Viking has reached a major milestone in the construction of its latest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta. On Saturday, July 6, 2024, the ship was floated out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, officially entering its final construction phase. This marked the first time the Viking Vesta has touched water, a crucial step in its journey towards completion.
Like all of Viking’s ocean vessels, the Viking Vesta is classified as a small ship, boasting a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons. It features 499 staterooms, capable of accommodating up to 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to make its grand debut in July 2025, embarking on its inaugural season with itineraries spanning the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Viking’s Chairman and CEO, Torstein Hagen, expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, “It is always a good day when a new ship meets water for the first time.” He went on to highlight the company’s longstanding partnership with Fincantieri, emphasizing their dedication to creating elegant and sophisticated small ocean ships.
The traditional float-out ceremony for the Viking Vesta took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona on July 4 at around 11:00 a.m. local time. The ceremony began with the Viking team cutting a cord, allowing water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Over the course of the next two days, the Viking Vesta will be fully floated and moved to a nearby outfitting dock for the completion of its construction and interior design.
Viking has built a reputation for crafting experiences tailored for ‘The Thinking Person,’ rather than attempting to appeal to a broad audience. This targeted approach has resonated with guests, earning Viking the top spot for Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
For more information about the Viking Vesta and its upcoming itineraries, visit Viking’s official website at www.viking.com.
