On September 11, Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri launched the “Viking Astrea,” the second hydrogen-powered cruise ship it is building for Viking Cruises, at its Ancona shipyard. The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2027.
The “Viking Astrea” is a small cruise ship with a length of 239 meters and a gross tonnage of 54,300. It features 499 cabins and can accommodate 998 passengers.
As the sister vessel to the “Viking Libra”—the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship—the “Viking Astrea” is capable of zero-emission sailing and operations, allowing it to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. Its propulsion system will partially utilize liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells, marking a combination of state-of-the-art hydrogen propulsion systems and advanced fuel cell technology capable of generating up to 6 megawatts of electricity.
Fincantieri and Viking Cruises have been collaborating since 2012, marking a 14-year partnership. As of August 20, 2026, the number of new vessels under their joint program has grown to 28 (including letters of intent), with the furthest delivery date scheduled for 2034.
Regarding vessel deliveries, Fincantieri has handed over the 54,300-gross-ton cruise ship “Viking Mira” to Viking Cruises this year; the vessel is scheduled for deployment on routes in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.