Viking Unveils 80-Voyage Ocean Program for 2028-29
Viking’s long-range schedule shows how premium cruise lines are betting on culturally focused routes and deeper regional coverage to capture demand beyond peak-season Europe.
Viking has released its 2028-29 ocean deployment program, scheduling 80 voyages that call at 301 ports in 84 countries across six continents. The season is set to operate from May 2028 through September 2029 and includes new itineraries in Alaska and the Mediterranean, along with expanded sailings in Asia.
Season scope: 80 voyages across six continents
Viking’s deployment spans Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America and Alaska, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean. The company said the itineraries continue its approach of pairing new destinations with ports recognized for cultural and historical significance, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Viking did not include comments from a named executive in the deployment materials.
Two new itineraries headline Alaska and the Mediterranean
Among the additions to the 2028-29 schedule are two new voyages: Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage and Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa.
Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage adds new calls for Viking
The new 15-day itinerary Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage will operate one-way from Vancouver to Whittier on Viking Orion and Viking Venus. Viking said the sailing adds Klawock and Yakutat Bay as destinations that are new to its Alaska program, while also calling at Ketchikan, Wrangell, Haines, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Homer, Seward, and Kodiak.
Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa features an overnight in Valletta
Viking’s new 16-day Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa itinerary includes an overnight stay in Valletta, Malta, giving passengers more time ashore in the UNESCO-listed city. Viking said the voyage also calls at ports across the region, including stops in Morocco, Italy, and the French Riviera.
Additional Japan Discovery departures scheduled for summer 2028 and 2029
Viking also expanded its Asia offering by adding departures of its Japan Discovery itinerary in the summers of 2028 and 2029. The 15-day cruise sails roundtrip from Tokyo, visits nine destinations, and is scheduled to operate on Viking Neptune.
The company tied the added sailings to early demand after the itinerary was introduced.
Fleet additions tied to the 2028-29 deployment window
Viking’s program coincides with new capacity arriving before and during the 2028-29 season. The deployment details reference three ocean newbuilds under construction at Fincantieri, Viking Libra, Viking Astrea, and Viking Lyra, which are scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2028.
Viking has also said two additional ocean ships are expected to join the fleet during the 2028-29 period, which the company previously identified as Viking Leda and Viking Vega.
Hydrogen-powered ships planned for 2027 and 2028
Viking said Viking Astrea and Viking Lyra are set to be the cruise industry’s first hydrogen-powered ships, with planned introductions in 2027 and 2028. The company said the vessels are intended to operate with zero emissions using containerized fuel technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Viking’s 2028-29 ocean deployment operate?
The 2028-29 program is scheduled to run from May 2028 through September 2029.
Which ships operate Viking’s new Alaska itinerary, and what ports does it visit?
Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage is set to operate on Viking Orion and Viking Venus, sailing one-way from Vancouver to Whittier. Ports on the route include Klawock and Yakutat Bay, along with Ketchikan, Wrangell, Haines, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Homer, Seward, and Kodiak.
What is included in Viking’s expanded Japan Discovery offering?
Viking added Japan Discovery departures for the summers of 2028 and 2029 in response to early demand. The 15-day cruise sails roundtrip from Tokyo, visits nine destinations, and is scheduled to operate onboard Viking Neptune.
What has Viking said about its hydrogen-powered ship plans?
Viking said Viking Astrea and Viking Lyra are slated to be the cruise industry’s first hydrogen-powered ships, planned for introduction in 2027 and 2028. The company said the ships are designed for zero-emission operations using containerized fuel technology.
The 2028-29 deployment is set to begin in May 2028, with the new Alaska and Mediterranean itineraries joining an expanded schedule that also adds summer Japan Discovery departures. Viking’s timeline also points to additional capacity arriving ahead of and during the season as new ships enter service.
