Following a ceremony in Ancona, Italy, Viking Neptune has become Viking’s newest ocean ship.

Notably, despite being otherwise identical to other Viking vessels, Viking Neptune is the first ship in both its fleet and the cruise industry to test small hydrogen fuel systems for ship operation.

This first-of-a-kind system will test how hydrogen fuel could work on a larger scale in future ships.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking said: “We are especially proud to welcome this newest sister ship to our ocean fleet, as it also marks a significant advancement in testing hydrogen as a future fuel for our vessels.

“We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptune next week. She is the 15th new ship we have added to our overall fleet this year, another significant milestone as we continue the celebration of our 25th anniversary.”

The ocean vessel fits a modest yet intimate 930 guests, with classic Viking veranda staterooms, designed with a Scandinavian influence in mind. She also joins the Viking fleet in a timely fashion, with this year being Viking Cruise’s 25th year anniversary. This year also marks a significant time of growth for the brand, with Viking Neptune becoming the 15th ship to be added to the fleet this year.

Neptune will start her life on the seas sailing throughout the Mediterranean until December when the vessel will embark on the 2022/2023 world cruise. This epic 138-day voyage will sail from Fort Lauderdale to London with 28 countries, 57 ports and 11 overnight stays along the way.