Viking reveals TEN new river cruise ships for Europe

Viking has announced plans to expand its river fleet by adding 10 new Viking Longships in the coming years.

What are the new Viking cruise ships?

To meet the growing interest in European river cruises, eight of these vessels will navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers – already popular routes for Viking itineraries.

Additionally, two more Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. This expansion includes a Viking Longship for the Seine, previously announced in February 2023.

When will the new Viking ships sail?

The first five ships will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five set for delivery in 2026.

A keel laying ceremony, marking the beginning of construction for all 10 ships, took place at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where Viking Longships have been crafted since their introduction in 2012.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, commented: “Ever since we started Viking 26 years ago, our mission has been to help our guests explore the world in comfort. We focus on the destination, and we build elegant, innovative ships.”

“We look forward to welcoming these new Longships to our European fleet and introducing The Viking Way of exploration to even more guests in the coming years.”

– READ MORE: What’s it like to sail the Rhine and Main rivers? –

What is special about Viking ships?

Viking stands as the leading river line in the industry with a current fleet of 80 river ships. The award-winning Viking Longships, constituting the majority of the company’s river fleet, accommodate 190 guests or fewer.

These vessels boast a patented design offering diverse stateroom options, the groundbreaking indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetics.

The new ships are equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, including batteries, and are designed for shore power to decrease fuel reliance while docked. Onboard solar panels contribute to the ships’ overall energy efficiency.

What are Viking’s other new ships?

This announcement marks yet another significant achievement for the company. Last month, Viking celebrated the launch of its latest ocean vessel, the Viking Vela, scheduled to debut in December 2024.

Furthermore, the company revealed plans for a new ship, the Viking Tonle, on the Mekong River.

Scheduled to sail in October 2025, Viking Tonle, an 80-guest ship, mirrors the Viking Saigon. It will carry out the 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary from Kampong Cham, Cambodia to Mỹ Tho, Vietnam.

Designed with the Mekong River in mind, the Viking Tonle is tailored to host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms, showcasing the renowned Scandinavian design.

Visitors can indulge in luxurious hotel-like amenities, including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto Verandas or French Balconies. Elsewhere Viking Tonle boasts a spa, fitness centre, pool and an open-air Sky Bar spread across its three decks.

Fancy getting onboard? Viking is offering a £1,000 per person discount on 2025 river cruises inclusive of the Magnificent Mekong itinerary until December 31, 2023.

To make a booking or for more information call 0800 458 69 00 or go to www.viking.com

– READ MORE: What are the best cruise lines of 2023?  –