Viking Ocean Cruises has appointed the mayor of Bergen in Norway, Trude Dreyland, as godmother to its first ocean vessel, Viking Star.

The line’s chairman Torstein Hagen said the line wanted a godmother that personified the company’s Scandinavian heritage.

“Bergen, with its colourful harbour and stunning scenery, has always been one of my favourite cities, and we are delighted for our guests to experience it firsthand starting next spring,” he said at Viking Star’s float out ceremony.

Mayor Dreyland has already started godmother duties, welding the coins and cutting a cord to allow water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock during the float out.

She will also be responsible for carrying out official naming duties at the ship’s christening ceremony, which is scheduled for 17 March 2015 – on Norwegian Constitution Day.

“I am so privileged to be godmother to the new Viking Star,” she said.

“She will be the soul of Scandinavia, with some touches of Bergen. I will love it!”

Viking Star is the first of three Viking ocean vessels under construction.

Carrying only 930-passengers, Mr Hagen says the ship was designed to visit less explored destinations.

“It is our view that in the race to build enormous ships, some cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” he said.

“Based on the incredible response we have received, it is clear that our guests want a new experience to truly explore their destinations.”