Viking’s got good news and that could mean you’ll have a tough time finding available space on one of their ships. But there’s more on the way and its fleet will soon top 100 ships.
Viking reports advance bookings for the 2025 season are 21 per cent higher than the 2024 season at the same point in time. The year is virtually completely sold. And bookings for 2026 are already 11 per cent above what they were for the first quarter of 2025.
“We are seeing sustained strength in demand, with 92 per cent of our 2025 capacity already booked—effectively selling out the year, given our typical load factor,” said Leah Talactac, president and CFO of Viking. “With 2025 now largely secured, our focus has shifted to 2026 where we have a solid foundation with more than 37 percent of our capacity already sold, positioning us well amid evolving macroeconomic conditions.”
But Viking is escalating its capacity. It took delivery of another river ship, the Viking Nerthus, named for the goddess of fertility in Germanic lore. And one ocean ship and nine more river vessels are due for delivery during the remainder of 2025.
Further out, there are big plans to add innovative, sustainable ships. Viking and Fincantieri announced details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. Under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026. The Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen powered.
Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Libra will have 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”
“With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”
Viking remains focused on long-term growth. Viking and Fincantieri also announced that contracts have been signed for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033. Based on the committed orderbook, Viking expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships and 11 additional ocean ships, for a combined fleet of 110 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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