Viking Ocean Cruises said its founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen, has commemorated the arrival of the company’s new ship, Viking Sea, in five Norwegian ports of call.

“A Norwegian native, Hagen celebrated his family’s heritage during the traditional maritime plaque ceremonies attended by local officials, harbor masters, directors of tourism, and mayors. During his time in Norway, Hagen participated in optional shore excursions available to Viking guests, including visiting the northernmost brewery in Tromsø and eating freshly caught King Crab near Honningsvåg; he also went fishing for lunch in Bodø. This is the first time Viking has sailed into these ports in Northern Norway, along with Brønnøysund and Ålesund, all of which are part of the company’s new Into the Midnight Sun itinerary that cruises between London and Bergen,” the company said in a statement.

During his visit, Hagen and Viking Sea’s captain, Gulleik Svalastog, presented commemorative plaques, guided tours of Viking Sea, and discussed how Viking can help support the tourism industry through its sailings in Norway and its destination-focused approach to cruise itineraries. The participating mayors, who also spoke about their respective tourism initiatives, included: Mayor of Tromsø, Mr. Jarle Aarbakke; Mayor of Nordkapp, Ms. Kristina Sigurdsdottir Hansen; Mayor of Brønnøysund, Mr. Johnny Hanssen; and in Bodø, Mayor Ms. Ida Maria Pinnerod and Port Director, Ingvar Mathisen.

Addressing repeat Viking travelers at a Viking Explorer Society cocktail party Hagen stated, “Sir Richard Branson says space is Virgin territory. I say Scandinavia is Viking territory. No other cruise line can show you this part of the world like Viking can. I have known for years that there is nothing better than Norway in the summer, and I am happy to now be able to share the beauty of my native Norway with you, our Viking guests.”

Christened in May, Viking’s second ship, Viking Sea, was recently awarded the highest-available editor rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, marking the second consecutive five-star rating for the company’s expanding ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean fleet of 930-passenger sister ships are well-suited for Scandinavian and Baltic itineraries – their size allows for privileged access to smaller ports, getting guests closer to their destinations.