Viking Vesta Welcomed to Fleet as Hydrogen-Powered Ships Take Center Stage
Key Ideas
- Viking Vesta, the newest ocean ship with 499 staterooms, was delivered in Italy to host 998 guests for Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries.
- Viking's future plans include hydrogen-powered ships like the Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, focusing on environmentally friendly operations with zero emissions.
- The company's orderbook indicates the delivery of 27 river ships by 2028 and 10 ocean ships by 2031, positioning Viking as a significant player in the cruise industry.
- The Chairman and CEO of Viking, Torstein Hagen, expressed pride in the fleet's expansion and commitment to providing unique exploration experiences in Viking comfort.
Viking recently celebrated the delivery of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, in Italy. With 499 staterooms and the capacity to host 998 guests, the Viking Vesta is set to embark on its inaugural season offering voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The Chairman and CEO of Viking, Torstein Hagen, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of the Viking Vesta to the company's fleet of small sister ships, highlighting the commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences to guests. Additionally, Viking revealed plans for hydrogen-powered ships, such as the Viking Libra and the upcoming Viking Astrea, which are designed to operate with zero emissions. The Viking Libra, currently under construction in Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, will utilize liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells for propulsion and is expected to be delivered in late 2026. Following this environmentally friendly trend, the Viking Astrea, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered. With a substantial orderbook in place, Viking anticipates receiving 27 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 more ocean ships by 2031, solidifying its position in the cruise industry with a fleet of 111 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031. This strategic expansion showcases Viking's dedication to sustainability and innovation in modern cruising.