Viking Announces the Addition of 10 New Ships to its European River Cruise Fleet
Viking, a leader in river and ocean cruising, has announced an ambitious expansion of its European river cruise fleet with the addition of 10 new ships. This decision is fueled by the increasing demand for European river cruises.
New Fleet Additions in the Pipeline
The construction of these new vessels is currently underway at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, the birthplace of all Viking Longships. The shipbuilder is set to deliver five of the new ships in 2025 and the remaining five in 2026.
A Continued Emphasis on Destination and Comfort
Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman, reaffirmed the company’s mission to offer comfortable exploration experiences to its guests. He highlighted Viking’s focus on destination-centric travel and the creation of elegant, innovative ships. The addition of these new Longships will enable Viking to introduce more guests to their unique style of exploration in the coming years.
Sustainability and Scandinavian Design
The new ships will continue Viking’s tradition of a Scandinavian design aesthetic but with added sustainability features. They will be equipped with solar panels and a hybrid propulsion system capable of running on batteries. Furthermore, the ability to run on shore power while in port will help reduce fuel consumption.
Expanding Capacity on Popular Routes
These ships will primarily boost capacity on Viking’s most sought-after European itineraries. Eight of the new ships will navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, while two are designated for the Seine. They will join Viking’s existing fleet of 80 river ships, which accommodate between 80 and 190 passengers.
Broader Expansion in the Cruise Market
Viking’s expansion is not limited to river cruises. The company is also growing its ocean and expedition cruise offerings. The Viking Vela, an ocean ship currently in its final construction phase, is set to launch in December 2024 with Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries.
On the river cruising front, Viking recently announced the addition of the Viking Tonle to its Mekong River fleet in 2025 and introduced the Viking Aton on Egypt’s Nile River this summer. Additionally, two more Nile River ships are under construction.
Viking has also ventured into expedition cruising, recently launching its third season in Antarctica and announcing an 87-day journey from the Arctic to Antarctica.
In summary, Viking’s announcement of 10 new ships to its European river fleet signifies a robust expansion strategy in response to growing traveler interest. This move, coupled with developments in ocean and expedition cruising, positions Viking as a dynamic player in the global cruise market, ready to cater to a diverse array of cruising preferences.