On Saturday 23 February 2013, Hotel Mermaid Bangkok held the name giving ceremony for the boat at its Admiral’s pub at 5-7 p.m. Many regulars and guests turned up to support the admiral, Mr. Jorgen Lundbaek, while enjoying the pub’s happy hours promotion.
At about 6.30 p.m., the admiral rang the bell for free round of drinks for every guest. The boat’s christening ceremony took place shortly after when the admiral’s wife, Uvai Boonmalert or Khun Tip, held the champagne bottle against the hull of the boat (in this case it’s the bar at the pub). “I name the boat Viking,” the admiral announced.
Khun Tip and the admiral then opened a red cloth at the boat’s hull to unveil the word “VIKING” which was inscribed beautifully on the bar. The champagne bottle was, in fact, opened and served to participating guests at the event.
The admiral told ScandAsia later that he brought many authentic nautical pieces including the boat’s bell from a shipyard in Bangladesh. When he found the bell with the name “Viking”, he knew that it would be the name of his boat.
To complete the launch properly, long-term maritime businessman Jan Egil Amundsen from Det Norske Veritas played his part by singing and giving a stamp on the International Low Line Certificate for the admiral there.
After the ceremony, many guests moved up to enjoy BBQ dinner at the boat deck.
Located on Sukhumvit soi 29, the Admiral’s Pub is the Center piece of the Food & Beverage facilities of the Hotel Mermaid Bangkok. Designed and decorated in maritime style, it is one of the most unique Pubs in Bangkok. The pub is decorated with authentic nautical pieces such as a steering wheel, a telegraph, and solid brass portholes.
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