- Viking has officially received its newest ocean ship, Viking Vesta®, built by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, with 499 staterooms for 998 guests.
- The ship will debut with itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe and is future-ready for retrofitting with green technologies.
- Viking plans to expand its fleet with 27 river ships by 2028 and 10 ocean ships by 2031, including hydrogen-powered vessels like Viking Libra and Viking Astrea.
Viking® (NYSE: VIK) has taken delivery of its latest ocean vessel, Viking Vesta®, during a formal handover ceremony at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy. As with all Viking’s ocean ships, the Viking Vesta is classified as a small ship, featuring 499 staterooms and a capacity of 998 guests. The vessel will begin her maiden voyages this season, operating routes throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Leadership Remarks and Vision
Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO, welcomed the new vessel into the company’s fleet, emphasizing its consistent commitment to providing small-ship, destination-focused experiences. “We are proud to welcome the Viking Vesta to our fleet of elegant, small sister ships,” Hagen said. “As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travelers new options for exploring in Viking comfort.”
Designed for the Future
Although Viking Vesta is conventionally powered, it has been built with future sustainability in mind. The ship is engineered to accommodate retrofitting with emerging green technologies, including hydrogen propulsion systems, as they become available. This aligns with Viking’s broader strategy toward zero-emissions cruising.
Hydrogen-Powered Expansion Plans
Viking and Fincantieri are also advancing clean energy initiatives with the Viking Libra, set to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Currently under construction at the same Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra will be powered in part by liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, with delivery scheduled for late 2026. The next ship in line, Viking Astrea, is also designed to run on hydrogen and is expected in 2027.
Fleet Growth Through 2031
Viking remains focused on long-term, sustainable growth. According to its current orderbook, the company plans to add 27 new river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. This would expand Viking’s fleet to a total of 111 river vessels and 23 ocean and expedition ships, further cementing its position as a global leader in experiential travel.
With the delivery of Viking Vesta and ambitious plans for hydrogen-powered vessels like Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, Viking continues to lead the cruise industry in innovation, sustainability, and passenger-focused travel. The company’s expanding fleet reflects its commitment to providing modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious cruising experiences worldwide.
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Source: Viking Cruises
