Viking has designated its next two ocean cruise ships as Viking Leda and Viking Vega, continuing its extensive fleet expansion effort. These vessels represent the 17th and 18th ocean ships Viking is building as part of its growing newbuild programme.
Construction and Delivery Schedules
Both ships are being constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Italy. Viking Leda is slated to begin operations in December 2028, while Viking Vega will follow in June 2029. Each ship will accommodate 998 passengers and will measure about 47,000 tonnes in size.
Inaugural Itineraries and Routes
Viking Leda’s first season will feature a winter deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, offering itineraries between eight and
sixteen days. The voyages will cover ports in Greece, Italy, and Spain, including the Greek Islands, the French Riviera, and Morocco, extending across the Aegean and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Viking Vega will start service in Southern Europe before repositioning mid-July 2029 to the British Isles. Its initial itinerary will include embarkation ports in Italy, Spain, Norway, and the United Kingdom, with cities such as Civitavecchia, Barcelona, and Bergen serving as key ports of call.
Ship Design and Fleet Consistency
The two ships will follow the design template established by Viking Star, Viking’s first ocean cruise ship built for the line in 2015. Viking maintains
a consistent ship size and onboard layout across its ocean-going fleet to streamline operations and support expansion into new markets.
Prior and Upcoming Deliveries Including Advanced Technology
Before Viking Leda and Viking Vega enter service, Viking plans to take delivery of Viking Libra, Viking Astrea, and Viking Lyra between 2026 and 2028. Viking Astrea and Viking Lyra are anticipated to become the cruise industry’s first hydrogen-powered ocean vessels, marking an innovation in propulsion technology.
Future Fleet Expansion
Viking’s wider orderbook includes nine additional ocean vessels scheduled for delivery through 2031. The company is also planning to expand its expedition fleet with two new ships launching in 2030 and 2031, reflecting
ongoing growth in its global cruising capacity.
