Journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond has officially named Viking’s newest ocean vessel, the 930-guest Viking Venus.

The ship’s godmother was joined by a group of invited guests during a ceremony in the English Channel.

The event also marked Viking’s return to service following 14 months of paused operations.

Passengers will join the ship on 22 May for the first of five England’s Scenic Shore sailings. The eight-day voyages will call in Liverpool, the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth and Portland.

Diamond will join guests for the first three sailings and will serve as a guest lecturer with her presentation about the untold story of British radar inventors, including her father, during World War II.

Following its time in England, Viking Venus will sail to Malta, where the ship will homeport for new Welcome Back voyages in the Mediterranean this summer and autumn.

Viking chairman Torstein Hagen said: “Today is one of the proudest days in Viking’s nearly 24-year history. When we became the first cruise line to suspend operations in March 2020, we certainly did not know it would be 14 months before guests would be welcomed back on board

“Now, we are among the first to set sail again and with our industry-leading health and safety protocols in place we believe there is no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage.

“On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted to celebrate the naming of our newest ship in England. We are also grateful to her godmother, Anne Diamond, for her many journalistic and selfless contributions, as well as for her tireless efforts fostering a community on Viking.TV each week for more than a year.”

Diamond added: “It is a huge honour to be chosen as godmother to Viking Venus and to be officially part of the Viking family.

“Over my many years as a journalist I have reported and been part of many historic events, but I never dreamt I would be godmother to an ocean ship or that I would be celebrating the occasion with my family and friends on board the beautiful Viking Venus on the very first day that we are able to cruise again in the UK.

“It is an unforgettable experience, especially as it marks Viking’s global restart. I am looking forward to many more voyages with Viking, including the upcoming sailings of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary. I am also looking forward to another year interviewing some of the world’s most fascinating people on Viking.TV.”