10 things I've learned about ship launches

With the launch of Viking Saturn this month, we are celebrating the launch of 10 Ocean Ships for Viking since 2015. Here are ten lessons I've learned along the way:

1. Expect the Unexpected! Every ship launch is unique, and no matter how many times you’ve done it, there are always surprises. I’ve learned to expect these surprises, even if they can’t be anticipated. This reframes how I approach them and enables me to have a mindset focused on problem solving instead of complaining.
2. Relationships are everything. Many of the senior leaders who we work with at ship launches are veterans of this experience too, having done several start-ups themselves. This has enabled my team and I to forge strong relationships with these individuals, which makes our partnership with them a true collaboration with people I consider friends. Thank you Atle H?kon Knutsen , Anders Steen , Marcel Gademan , Liz Rawoo , Gillian Mills , Chantal Steenkamp , Lucia Masterson-Flannery , Angela Shaleva , Sidwell Yarrow , Niksa Jadrijevic , John Critchley , Vivian Bongcaras Lumongsod , Bernie Noiman , Verity Brown and many many more for the many years of cooperation, support and laughter along the way!
3. Agility and flexibility are key! The expression “no battle plan survives contact with the enemy” comes to mind. You can plan and plan and plan, but inevitably things will go differently on the day. Being flexible and agile when these changes happen is key to managing the stress level and maintaining resilience.
4. You are only as good as your team. I’m fortunate to have a very committed and passionate team who help me manage the many moving parts. Of special mention here is Heather Cradock , who is literally our “boots on the ground” from the very beginning and remains on site until we cross our finish line at each ship start-up.
5. Harness the energy and excitement. There is so much to do, but there is also a sense of anticipation and excitement as we get closer to delivery day. It is important to harness this energy and keep it focused on a well organized list of tasks to ensure the ship is loaded, cleaned and ready for our first guest’s arrival.
6. Train, train, train! We are assembling a new team each time we have a new ship delivery. It is important to invest heavily in their training, both at a leadership and crew level. This has the added benefit of creating space for team building and enables the team to unite around the shared challenge of getting the ship prepared.
7. But first, coffee! Working with the team in Italy has taught me many things. Many issues are impossible to solve at first glance, but lots can be achieved with some gentle negotiation and creative problem solving over a good Italian espresso!
8. Evolve, iterate, improve. The way we manage the start-up of a new ship today is very different to how we began in 2015. We have learned to evolve, optimize and improve with each new ship, and have innovated many of the processes involved to be as efficient and effective as possible.
9. Manage the costs. I’m proud to say we have managed to maintain flat costs year after year, despite inflation and rising costs across the board. This has been through a focus on optimisation, careful cost containment activities and a carefully managed budget
10. Savor the moment! This process of launching a ship takes place once in the ship’s life cycle. It’s a privilege to be part of it and it’s important to recognize this, stop and take it all in, and you are part of something special!

Here's to the next ten, and the lessons they will bring!

#Viking #Fincantieri #Ancona #Cruise #Leadership #Newbuilding