(Ancona, Italy) – The Viking Astrea is now afloat. It is Viking's second hydrogen-powered cruise ship. After two days of preparation at the shipyard of the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri SpA, it will be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction. Completion is scheduled for May 2027.
The Viking Astrea is the second hydrogen-powered cruise ship in the Viking fleet and is currently undergoing final outfitting at Fincantieri. © Viking River Cruises Inc.
The itineraries for the first test season will follow those of its sister ship, taking place in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The "Viking Libra" was launched in March of this year and is currently at the Fincantieri shipyard for final work and interior outfitting. Delivery is scheduled for November 2026 ( more information here ).
The Viking Astrea also has a gross tonnage (GT) of 54.300 tons and capacity for 998 passengers in 499 cabins. The hybrid propulsion system, powered by liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells with a power output of six megawatts, is being installed by Fincantieri subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM). This allows both ships to operate emission-free, granting them access to regions of the world with strict environmental regulations that would be inaccessible with diesel engines.
Completion is scheduled for May 2027. © Viking River Cruises Inc.
“The ‘float out’ of the Viking Astrea represents another important milestone,” said Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, we have sought thoughtful ways to design more efficient ships,” and the Viking Astrea is a “significant step forward” in this endeavor.
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Leah Talactac, Viking President and CEO: “The ‘float out’ of the Viking Astrea is another important milestone.” © Viking River Cruises Inc.
