In response to heightened demand, Viking plans to expand its river fleet with 10 new ships in Europe.
- The new vessels will predominantly operate on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, enhancing Viking’s presence in these regions.
- Two additional longships will be introduced on the Seine River, further increasing the fleet’s capacity.
- A keel laying ceremony in Germany marked the commencement of this expansive construction project.
- The delivery of the new ships is scheduled for 2025 and 2026, reinforcing Viking’s commitment to growth.
Viking has announced an ambitious plan to introduce 10 new ships into its European river fleet, spurred by robust demand for river cruises. This development underscores Viking’s strategic push to bolster its offerings across key European waterways. Among the new additions, eight ships are slated to traverse the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, which are among Europe’s most picturesque and popular cruising routes.
Additionally, two more vessels will join the fleet on the Seine River, complementing Viking’s existing itineraries and providing guests with enhanced options for exploration. Notably, this expansion includes a longship for the Seine, initially announced in February 2023, affirming the company’s forward momentum in growing its operations.
A significant milestone marking the beginning of this project was the keel laying ceremony for all 10 ships, which took place on 5 December at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany. Such ceremonies are traditional in shipbuilding, symbolising the formal start of construction.
Viking’s chair, Torstein Hagen, reiterated the company’s enduring mission since its inception 26 years ago: to facilitate world exploration in comfort. Hagen expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming integration of these Longships into the European fleet, promising an enriched experience for travellers.
These new vessels are expected to commence service in 2025, with the fleet reaching full strength by 2026. The planned expansion signals Viking’s unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing its service offerings in response to market demands.
Viking’s fleet expansion reaffirms its dedication to providing premium river cruise experiences.
