Viking Cruises expanded its global fleet with seven new river vessels during a naming ceremony in Amsterdam on Thursday. The addition brings the company’s total number of ships to 109, making it the cruise company with the largest fleet in the world. This milestone places Viking ahead of its closest competitor, Carnival Corporation, which currently operates 92 vessels across its various brands.
Viking Cruises new ships join global fleet
The seven newly named ships are designed specifically for river cruising. Two of the vessels, the Viking Rota and Viking Haki, were physically present at the Amsterdam waterfront for the ceremony. Both ships are scheduled to sail on Europe’s Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, with itineraries that frequently begin or end in Amsterdam.
Three of the new ships were located on the rivers where they will operate. Two vessels, the Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet, are stationed on the Nile in Egypt. Another ship, the Viking Fjolvar, is located on the Seine in France. The remaining two ships, Viking Halogi and Viking Sjofn, were at the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, undergoing final construction stages.
Despite the ships being in various locations, the captains and godmothers or godfathers for all seven vessels attended the Amsterdam event. The ceremony featured video feeds from each ship, where the vessels were officially named by smashing bottles of Norwegian aquavit against their hulls. This tradition honors Viking’s Norwegian heritage, as the company was founded by Norwegian entrepreneur Torstein Hagen.
Fleet growth and market position
Viking now operates 94 river ships, 13 traditional ocean ships, and two expedition cruise vessels. The company has grown significantly since 2012, when it operated just 29 river ships and no ocean vessels. Today, Viking holds a 52% market share in river cruises for North American travelers and accounts for approximately 27% of the luxury ocean cruise market.
Leah Talactac, Viking’s CEO and president, highlighted the company’s trajectory during the event. “We are very proud to celebrate our seven newest river ships, and as we approach Viking’s 30th anniversary in 2027, our best years are still ahead of us,” Talactac said. The ceremony included performances by soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø and violinist Tor Jaran Apold, with more than 100 executives, port officials, and media representatives in attendance.
Viking’s expansion continues with 36 additional river ships on order or under option for delivery by 2032. The company also has 17 ocean ships on order or under option for delivery by 2034, including two expedition cruise ships scheduled for 2030 and 2031. This rapid growth has impacted Viking’s market valuation. As of Thursday’s close, Viking’s stock market capitalization reached $37.4 billion, surpassing Carnival Corporation’s valuation by nearly $1 billion. Royal Caribbean Group remains the largest by market cap at nearly $75 billion.
Viking’s business model focuses on upscale, adults-only cruises targeting travelers aged 55 and older. The ships feature Scandinavian-inspired design and emphasize destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays and included tours. All Viking cruises prohibit children under 18, a policy that distinguishes the brand in the broader cruise industry.
Source: The Points Guy
