Viking Cruises Expands Fleet to 103 with Nine New River Ships

The recent expansion of Viking Cruises marks a significant moment for the cruise industry, with the delivery and naming of nine new river ships that bring its total fleet to 103 vessels across river, ocean, and expedition ships. This milestone was celebrated with a grand simultaneous ceremony in Basel, Switzerland, connecting vessels from multiple global locations. The company, founded 28 years ago, continues to exhibit remarkable growth by enhancing its offerings across iconic waterways worldwide.

Christening Ceremony Highlights

The naming event in Basel was centered on the Viking Honir, which officially became Viking’s 100th ship, a notable achievement for a cruise line founded with just four vessels. The ceremony was conducted aboard the Viking Honir, with the other eight ships, stationed in various locations around the globe, joining virtually.

Ships christened during the ceremony included four longships, Viking Annar, Viking Dagur, Viking Eldir, and Viking Honir, set to sail Europe’s most popular rivers, including the Rhine, Main, and Danube. In addition, Viking Nerthus, Viking Gyda, and Viking Tonle will operate on the Seine, Douro, and Mekong rivers respectively. Meanwhile, Viking Thoth and Viking Amun were purpose-built to navigate Egypt’s Nile River on the company’s sought-after "Pharaohs & Pyramids" itinerary.

The ceremony spotlighted Viking’s Norwegian heritage, with vessels named using Norwegian aquavit bottles instead of traditional Champagne. Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking, reflected during the ceremony, “Over the last 28 years, we have grown from four ships to more than 100, a fleet size that no other line has achieved, and we have done so because of our innovative approach.”

Godparents and Leadership

Viking perpetuated its tradition of appointing distinguished members of its extended Viking family as ship godparents. Notable godmothers and godfathers for the ships included Allison Becker (Senior Vice President and General Counsel), Sara Conley (Senior Vice President of Brand, Creative and Communications), Chitra Goswami (Senior Vice President of Finance), Yumi Kim (Senior Vice President of Finance, Europe), Michelle Patterson (Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller), Laura Perlman (Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning, International and Product), Michele Saegesser (Vice President, Trade Development and Training), Youssef Fouad Amin (CEO and Chairman of Sherry Nile Cruises), and Sherif El Banna (CEO of Cosmos Egypt), highlighting Viking's commitment to meaningful partnerships.

Ship Design and Specialization

Viking’s commitment to Scandinavian design and functional innovation continues to set it apart in the cruise industry. Each ship features the distinctive square bow, three full decks, an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, asymmetric corridors, and true two-room suites.

The Rhine-focused ships, including Viking Honir, are tailored for their namesake rivers prioritizing passenger comfort and navigational efficiency. Meanwhile, the Nile-focused vessels, Viking Thoth and Viking Amun, offer an intimate, luxurious experience for 82 guests, complementing itineraries rich in cultural landmarks.

Fleet Expansion and Industry Impact

With a total fleet size now exceeding that of industry giants such as Carnival Corporation (94) and Royal Caribbean Group (68), Viking has solidified its leadership in ship numbers, though its vessels are smaller on average. The company remains focused on small-scale, high-quality vessels catering to experiential travelers seeking intimate voyages. Despite the smaller average size of its ships, Viking’s profitability is significant, delivering a return on invested capital of approximately 40%, positioning it as arguably the industry’s most profitable operator.

Growth projections further showcase Viking’s ambitions. Based on its current committed orderbook, the company plans to take delivery of 23 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean and expedition ships by 2031, bringing its total fleet to 135 vessels. River cruising, in particular, remains central to its strategy, aiming to operate 112 river ships by 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What regions will the new Viking ships operate in?

The newly added ships cater to iconic waterways worldwide. For example, Viking Honir will navigate the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, while Viking Thoth and Viking Amun are dedicated to the Nile River. Others will cover the Seine, Douro, and Mekong rivers.

What features distinguish Viking’s new ships?

All Viking ships maintain Scandinavian design principles with innovations such as a distinctive square bow for improved navigation, three full decks, indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terraces, asymmetric corridors enhancing passenger flow, and true two-room suites.

What itineraries will Viking Honir and Viking Thoth operate?

Viking Honir features itineraries including Passage to Eastern Europe, Rhine Getaway, and Christmas on the Rhine. Viking Thoth is specially crafted for the Pharaohs & Pyramids Nile River itinerary.

What are Viking’s long-term expansion plans?

Viking aims to grow its fleet substantially, anticipating 23 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean and expedition ships by 2031, reaching a total of 135 vessels.

How does Viking’s fleet compare to competitors?

Viking now operates more ships than Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group, though its vessels are smaller and serve fewer passengers. Despite this, Viking remains highly profitable, emphasizing experiential and upscale travel markets.