Choosing the right Viking cruise can be a tough decision, akin to picking between identical twins. Regardless of which ship you embark on—be it the oldest Viking Star or the newest Viking Mira—you’ll experience the same elegant Scandinavian ambiance, adults-only atmosphere, and destination-focused journeys. This consistency is intentional, aimed at fostering familiarity throughout the fleet.
However, subtle differences exist. Newer Viking ships not only offer a more modernized feel but also come with larger balconies, extra cabins, enhanced technology, and various design upgrades that contribute to a more comfortable stay. Notably, vessels like Viking Mira, Viking Vela, and Viking Vesta are part of a larger ocean fleet that is 13% bigger than earlier models, allowing them to accommodate up to 998 guests across 499 cabins and suites.
Viking has a strong reputation for its river fleet, which includes over 90 longships traversing the world’s rivers, but its ocean cruising segment has seen rapid growth. The line expanded into expedition cruising in 2022 with the introduction of Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, further diversifying its offerings.
If you’re deciding between two Viking cruises, it can be beneficial to know the age of the ship. Here’s a rundown of each Viking ocean and expedition ship currently operational, listed by their launch date:
Viking Ships, Newest to Oldest
Viking Mira
- Maiden voyage: 2026
- Size: 54,300 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 998 passengers
Viking Mira adds 34 cabins to the original 465-cabin layout, offering larger balconies and a more spacious gym. It features the same Viking staples like the Nordic Spa and The Chef’s Table and focuses on cultural immersion without casinos or waterslides.
Viking Vesta
- Maiden voyage: 2025
- Size: 54,300 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 998 passengers
Measuring 784 feet long and focusing on destination-driven travel, Viking Vesta offers a Nordic Spa and glass-roofed Main Pool. It biennially sails Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Viking Vela
- Maiden voyage: 2024
- Size: 54,300 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 998 passengers
Viking Vela is the first of Viking’s new larger generation vessels, maintaining Scandinavian design while focusing on cultural travel experiences. It travels Northern Europe and the Atlantic in summer and the Mediterranean in winter.
Viking Saturn
- Maiden voyage: 2023
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
As the last ship designed in the original smaller model, Viking Saturn features signature venues and sails various Northern European and Mediterranean routes.
Viking Neptune
- Maiden voyage: 2022
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
This ship began with a world cruise and now operates longer itineraries through the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Viking Mars
- Maiden voyage: 2022
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
With the same design as other Viking vessels, it focuses on cultural experiences and sails Northern Europe and Mediterranean routes.
Viking Polaris
- Maiden voyage: 2022
- Size: 30,150 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 378 passengers
This expedition ship is purpose-built for adventure, featuring Zodiacs, kayaks, and submarines for unique explorations, operating in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Viking Octantis
- Maiden voyage: 2022
- Size: 30,150 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 378 passengers
Viking Octantis is the first of Viking’s expedition class, thoughtfully designed for polar exploration, offering similar amenities to the ocean fleet.
Viking Venus
- Maiden voyage: 2021
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
This vessel is known for its various itineraries ranging from Alaska to the South Pacific.
Viking Jupiter
- Maiden voyage: 2019
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
Offering unique experiences, including a planetarium, Viking Jupiter sails itineraries across Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America.
Viking Orion
- Maiden voyage: 2018
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
One of the first ships equipped with a planetarium, it travels a broad range of itineraries around the globe.
Viking Yi Dun
- Maiden voyage: 2017
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
This ship has a unique history, previously operating under a different name in China before returning to the fleet.
Viking Sky
- Maiden voyage: 2017
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
Operating a variety of European itineraries, it emphasizes cultural enrichment.
Viking Sea
- Maiden voyage: 2016
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
Viking Sea ensures a consistent experience across the fleet with its focus on destination immersion and Scandinavian design.
Viking Star
- Maiden voyage: 2015
- Size: 47,842 gross tons
- Passenger capacity: 930 passengers
Launching Viking’s ocean experiences, it has established a strong foundation for cultural and experiential travel.
Additional Information
- Newest Ship: Viking Mira (2026)
- Oldest Ship: Viking Star (2015)
- Upcoming Ships: Viking Libra (2026) will be the first ship designed to operate with zero emissions. More vessels are in the pipeline for 2027 and beyond.
Overall, while newer ships come with thoughtful enhancements, Viking maintains a consistent experience that highlights cultural immersion and Scandinavian elegance across its fleet.
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