Viking Orders Two New Expedition Ships for 2030 and 2031

Viking has reached an agreement to build two new expedition ships scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, extending the cruise line’s expansion plans into the next decade.

The two newbuilds are set to be constructed in Italy as sister ships, joining Viking’s current expedition fleet of Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Viking also secured options for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2034, with a deadline to decide on those options set for July 30, 2028.

Two more expedition ships planned for 2030 and 2031

Viking said the two additional expedition vessels will mirror the company’s existing expedition platform. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are each designed for 378 guests, and the new ships are planned to match that scale.

By adding two more sister ships, Viking keeps its expedition sub-fleet focused on a consistent ship type while pushing its expedition pipeline into the early 2030s.

Optional ocean ships reserved for 2034, with a 2028 decision date

In addition to the expedition ship agreement, Viking entered into option agreements for two ocean ships slated for delivery in 2034. The company set July 30, 2028, as the date by which it can exercise those options.

Viking described the option structure as a way to reserve future shipyard capacity while deferring a final commitment until later, separating near-term growth from potential mid-2030s expansion.

How the newbuild timeline fits Viking’s broader fleet targets

Across its river, ocean, and expedition businesses, Viking has outlined a multi-year delivery schedule tied to its committed orderbook. The company has said it expects to take delivery of 22 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031, along with the two additional expedition ships by 2031.

With those deliveries, Viking expects to have 112 river ships in 2028 and a combined total of 25 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Viking Eldir delivery adds capacity to the river fleet

Alongside its longer-term shipbuilding plans, Viking recently took delivery of Viking Eldir, a new river Longship built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. The ship has 95 staterooms and is designed for 190 guests.

Viking Eldir was built to operate on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Viking highlighted design elements that include a square bow intended to save space, three full decks, an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, an asymmetric corridor layout, and two-room suite configurations.

Commenting on the delivery, Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen said: “We are pleased to welcome the Viking Eldir to our growing river fleet,” adding that Viking aims to bring guests “closer to destinations” through its docking access along major waterways.

Scheduled itineraries for Viking Eldir

Viking has scheduled Viking Eldir to sail European river itineraries including:

• Rhine Getaway
• Grand European Tour
• Passage to Eastern Europe
• European Sojourn
• Christmas on the Rhine

Luxury cruise growth broadens as new brands and ships enter the market

Viking’s expansion plans come as the luxury cruise market continues to add capacity, with more than three dozen new vessels set to debut by 2027, according to the broader industry outlook cited alongside Viking’s announcements.

New and expanding players highlighted include Four Seasons, Orient Express, and Explora Journeys. Among the ships referenced, Four Seasons I is set to carry 190 passengers, while Explora III is designed for 922 guests. Explora Journeys is expected to grow to six vessels by 2028.

Other upcoming additions noted include Emerald Cruises’ small ships Kaia and Raiya, as well as Regent’s Seven Seas Prestige, with a capacity of 822 guests. The same outlook also pointed to longer-range deliveries from brands including Oceania, Regent, and Crystal, reflecting continued investment in new tonnage beyond 2027.

Key milestones to watch in Viking’s forward pipeline

• July 30, 2028: Deadline for Viking to exercise options for two ocean ships planned for 2034 delivery.
• 2030: Targeted delivery for the first of two new expedition sister ships.
• 2031: Targeted delivery for the second expedition ship.
• 2034: Delivery window for two optional ocean ships, if the options are exercised.

The next major decision point in Viking’s longer-range schedule is whether it exercises the 2034 ocean ship options by the July 2028 deadline, while the expedition ship deliveries in 2030 and 2031 mark the next set of committed capacity additions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many expedition ships does Viking have today?

Viking currently operates two expedition ships: Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, each designed for 378 guests.

When are Viking’s two new expedition ships scheduled to be delivered?

The new expedition sister ships are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

What is the decision date for Viking’s optional ocean ships?

Viking’s option agreements for two ocean ships include an exercise date of July 30, 2028.

Where was Viking Eldir built, and what rivers is it designed to sail?

Viking Eldir was built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany, and was designed to operate on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.