Viking Ocean Cruises has taken delivery of the cruise line’s newest vessel, Viking Vesta, during a delivery and handover ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. 

Classified as a small ship, like the rest of the Viking ocean fleet, Viking Vesta has 499 staterooms that can accommodate 998 guests. 

She joins the company’s growing fleet of ocean ships and will spend her 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 Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travelers new options for exploring in Viking comfort.” 

“We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Vesta during her inaugural season and in the years to come,” he added.

The delivery of Viking Vesta comes a few weeks after Viking and Fincantieri 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 next ocean ship after Viking Libra, Viking Astrea—also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027—will be hydrogen powered as well. 

Viking Vesta is fuelled with conventional marine diesel, but has been designed with the future in mind, ensuring she can be retrofitted to incorporate these new technologies as they become more mainstream across the industry.

Viking remains focused on its well-defined, long-term growth plans and 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.

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world, with itineraries designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine. 

The cruise line is known for its elegant Scandinavian design and a premium, no-frills onboard experience that emphasises cultural enrichment, with no casinos or children under 18, reflecting its commitment to offering a refined and immersive travel experience for discerning travellers.