Viking Announces 2028 to 2029 Deployments With 80 Voyages

Viking just announced its 2028-29 ocean cruise schedule, and it’s packed with exciting new destinations and ships.

Viking’s Big Plans for 2028-29

Viking has shared details about its upcoming cruise season. The lineup includes 80 voyages stopping at 301 ports across 84 countries and six continents. Sailings are scheduled between May 2028 and September 2029.

The destinations span the globe. Travelers can choose from itineraries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America, Alaska, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Two Brand-New Ships Are Coming

One of the biggest highlights of this season is the arrival of two new ships. The Viking Leda and the Viking Vega will each carry 998 passengers. Leda is set to debut in December 2028, with Vega following in June 2029.

Three more new ships are also in the works. The Viking Libra, Viking Astrea, and Viking Lyra are currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard. These 998-passenger vessels are expected to enter service between 2026 and 2028.

Two New Itineraries to Get Excited About

Viking is introducing two brand-new cruise routes for this season.

Alaskan Fjords & the Inside Passage (15 Days)

This Alaska cruise sails from Vancouver to Whittier. It features stops at two ports new to Viking: Klawock and Yakutat Bay. The voyage also visits Ketchikan, Wrangell, Haines, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Homer, Seward, and Kodiak. The Viking Orion and Viking Venus will operate this itinerary.

Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa (16 Days)

This new route puts a spotlight on Valletta, Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay there, giving them more time to soak in the history and culture. The addition of North Africa makes this a truly unique Mediterranean experience.

Viking describes these new cruises as “thoughtfully curated journeys” that let guests discover new ports and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

More Ways to Explore Japan

Viking is also expanding its popular Japan Discovery itinerary. The 15-day roundtrip cruise from Tokyo gives travelers a chance to explore the “timeless traditions and vibrant cities of Japan.” New departures have been added for the summers of 2028 and 2029. These sailings will be aboard the Viking Neptune and will visit nine destinations across the country.

The decision to add more Japan departures came after strong early interest from travelers booking the recently introduced route.

What This Means for Cruise Travelers

Viking’s 2028-29 season is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious yet. With five new ships, two fresh itineraries, and expanded options in popular destinations like Japan and Alaska, there’s a lot to look forward to. If any of these voyages are on your radar, it’s worth keeping an eye out as more details become available.