Viking Expands Fleet with New Expedition Ships and Ocean Cruise Options

Viking is not slowing down anytime soon. The cruise line just announced a significant expansion of its fleet, with new ships being added on both the expedition and ocean sides of its business. If you love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations or prefer the refined experience of a smaller ocean ship, this news is worth paying attention to.

Two Brand-New Expedition Ships on the Way

Viking has signed a deal to build two new expedition ships. One will be delivered in 2030 and the other in 2031. Both vessels will be sister ships, meaning they’ll share the same design, and they’ll be built in Italy.

These new ships will join Viking’s existing expedition fleet, which currently includes two vessels: the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis. Each of those ships carries 378 guests — a deliberately small and intimate number that suits the expedition cruising style perfectly. Details on the capacity of the two new expedition ships have not yet been announced.

Expedition cruising is a growing segment of the industry. Travelers want to reach places like Antarctica, the Arctic, and other remote corners of the world. Viking has been building a strong reputation in this space, and these two new ships show the line is committed to growing it further.

Options Secured for More Ocean Ships

On top of the expedition ship orders, Viking also announced option agreements for two additional ocean ships. Those vessels would be delivered in 2034, and Viking has until July 30, 2028 to decide whether to exercise those options.

Viking’s ocean ships are a different experience from expedition cruising. They carry 998 guests each and weigh in at 54,300 gross tons. That’s a relatively small size compared to the mega-ships you’ll find at mainstream lines — and that’s by design. Viking has built its ocean product around a more relaxed, destination-focused experience with no casinos, no kids’ clubs, and no nickel-and-diming.

A Look at Viking’s Full Newbuild Pipeline

Viking’s orderbook is packed. Here’s a full look at what the line currently has on order or under option, including the new expedition ships:

Confirmed Orders

• Viking Mira — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2026
• Viking Libra — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2026
• Viking Astrea — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2027
• Viking Lyra — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2028
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2028
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2029
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2030
• New expedition ship — Details TBD | Delivery: 2030
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2030
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2031
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2031
• New expedition ship — Details TBD | Delivery: 2031

Options (Not Yet Confirmed)

• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2032
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2032
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2033
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2033
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2034
• Unnamed ocean ship — 54,300 tons | 998 guests | Delivery: 2034

What This Means for Viking Fans

Viking’s growth plan is ambitious. The line has been steadily expanding since it first entered the ocean cruising market over a decade ago. Adding expedition ships shows that Viking wants to serve travelers who crave adventure just as much as those who prefer a more classic ocean voyage.

For cruisers who have never tried Viking, the appeal is easy to understand. The ships are small enough to feel personal but well-equipped enough to feel luxurious. Itineraries tend to focus on cultural immersion and meaningful destination time rather than onboard entertainment overload.

With so many new ships coming down the pipeline over the next several years, Viking fans will have plenty of opportunities to sail on something brand new. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of exploring the world’s wildest places on an expedition ship or relaxing on a stylish ocean voyage, Viking is clearly planning to have something for you.