Viking marked the official naming of its newest ocean vessel, Viking Mira, during a traditional ceremony held in Venice on June 1st, 2026. Rebecca “Becky” Webb Wilson, an attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist, served as the ship’s ceremonial godmother as the vessel prepared to continue her inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
During the ceremony, Wilson carried out the traditional christening ritual by using a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon, releasing a bottle of Norwegian aquavit that struck the ship’s hull. The event also featured a performance by renowned crossover soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, who serves as godmother to Viking Jupiter.
Viking Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen stated that the company was pleased to welcome Viking Mira to its fleet of sister ships and regarded Wilson’s appointment as godmother as a fitting recognition of her longstanding commitment to public service, exploration and cultural understanding.
Wilson’s professional career has encompassed public service, philanthropy and community engagement. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law, she began her working life as a flight attendant with Pan American World Airways, an experience that fostered a lasting interest in travel and global cultures. She later served as an Assistant United States Attorney and held leadership positions within educational, healthcare and civic organisations.
An accomplished nature photographer and frequent traveller, Wilson is also recognised for establishing youth leadership initiatives aimed at building understanding across social and cultural boundaries. Among these programmes is Bridge Builders, which has engaged more than 20,000 participants and continues to encourage dialogue and cooperation among young people from diverse backgrounds.
The Viking Mira joins Viking’s expanding ocean fleet as a 54,300-gross-ton vessel accommodating up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms. Following her naming in Venice, the ship entered service on her inaugural programme, operating itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.