The 930-passenger ship is the line’s second ocean ship, and largest vessel to have ever been launched in London.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises, labelled it a “proud day for the Viking family".

“Greenwich is a significant port for Viking. We look forward to bringing more guests here this spring and in future years," he said. "Our ships are built for exploration; they are vessels that help our guests spend more time immersed in and surrounded by their destination.

"With the arrival of our second ship – and with four more sister ships on the way – we are focused on introducing travellers to the Viking way of destination-centered cruising, a unique style that was inspired by our success on the rivers.”

Karine Hagen, Viking’s senior vice-president and daughter of Torstein Hagen, served as ceremonial godmother.

The launch came as the line announced its first world cruise, which will take place onboard its fourth ship Viking Sun when it launches next year.

The world cruise will span 141 days, visiting five continents and 66 ports, with 12 port overnights.

The voyage will depart on December 15, 2017 from Miami and will eventually arrive in London, after taking in Cuba and the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and South Pacific, Asia and the Arabian, Red and Mediterranean Seas before concluding in the North Atlantic.