Viking® has announced a significant milestone in its journey. The company’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta®, has been “floated out,” marking the first time the ship has touched water. This significant event signals the ship’s transition into its final stage of construction.
A New Addition to the Viking Fleet
Like all Viking Ocean ships, the Viking Vesta® is classified as a small ship. Its gross tonnage is 54,300 tons, and with 499 staterooms, it can comfortably accommodate 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to make its grand debut in July 2025 and will spend its inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, expressed his excitement about the new addition to the fleet. He said, “It is always a good day when a new ship meets water for the first time. 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 and her identical sister ship, the Viking Vela, this fall, we look forward to introducing even more curious travellers to the Viking way of exploration.”
The Float Out Ceremony: A Significant Milestone
The traditional float-out ceremony was a significant milestone in the ship’s construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona. The Viking team initiated the float-out of the Viking Vesta® on July 4 at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time by cutting a cord, symbolizing the flow of water into the ship’s building dock. After a meticulous two-day process, the Viking Vesta® was set afloat and is now being prepared for final construction and interior build-out at a nearby outfitting dock.
Viking: A Leader in Luxury Cruising
Viking, a leader in luxury cruising, has consistently delivered exceptional experiences for The Thinking Person. This focused approach has earned Viking the top spot in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking #1 for Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions. This success is a testament to Viking’s commitment to providing unparalleled cruising experiences.
The launch of the Viking Vesta® marks a new chapter in Viking’s commitment to offering unparalleled luxury cruising experiences. As the ship prepares to set sail, guests can look forward to exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe aboard this magnificent new vessel. The Viking Vesta® is not just a ship; it promises unforgettable journeys and world-class luxury.
