By
Alice Chambers |
Copenhagen-based cruise line Albatros Expeditions held a naming ceremony for new ship Ocean Victory in South Georgia, an archipelago in the southern Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first to christen a vessel in the region. The ceremony was held on 3 December and marked the beginning of Ocean Victory’s maiden voyage towards Antarctica.
Ocean Victory is part of a low-energy generation of vessels that is classified as Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6. She features 93 staterooms and suites with environmentally friendly amenities and interiors designed to reflect the company’s Nordic heritage.
The ship was christened by Elise Grøndahl, operations manager at Albatros Expeditions, with the traditional bottle of champagne replaced with a block of ice, in keeping with the cruise line’s sustainability goals.
“We choose for this event to happen in South Georgia, because of our great love for this unique place,” said Hans Lagerweij, president of Albatros Expeditions. “We enthusiastically support The South Georgia Heritage Trust and are helping with the establishment of the sculpture ‘Commensalis – the Spirit Tables of South Georgia’ at the old Grytviken Whaling Station. It tells the powerful story of an ecosystem in recovery.”
Albatros Expeditions also launched its 2023-2024 Antarctica season, which is set to substantially increase the number of visits to South Georgia. “At Albatros we are always looking for the most unique and inspiring destinations around the world,” said Søren Rasmussen, chairman and owner of Albatros Expeditions. “The growth in interest we have seen in the immense nature of South Georgia is reflected in our new product range. We are proud to explore more of these magnificent islands in the future with the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros, both with the lowest environmental impact in the industry.”