Viking to name 14th newbuild Viking Astrea, releases 2027 itineraries

Viking has announced plans for its latest newbuild, Viking Astrea, set to debut in June 2027 as its 14th ocean-going cruise ship.

The 998-guest vessel is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Italy and will be the third Viking ship to enter service within a 12-month period, following Viking Mira and Viking Libra in 2026.

Viking Astrea will embark on its maiden voyage from Venice, sailing a seven-night itinerary that includes calls in Šibenik, Bari, Crotone, Messina, and Naples before concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome). 

After an additional Mediterranean sailing, the ship will reposition to Northern Europe via a 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Bergen. The voyage includes stops in Cartagena, Málaga, Porto, and Le Havre, as well as Falmouth, Portsmouth, Amsterdam, and Zeebrugge.

Upon arriving in Norway, Viking Astrea will operate a series of 14-night British Isles and Ireland cruises, featuring visits to destinations such as Cork, Londonderry, Greenock, and Belfast. These sailings will run through early September 2027.

The announcement follows Viking’s continued fleet expansion, with Viking Mira and Viking Libra set to launch in 2026 and Viking Vesta scheduled for delivery in July 2025. 

Looking further ahead, Fincantieri is set to deliver an additional four newbuilds between 2028 and 2030, all maintaining the design of Viking Star, the company’s first oceangoing ship, introduced in 2015.

Aboard Viking’s ocean fleet, guests can expect an upscale, adults-only experience with Scandinavian-inspired design, spacious all-veranda staterooms, and a focus on cultural enrichment. 

Amenities include multiple dining venues, an infinity pool, a Nordic spa with a thermal suite, and a curated selection of destination-focused lectures, performances, and shore excursions.

Viking’s oceangoing ships incorporate several environmental innovations designed to reduce their impact on marine ecosystems. Viking Astrea, like its sister ships, will feature an energy-efficient hull design, hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems, and shore power connectivity to reduce emissions while in port. 

The ship will also be equipped with advanced wastewater treatment technology and an energy-efficient propulsion system that minimises fuel consumption. Viking has committed to sustainable cruising practices, with a focus on reducing single-use plastics and optimising energy use across its fleet.

In 2025, Viking will offer a voyage from South Africa, with Viking Sky sailing a 32-night voyage from Cape Town to London, calling at ports in Namibia, Angola, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, and France before concluding in the UK. The itinerary highlights Viking’s commitment to immersive destination experiences, allowing guests to explore diverse cultures and historic cities along the Atlantic coastline.