Viking Vesta delivered in Italy, ready for inaugural season sailing Mediterranean

Viking continues to have its gaze firmly fixed on the future, as its latest ocean ship sets sail.

The Viking Vesta officially joined the cruise line’s award-winning fleet in a ceremony at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy last week.

With 499 well-appointed staterooms equipped to host 998 guests, the Vesta is classed as a small ship but packs a punch with its wraparound verandas, modern Scandinavian design and amenities including the Nordic Spa and Chef’s Table restaurant.

Its size means it can directly access both small and large ports — ideal for Vesta’s inaugural season traversing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

And Viking won’t stop there.

The company has committed to expand its fleet to 111 river ships by 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031, which will transport guests on experiential itineraries across the globe.

Among the upcoming vessels is the Viking Libra, which will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions and is due for delivery in late 2026. A second hydrogen-powered ship, Viking Astrea, will follow in 2027.

As the future of cruising is reshaped with this advanced propulsion system, Vesta’s design allows the ship to be retrofitted with the pioneering technology.

Viking chair Torstein Hagen says the new ship will soon welcome guests for a series of exciting itineraries.

“We are proud to welcome the Viking Vesta to our fleet of elegant, small sister ships,” Hagen says.

“As we continue to expand around the world, we are pleased to offer curious travellers new options for exploring in Viking comfort.”