Raquel Bono is a retired vice admiral of the US Navy Medical Corps and trauma surgeon. She previously led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems’ response to the pandemic.

Dr Bono also worked with Viking earlier this year to help develop new protocols.

“Dr. Bono brings valuable perspective informed by an extraordinary career that has included decorated military service, trauma surgery and health care administration. Additionally, her work as the head of Washington state’s Covid-19 health care response team makes her uniquely qualified to be our chief health officer as we finalise plans for operating cruises safely,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman.

He added: “We will soon be sharing more details about the Viking Health & Safety Programme, which we believe is one of the most well-researched and comprehensive Covid-19 prevention and mitigation plans in the travel industry.”

Dr. Bono said: “I am delighted to join the Viking family and am proud of the significant work we have already done together. I look forward to continuing to create the safest environment possible for Viking’s guests and crew members, while also contributing to the collective public health efforts to address Covid-19.”