Viking Orders Two More Ocean Cruise Ships For 2032 Delivery

Viking is expanding its ocean fleet further after signing contracts with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two additional cruise ships due to enter service in 2032.

The agreement, announced on 20th August 2026, follows Viking’s decision to exercise options originally unveiled as part of a wider shipbuilding deal in April 2025.

Both ships will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy and will continue Viking’s established approach of operating relatively small ocean vessels.

Each new ship is expected to measure approximately 54,300 gross tonnes and accommodate 998 passengers across 499 cabins. Fincantieri said the vessels will also meet the latest environmental and navigation regulations and feature modern safety systems.

Names and itineraries for the two 2032 ships have not yet been announced.

Two More Ships Added To Viking’s Growing Orderbook

The latest contracts trace their origins to an agreement announced by Viking and Fincantieri in April 2025.

That deal included two cruise ships scheduled for delivery in 2031, together with options for another two vessels. It is those additional options that have now progressed into firm contracts, with delivery scheduled for 2032.

Fincantieri has classified the latest agreement as “large”. Under the shipbuilder’s own definitions, that means a contract worth between €500 million and €1 billion. The agreement remains subject to financing and the other customary terms and conditions attached to major shipbuilding contracts.

The new vessels will be based on the successful characteristics of ships Fincantieri has already produced for Viking, meaning passengers can expect them to remain broadly within the cruise line’s established ocean ship format.

That includes the same stated passenger capacity and approximate gross tonnage as Viking Vesta, which was delivered from the Ancona yard in June 2025, as well as the hydrogen-capable Viking Libra currently approaching completion.

Announcing the latest deal, Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said:

“Today’s agreement marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with Viking and serves as a powerful testament to the excellence and industrial expertise of our Ancona shipyard.

“Over the years, Ancona has proven to be an indispensable production hub for our Group, delivering highly sophisticated cruise ships that set the benchmark for technology, luxury and efficiency. Assigning these new builds to Ancona reinforces the strategic role of the site, supports high-value local employment and ensures long-term industrial continuity for our supply chain as we continue to shape the future of sustainable cruising.”

The latest order takes the overall relationship between Viking and Fincantieri to 28 ships when delivered vessels, current orders and associated agreements are taken into account. The companies’ shipbuilding relationship dates back to 2012.

Viking Continues Long-Term Fleet Expansion

The 2032 ships form part of a much broader expansion programme for Viking, which has continued to place orders across both its ocean and expedition fleets.

Among the most significant vessels currently under construction is Viking Libra, which Fincantieri describes as the world’s first cruise ship capable of using hydrogen stored on board for propulsion and electricity generation.

Viking Libra was launched at the Ancona shipyard on 19th March 2026 and is scheduled for delivery towards the end of the year. The approximately 54,300-gross-tonne vessel will accommodate up to 998 passengers and use hydrogen alongside advanced fuel-cell technology capable of generating up to six megawatts of power.

Its sister ship, Viking Astrea, is scheduled for delivery in 2027 and is also planned to feature the hydrogen technology.

Viking has been growing outside its traditional ocean fleet as well. In March 2026, Fincantieri announced an order for two new expedition vessels for the cruise line, another indication that Viking’s long-term expansion stretches across multiple parts of its business.

The addition of the two 2032 ocean ships extends Viking’s confirmed shipbuilding pipeline well into the next decade while giving Fincantieri further long-term work at its Ancona facility.

Further details including the ships’ names, deployment plans and individual itineraries are expected to be revealed closer to their delivery.