Viking and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have signed contracts for two additional ocean cruise ships scheduled for delivery in 2032.
The agreement converts two previously announced options into firm orders, extending one of the cruise industry’s longest-running newbuild partnerships and adding further capacity to Viking’s expanding ocean fleet.
The ships are due to be constructed at Fincantieri’s Ancona yard in Italy. Neither vessel has yet been publicly named, while individual delivery dates within 2032 have not been announced.
What is known about the new ships?
Each vessel is expected to measure approximately 54,300 gross tonnes and accommodate up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms. Those figures place the newbuilds within the same small-ship platform used across Viking’s ocean fleet.
The ships are expected to retain Viking’s established approach of operating without casinos, children’s facilities or conventional formal nights, although detailed onboard specifications for the 2032 vessels have not yet been released.
Fincantieri has said the units will comply with the latest environmental and navigation regulations and will be fitted with modern safety systems. Their precise propulsion arrangements have not been confirmed, so it should not yet be assumed that the ships will use the same hydrogen technology being introduced aboard Viking Libra and Viking Astrea.
Options converted into firm orders
The 2032 vessels were previously listed as options in Viking’s long-term newbuild programme. By signing firm construction contracts, the companies have moved the ships from potential additions into Viking’s committed orderbook.
Fincantieri categorised the agreement as "large", a term the group uses for contracts valued between €500 million and €1 billion. A precise contract price has not been disclosed, and the agreement remains subject to customary financing and other conditions.
A partnership stretching back to 2012
Viking and Fincantieri began working together in 2012. The Italian group has since built Viking’s highly consistent series of ocean ships, alongside further vessels already under construction or on order.
The recently delivered Viking Mira follows the same approximate 54,300gt, 499-stateroom format. Viking Libra, due for delivery in late 2026, and Viking Astrea, scheduled for 2027, are being developed with liquefied-hydrogen and fuel-cell technology capable of supporting zero-emission operation.
The wider programme also includes committed ocean ships for delivery before 2032, as well as additional options extending further into the next decade. The latest contracts therefore provide Fincantieri with more long-term work at Ancona while giving Viking a clearer route for sustained capacity growth.
Why the order matters
Rather than introducing a much larger class, Viking continues to expand around a familiar vessel size and guest capacity. That consistency can simplify shipbuilding, training and onboard operations while allowing the line to reproduce a product already recognised by its customers.
For the wider cruise sector, the order is another sign that operators and shipyards are planning well into the 2030s. Delivery slots at major European yards are limited, making early commitments increasingly important for cruise lines seeking controlled, long-term fleet growth.
The names, detailed technical specifications, itineraries and exact delivery sequence of Viking’s two 2032 ships are expected to be announced closer to their completion.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: Fincantieri and Viking sign contracts for two ships for 2032
- Seatrade Cruise News: Viking orders two more ocean ships at Fincantieri
- Fincantieri: Viking ocean-ship programme and vessel specifications
- Fincantieri: delivery of Viking Mira at Ancona
- Fincantieri: Viking Libra launched at Ancona