In a grand ceremony at Fincantieri's shipyard in Ancona, Italy, the Viking Vesta was officially welcomed into the Viking fleet. This small but impressive ocean ship is designed to offer a luxurious experience to its guests, equipped with modern amenities such as wraparound verandas, a Nordic Spa, and the Chef's Table restaurant. The vessel is uniquely capable of docking at small and large ports, making it ideal for its planned voyages across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Viking's ambitious expansion plans involve increasing its fleet to 111 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031, with a focus on providing memorable experiential itineraries globally. A standout in this expansion is the Viking Libra, set to be the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, with zero-emission capabilities and a scheduled launch in late 2026. Following closely is the Viking Astrea, another hydrogen-powered vessel expected in 2027. The innovative design of the Viking Vesta allows for future retrofitting with this cutting-edge hydrogen propulsion system. Viking's chairman, Torstein Hagen, looks forward to welcoming guests on board the new ship for a series of exciting journeys, emphasizing the company's dedication to offering sustainable and comfortable travel options for curious explorers worldwide.