Viking takes delivery of newest ocean ship

Viking Vesta, built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, has 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. It joins the company’s growing fleet of ocean ships and will spend its inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

"We are proud to welcome Viking Vesta to our fleet of elegant, small sister ships,” said Viking chairman and chief executive Torstein Hagen. “As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travellers new options for exploring in Viking comfort. We look forward to welcoming guests on board Viking Vesta during its inaugural season and in the years to come.”

Viking and Fincantieri recently announced details of Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells and is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. Viking’s subsequent ocean ship, Viking Astrea – currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027 – will also be hydrogen powered.

Viking Vesta has been designed with the future in mind, ensuring it can be retrofitted to incorporate these new technologies as they become available. 

Based on Viking’s committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 27 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 111 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.