Viking’s latest ocean cruise vessel touched water for the first time last week during a float-out ceremony ahead of its launch next year. The ceremony marked the latest stage in the development of Viking Mira at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona.
Similar to the rest of the ocean fleet, Viking Mira is classed as a small ship, with a gross tonnage of 54,300. It has 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests and has now moved to the next stage, where it will be completed with the cruise line’s trademark Scandinavian designs.
The ship, which cost $501m (£377m) to build, is scheduled to debut in spring 2026 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and northern Europe. Cruise fares start from £2,190 for a seven-night western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Rome. Itineraries also include sailings from Greenwich, London, on routes to the Med, Norway and Scandinavia.
The ceremony was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, director of the shipyard and Gastone Lazzari, new building site team manager for Viking.
Torstein Hagen, chairman and chief executive of Viking, said “In our view, together with Fincantieri we have created the world’s most elegant fleet of small ocean ships – and the float out of the Viking Mira marks yet another important milestone as we continue to grow our fleet.
“As we prepare to welcome her in 2026, we are proud to offer even more opportunities for curious travellers to explore the world in Viking comfort.”
Viking has more ships in development as it continues to grow its fleet. By the end of 2027, it will have 14 ocean ships on the water. Based on its order book with Fincantieri, it expects to take delivery of 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 23 ocean and expedition ships by 2031.
Read more: The best adult-only cruises for 2025
