Viking has just floated out their newest ship, Viking Neptune, which can carry up to 930 guests. 

The float-out ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is important because it means that the ship is progressing into the final stage of construction.

“It’s always a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptune this fall,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking.

“Together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort.”

The ship is due to launch in November 2022 and will spend its inaugural season sailing through the Mediterranean before it embarks on the “2023-24 Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. The World Cruise will go for 138 days, visiting 28 countries including Mexico, Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, Italy and many others before arriving in London. In total the ship will stop at 57 ports, with overnight stays in eleven cities. 

“We are marking several milestones in 2022, including our 25th anniversary and the 10th year since starting our ocean project,” said Mr Hagen.

“With the arrival of the Viking Neptune and her identical sister ship, the Viking Mars, this year, along with the debut of our two new expedition ships and new river ships – we are proud to firmly establish Viking as the leading small ship travel company.”

Viking Neptune will join the company’s fleet of identical sister ships, including Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Star and Viking Venus.

The ship has ten decks and guests will be able to relax in luxury in The Nordic Spa, enjoy delicious meals at The Chef’s Table or The Kitchen Table. Those wanting extra privacy can dine in one of the two private dining rooms and active guests can use the fitness centre, swim in one of the many pools or make use of the sports deck.

Guests will be entertained with two cinemas, a theatre, shops and numerous bars. 

Every stateroom on board the Viking Neptune has a private balcony, with rooms ranging in size from 270 square feet (25sqm) for a Veranda Stateroom to 138 square feet for an Owner’s Suite.

Viking Mars will be delivered to the company in May 2022; and Viking Saturn is expected to arrive in the first part of 2023.