Viking Expands Its Fleet With 10 New Ships

Viking, the award winning cruise company across ocean, river and expedition categories, is reacting to a huge market demand for European river cruises by expanding its fleet. Viking expands its fleet with 10 new river ships, bringing it’s fleet to 80 in total. The vessels are currently under construction at the Neptune Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, and are set to be delivered in two batches – five in 2025 and the remaining five in 2026. Viking’s chairman, Torstein Hagen, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing a comfortable exploration experience, highlighting the focus on destination and the construction of elegant, innovative ships. Viking also announced earlier this year that it was expanding its ocean cruise fleet, which you can read more about here. 

Viking’s River Cruise Ship in Mississippi

The new ships will adhere to Viking’s signature Scandinavian design and incorporate sustainability features, including solar panels and a hybrid propulsion system capable of running on batteries. Additionally, Viking remains committed to being more environmentally friendly, with the ships being able to utilise shore power while in port to minimise fuel consumption. Viking’s ship expansion is aimed at increasing capacity on popular European itineraries, with eight ships navigating the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers and two on the Seine. 

This business move is part of Viking’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in both river and ocean cruise markets. The company’s ocean division is finalising the construction of its newest ship, the Viking Vela, expected to launch in December 2024, offering Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries. On the riverfront, Viking plans to introduce the Viking Tonle on the Mekong River in 2025 and has recently added the Viking Aton to its Nile River fleet, with two more Nile River ships in construction.

In addition to river and ocean cruises, Viking is active in expedition cruises and is currently in its third season in Antarctica. The cruise line also unveiled an 87-day trip spanning from the Arctic to Antarctica, showcasing its commitment to diverse and immersive travel experiences.

With Viking at the forefront of the river cruise industry, there’s no better time to book your river cruise journey. Get in touch with a Tour + Cruise specialist to find the latest deals and most suitable options for your trip today.