media-credit] I want it back! Viking Sea General Manager Karl Eckl.
Viking Sea General Manager Karl Eckl.
[/media-credit] Viking Sea General Manager Karl Eckl.
Viking Sea is christened. Well, not quite.
[/media-credit] Viking Sea is christened. Well, not quite.
Erling Frydenberg holding all that is left of the bottle.
[/media-credit] Erling Frydenberg holding all that is left of the bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


An avid traveler and an award-winning journalist, Ralph Grizzle produces articles, video and photos that are inspiring and informative, personal and passionate. A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ralph has specialized in travel writing for more than two decades. To read more cruise and port reviews by Ralph Grizzle, visit his website at www.avidcruiser.com.

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