Viking’s latest ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, was launched at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.
With a propulsion system partially powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, the vessel is said to represent a further step in the development of innovative technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable cruise industry.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, a length of 239 meters and accommodating up to 998 passengers in 499 cabins, it is scheduled to sail its maiden cruise in June 2027.
The Astrea’s godmother is Francesca Baldinelli, who works in the production control department at the Ancona shipyard.
Other than her, the launch ceremony was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, director of Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and Ghislain Lemarie, Viking’s vice president of ship development and construction.
A new ship for Oceania Cruises has been floated out at a shipyard in Italy ahead of planned entry into service in a year’s time.
The 695-cabin Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class.
It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional vessels due for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037.
At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura – launched last year – yet will feature only 90 additional cabins.
Suites will make up a third of the accommodation including four Owner’s Suites featuring two bedrooms – a first for Oceania Cruises.
Two new suite categories are also being introduced.
Horizon Suites will offer more than 600 square feet of space, with separate living and bedroom areas, a walk-through closet and an oversized balcony.
The 488-square-foot Penthouse Deluxe Suite will feature an expanded layout and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to frame the ocean views.
Oceania Sonata will include 13 dining venues, including two new culinary concepts – La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen – as well as The Grand Dining Room and specialty restaurants Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill and Toscana.
Oceania Sonata will embark on its inaugural season from August 2027 through to April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America.
The vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, moving from dry dock to a fitting-out berth, where work will continue on the interiors.
Chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “The float out of Oceania Sonata is an incredibly exciting moment as we move one step closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next August.
“We are tremendously grateful to our partners at Fincantieri whose expertise and craftsmanship are bringing Oceania Sonata to life.
“As the first ship in our new Sonata Class, she represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand and a defining milestone in the continued evolution of Oceania Cruises.”
MSC Cruises has announced that the installation of the dragon sculpture aboard the World Asia is now complete, marking a milestone as the ship readies to welcome its first guests.
Marco Balich, chairman of Balich Wonder Studio, said: “For the first time, an icon becomes the defining symbol of a ship: a powerful expression of identity, created to inspire dreams and enrich every journey.”
“The dragon brings together vision, craftsmanship and emotion, creating an experience that will remain with guests long after their journey,” added Balich.
The company said in a press release that the dragon sculpture measures 12 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width. The stainless-steel sculpture is suspended 10 meters above the Outdoor World Promenade, the ship’s outdoor destination.
Finished in pearlescent white, the dragon sculpture features nearly 700 mirrors, 400 meters of integrated strip lighting and more than 3,000 LED light points.
According to the press release, Balich Wonder Studio designed the installation, which is set to become one of the ship’s most recognizable visual landmarks.
The centerpiece complements the World Asia’s design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art and landscapes. The detailing aims to capture movement and reflection, creating the impression of a powerful figure flying above the ship.
The company added that when night falls, the sculpture illuminates, enhancing the atmosphere of the Outdoor World Promenade.
Currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Asia will begin Mediterranean cruises from December 4, 2026, offering seven-night itineraries to Mediterranean destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina and Valletta.
The World Asia is the third ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series.
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