By
Rebecca Gibson |
Viking has taken delivery of its newest ocean ship, Viking Vesta, from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
The 54,300gt vessel was handed over during a ceremony at Fincantieri’s yard in Ancona, Italy, and features an identical design to Viking’s other ocean ships. It accommodates 998 guests in 499 veranda staterooms and offers onboard spaces including the Living Room, Nordic Spa and fitness centre, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, the Chef’s Table, the Kitchen Table, a theatre, the Explorers’ Lounge, a pool covered by a retractable roof and an outdoor terrace with an infinity pool.
Viking Vesta will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
“We are proud to welcome the Viking Vesta to our fleet of elegant, small sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking. “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 onboard Viking Vesta during her inaugural season and in the years to come.”
Fincantieri is also constructing Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise vessels, which will be delivered in late 2026 and 2027 respectively. They will be equipped with a new hydrogen propulsion system and advanced polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell technology developed by Fincantieri subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori. The technologies will allow the ships to operate with zero emissions. Viking Vesta has been designed so it can be retrofitted will these new technologies as they become available.
Viking has ordered two additional 998-guest ocean ships from Fincantieri for delivery in 2031 and has an option to extend the contract to include two further vessels for delivery in 2033. Based on its committed orderbook, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 new ocean ships by 2031. This will mean it will operate 110 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031.
Read more: Viking and Fincantieri to debut world’s first hydrogen cruise ship in 2026