HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.
On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.
To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.
“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.
“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”
130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.
In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.
Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options
Viking is continuing its growth track as the company announced it had entered into a deal to build two expedition ships for delivery in 2030 and 2031.
The two expedition ships will join the current Viking expedition fleet, the 378-guest Polaris and Octantis. The new ships will be sister vessels and be built in Italy.
At the same time, the company said it had entered into option agreements for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2034, with an exercise date of July 30, 2028.
Viking Newbuild Orderbook:
Viking Mira: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
Viking Libra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
Viking Astrea: 54,300 tons, Built in 2027, 998 passengers.
Viking Lyra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2029, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2030; TBD passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2031; TBD passengers.
Viking Newbuild Options:
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.
Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.
Viking and Fincantieri today announced details of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions. In addition, the company announced a deal to build two more ocean-going ships with Fincantieri for delivery in 2031.
Already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, the Viking Libra is scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
The company’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, which is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be hydrogen-powered.
While the ship is considered a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet, she will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas, the company said.
Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s state-of-the-art propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.
“From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption, and we are very proud the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea will be even more environmentally friendly,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026.”
“With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “Furthermore, we are thrilled about Viking’s decision to expand its fleet with the order of two additional ships, which reaffirms the strength of our partnership and the trust placed in our expertise. This new order is a testament to our shared vision for a more sustainable cruise industry, as together we continue to set new standards for innovation and responsible shipbuilding.”
As part of the company’s commitment to continue to grow capacity, Viking and Fincantieri also today announced that contracts have been signed for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2031 and an option for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2033.
Based on the committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 11 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 110 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.
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