Viking has marked a major construction milestone for its newest ocean ship, Viking Astrea, which has touched water for the first time ahead of her planned debut in spring 2027.

The new ship was floated out at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy and is scheduled for delivery in May 2027. Viking Astrea will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Viking’s Second Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship

Viking Astrea will become the cruise line’s second hydrogen-powered ocean ship capable of operating with zero emissions.

The ship will use a hybrid propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. According to Viking, the technology will allow Viking Astrea to navigate and operate with zero emissions when required, potentially enabling the ship to visit particularly environmentally sensitive destinations.

The propulsion system has been developed with Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology, and will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power.

Viking’s first ship to use the technology, Viking Libra, is currently scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

Viking Astrea Reaches the Water

A float out is one of the major milestones during the construction of a new cruise ship, marking the point when the vessel leaves its building dock and moves towards the final stages of construction.

The ceremony for Viking Astrea began with the cutting of a ceremonial cord, allowing water to start flowing into the building dock.

The process of floating the ship takes approximately two days. Once complete, Viking Astrea will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock, where work will continue on her interiors and final construction ahead of delivery.

Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking, described the float out as another important milestone for the company and said Viking had continued to look for ways to design more efficient ships.

How Big Is Viking Astrea?

Viking Astrea will follow the familiar small-ship format of Viking’s existing ocean fleet.

The ship will have a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 GT and feature 499 staterooms, accommodating up to 998 guests.

Rather than introducing a significantly larger style of ship, Viking Astrea will join the existing ocean fleet as a sister ship while incorporating the company’s developing hydrogen propulsion technology.

When Will Viking Astrea Launch?

Viking Astrea is scheduled to be delivered in May 2027.

Following delivery, her inaugural season will include cruises in both the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Her arrival will follow Viking Libra, which is due to enter service in November 2026 and is set to become the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions.

With Viking Astrea now afloat, attention turns to the final construction and interior outfitting stages before she welcomes her first guests in 2027.