Viking Marks Float Out of Newest Ocean Ship

Rhea-AI Summary

Viking (NYSE: VIK) announced the float out of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta, marking a key construction milestone. The 998-guest ship with a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons and 499 staterooms will debut in July 2025, initially sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona on July 4, 2023. The Viking Vesta will then undergo final construction and interior build-out at a nearby outfitting dock. Viking also plans to welcome an identical sister ship, the Viking Vela, later this year. The company's approach of focusing on thoughtful travel experiences has earned it high ratings from Condé Nast Traveler.

Positive

• Float out of Viking Vesta, a key construction milestone, completed.
• Scheduled debut in July 2025 with initial itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
• Positive reception from Condé Nast Traveler, rated #1 for Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions.

Negative

• None.

Set to Debut in Summer 2025, the Viking Vesta Meets Water for the First Time

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta®, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to debut in July 2025 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.

Viking today announced its newest ocean ship—the 998-guest Viking Vesta—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled to debut in July 2025, the Viking Vesta will spend her inaugural season sailing voyages in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe. For more information, visit www.viking.com. (Photo: Business Wire)

“It is always a good day when a new ship meets water for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Over the last decade, we have built the world’s most elegant small ocean ships together with Fincantieri. As we prepare to welcome the Viking Vesta next summer, as well as her identical sister ship, the Viking Vela, this fall, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”

The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Vesta began on July 4 at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the Viking team cut a cord that signaled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Vesta afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

With a clear focus on creating experiences for The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach has resonated with guests, and in 2023, Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, as well as #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media Assets

For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@edelman.com.

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240705606005/en/

Email: vikingpr@edelman.com

Source: Viking

FAQ

What is the latest milestone for Viking's new ship?

The Viking Vesta has been floated out, marking a major construction milestone.

When will the Viking Vesta debut?

The Viking Vesta is scheduled to debut in July 2025.

Where will the Viking Vesta's inaugural voyages take place?

The Viking Vesta will sail itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe during its inaugural season.

What is the gross tonnage and guest capacity of the Viking Vesta?

The Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons and can host 998 guests in its 499 staterooms.

Which shipyard conducted the float out ceremony for the Viking Vesta?

The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona.

What are Viking's recent accolades?

Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.